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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To ask how you take your cats to the vet?

49 replies

ChocolateCakeForDinner · 03/08/2019 12:25

I may sound like a bit of a sook here, but my rescue cat has to go to the vet next week for his vaccination and a check up. Bit of a back story, his last family adopted him and had him for 2 weeks then gave him back, because they had a baby and couldn't cope with a new cat as well. We've had him for 3 years now

Unfortunately, whenever he leaves the house, it's like he thinks he's being given up again and he screams in his cat carrier and pants like a dog. It breaks my heart to see him so scared. Any ideas how I can make this vet trip more comfortable for him?

OP posts:

TwistyTop · 03/08/2019 15:01

Obviously it's not always possible, and sounds like it isn't this time, but for future reference it really can make a huge difference to have someone else with you. We have similar problems with our poor little rescue cat and I've eventually learnt that unless it's an emergency it's better to just go with DH. Whoever is in the passenger seat holds her on their knee with the carrier facing into them so they can see her face and communicate. Lots of talking and treats and strokes through the bars. We do this right until she goes into the examination room for her appt.

She still gets upset but it's not as bad as when she's on her own on the front seat. Sounds like this time you'll just have to muddle through it as best as you can. Blanket over the case, keep talking to him and make the trip as quick as you can. Big fuss and treats when you get home.

OhDearDottie · 03/08/2019 15:03

My oldest DC is similar down to the being rescued and thinking she is being abandoned. I got a soft mesh carrier and she is less stressed in it as she can see me. But I think it's something that she will always hate but going to the vets is the lesser of two evils if you follow me.

BettyCrockaShit · 03/08/2019 15:03

Absolute worst case scenario, there are online options/apps that allow you to book house calls. It's not cheap, but it's been a life-saver (literally) for my best friend's cat who has FIV and can't cope with leaving her flat - he's a rescue too. Hope all goes well.

TamzinGrey · 03/08/2019 20:12

You need one of these https://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/cats/cat carrierss_travel/harnesses/506696

A friend drove her carrier hating cat all the way to Germany wearing one of these and he was fine. Clips onto the seat belt holder.

skybluee · 03/08/2019 20:25

I'd get one of those cat rucksacks with the window:

www.amazon.co.uk/Dulcii-Carrier-Backpack-Waterproof-Soft-Sided/dp/B078LPX4RW/ref=sr_1_5?s=gateway&keywords=cat+backpack&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&qid=1564860281&sr=8-5

Greeborising · 03/08/2019 20:33

I know this will probably have some people jumping on me, but I have found a vet that visits at home.
My cat is elderly and has always got so distressed going to the vet I feel now she’s a bit frail I can’t bear to do it to her.
A very lovely vet comes to the house and does the necessary.
I appreciate not everyone can afford this, but if you can it’s worth it

AprilFernLouise · 03/08/2019 20:36

We put my OH tshirt in the carrier so they have his smell. They hate it and would happily RIP your arm off going in there but as soon as they are on that vet table the vat can and does do anything to them without a single complaint. Its bizarre!

Mia184 · 03/08/2019 20:42

I cycle to the vet and take my cat in a basket that is securely attached to my bike. My cat is fine with the basket because she gets to see things whilst we are cycling and she enjoys the bike more than rides in a car. My vet loves the basket because it is very easy for him to take my cat out and put her back in.

To ask how you take your cats to the vet?

madcatladyforever · 03/08/2019 20:46

My baby boy wailed and panted all the way to the vet too - all his life. Nothing would console him, he just didn't want to leave our house and garden.

Purpleartichoke · 03/08/2019 20:50

Our cat is a big fan of the feliway spray for vet visits. Blanket over carrier. Use the seatbelt to secure it to the seat so it doesn’t wiggle as much. If you have someone with you that cat knows, have them sit next to the carrier with the door facing them so the cat can see them.

StinkyHedgehog · 03/08/2019 20:50

I cover my cat carrier with a towel or blanket, but leave a big enough gap so that she can see me (both on the drive to the vet and whilst in the waiting room). I also put one of my well-worn tops in the carrier - a vet suggested that as my cat does tend to have a meltdown whilst travelling.

