Help your cat relax for the vet

In honor of ‘National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day’ on Aug. 22, Royal Canin,a division of Mars, Incorporated and leader in pet health nutrition, is sharing tips to help combat these “pre-vet scaries” while reminding cat owners about the importance of annual visits, no matter how difficult getting there may be.

Royal Canin understands that going to the vet might not be the easiest task. Whether the “scaries” include the unfamiliar cat carrier, the car ride that feels more like a never-ending road trip, or the noisy waiting room, the process can be daunting from start to finish. Royal Canin offers helpful tips to help prevent these “pre-vet scaries”:

• A familiar carrier is key. Using a cat carrier on the journey to the vet is the best way to ensure your cat feels most secure. While your cat’s carrier may not be their best mate, it’s important to familiarise them with their carrier before the vet visit. Keeping the carrier in your living space where your cat feels comfortable exploring it regularly is a great way to ease them into the idea of travel.
• Feline pheromones are your friends. Try spraying pheromone spray in your cat's carrier, on a favourite blanket, and in the car around 30 minutes before leaving for the vet appointment. Pheromone smells can help calm nervous cats because the spray mimics natural calming pheromones. Just remember to let the carrier dry before the cat goes in.
• Practice makes perfect. The more your cat practices travelling, the more familiar it will become. Take practice drives to show them the car isn’t a scary place. Prepare the car by adjusting the temperature, depending on the weather. Listening to soothing music on the drives will make the ride more enjoyable – also, packing their favourite treats and toys won’t hurt either!
• Schedule during slower hours or consider a cat-friendly vet. Vet offices can be busy, so it’s best to schedule an appointment during slower hours to keep the waiting room as empty as possible. If the waiting room is busy, let the veterinarian office know in advance you’d like to wait in the car with your cat until the appointment starts.
• Keep calm and carry on. When you feel stressed, cats can sense negative energy, too. Leave for the vet appointment with plenty of time to spare to avoid the rush. Have patience and speak to your cat in a calm, soothing voice to help de-escalate their mood. This will make for a better trip for both you and your cat.

“As we live our purpose to make ‘A Better World for Pets’, Royal Canin is reminding cat owners that, while your cat may seem healthy, they do a great job of hiding illnesses as a protection instinct,” said Racquel White, Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Royal Canin North America. “Cats need us just as much as we need them, which is why we honour ‘National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day’ annually to encourage all cat owners to schedule their annual appointment.”

To learn more about Royal Canin's initiative to promote annual vet visits and to download a guided checklist for an upcoming vet appointment, visit: