Pet Stress During Vet Visit?
My kitten really got upset the last time she had to go to the vet. This time, I took her brother along too (in a different carrier) and this time everyone was pretty happy. He had a positive attitude that kept her calm. I didn’t have any “Rescue Remedy” to give her, but I bought some there for next time if I need it.
Here You Can Find All Natural Pet Remedies For Dogs, Cats and Horses
Your kitten’s stress is a learned response – in its mind, car trip = nasty vet visit.
Maybe having the other kitten along helped make it a different experience, plus whatever soothing effect the company had.
Try taking her out in the carrier for short car trips with no purpose, maybe for a quick trip to the store or ride around town. If you can, and the vet is ok with it, you can even take her to the vet for a "visit" with no work done. Even driving up to the vet’s office would help get her used to taking a trip there without freaking out.
If nothing bad happens 9 times out of 10 when your pet goes into the carrier for a ride in the car, she won’t be so stressed when she does have to go.
It was probably your positive attitude that helped the most. Animals almost have a sixth sense that picks up how their owners feel. If you are able to remain calm and relaxed, it will definitely help your pet stay calm and relaxed. Same with the vet. It might also help to tell the vet that your cat gets very nervous.
Also, make sure that if you’re petting your animal, you do long, slow, smooth pets, not short quick pats. Short, quick pats make pets more nervous, but the long and slow pets will help calm them.
My kitten used to freak out if he even SAW the carrier! He knew it meant he was going in it! So we decided to leave it out for a few days and let him get used to it being there. He would sniff it, walk around it, and then would go in it and lay down.
The next time we had to take him to the vets, he didn’t freak out when we brought out the carrier.
I don’t have kitties – a pup who get nervous too so I actually do a bit of Reiki. You’re idea sounds so sweet, and I’m glad that it worked. Rescue Remedy is great, too.
I did that for my puppy’s first visit to the vet and I still do it now. My boxer goes with us.