Vinorosso74 · 03/08/2019 20:51

Cover the carrier. Pet Remedy spray is good for calming them down.
I wouldn't have them put of a carrier as most vets are quite insistent cats are in carriers and dogs on leads. This is sensible to keep everyone safe and sound!!

SamBeckett · 03/08/2019 20:54

As PP said spend lots of time getting you cat comfortable been in and around the carrier, staring with putting the carrier next to his food bowl , then the bowl just inside the carrier then a bit further back do this over at least a couple of days . then close the door , then pick it up gently walk around , put it in the car , start the engine , go for a short drive , increase the drive length.

I would not recommend using any kind of relaxing treatments even herbal ones as the vet will listen to your cats heart and lungs in the drug may give a false reading .Even if you tell the vet what and how much you have used they still will not be able to get an accurate reading .

Remember when you come home to keep using the carrier as a nice place for him to be so if you need to get them to the vets with short notice there should not be a issue

WhoTellsYourStory · 03/08/2019 20:55

Same as others, just talking and ensuring they can see out if possible. And the carriers are permanently out at home. I have to get taxis which must make it worse as every time it’s a different car smell.

I have to say that mine are drama queens though. They howl and howl like it’s the worst thing that’s ever happened but the moment the Dreamies bag comes out at home, they suddenly decide it wasn’t so awful after all.

RottnestFerry · 03/08/2019 20:58

P.S. Do NOT let him loose in the car! Not only is it illegal but it invalidates your insurance. I can't believe there are people on the thread who think that's okay

Is there any specific law against it? Driving without due care and attention might apply. It would depend on the circumstances.

catlovingdoctor · 03/08/2019 20:58

I have a pet stroller! I got it on amazon for £40- it’s wonderful! It’s basically a pram which zips up so the cat can look outside as you walk around. My cat loves getting into it! So much easier than a regular carrier which he just wouldn’t get into for love nor money!

Melfish · 03/08/2019 21:02

Mia184 could I ask where you got the bike carrier from, and is it for the front or rear rack? Does your cat ever try and escape through the bars?
I don't drive and had to carry my cat in his carrier about 8 times in the course of a fortnight following an abscess and he's about 5.5kg so a bit of a whopper. I looked at a rear cargo trailer which I could put the cat carrier inside but that seemed a bit of overkill, so a bike basket would really save my arms!

ysmaem · 03/08/2019 21:03

Aww bless. Blankets over the carrier should help

Whitecandle · 03/08/2019 21:06

I have the exact same situ.

I put the carrier out for a week beforehand so he doesn't see it and think 'fuck vets' and also spray it with the calming spray. I also get calming tablets from the vets/pets at home and give in his food for a few days before we go to the vets and also put a blanket over the carrier when we go.

It's horrible for them isn't it. Xx

Normaknowall · 03/08/2019 22:00

I have to take mine in a taxi, parking is impossible near Vet. He's a rescue cat too who panicked in carrier. Poop and caterwauling.

Carrier lives in spare room ("his" room) and he sleeps in it sometimes, still grows eight more legs when you try and put him in though.

We have a soft carrier too, the blanket lives on our bed for a few days before Vet Day so smells of us and him, squirt of Feliway inside carrier and I talk to him. If he cries very loud I put the blanket on the top so he can only see me. Seems to help"

We use herbal stuff which seems to help if he's going any further, Vet is only 5 mins away.

He behaves like a docile wee angel in vets and is quickly back to hellish self on return home, thankfully!

daisypond · 03/08/2019 22:13

I take mine on the bus in a carrier. Cat is not keen on the carrier but is ok in it on the bus on my knee with me talking to her, and she likes looking out at the street while waiting for the bus.

QuestionableMouse · 03/08/2019 22:14

I put a worn tshirt in the carrier. Seems to help mine settle.

Jupiter13 · 03/08/2019 22:18

Normally in a carrier bag..it's just easier..bag for life so I can get a new one for free.

AnAC12UCOinanOCG · 04/08/2019 00:01

RottnestFerry It's a MUST in the Highway Code to keep pets restrained. The specific charge would be driving without due care and attention, yep. And it's also against the law not to have valid insurance, which would also be the case.

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