Taking your cat to the vet

The clinics of De Dierenkliniek are Cat Friendly Clinics. This means that we work according to the guidelines of the International Society of Feline Medicine. We do everything we can to make your cat’s visit to our practice as stress-free as possible. We even have a clinic exclusively for cats: Kattenkliniek Sarphatipark.

Cats are independent, territorial animals that like to stay in control of their surroundings and are very sensitive to scents. This makes a visit to the veterinary clinic potentially stressful. Here, we offer useful tips to help make your cat’s trip to the vet as calm and comfortable as possible.

Choose a convenient cat basket

• The carrier should be sturdy and easy to clean (plastic or with a plastic coating).
• Carriers that open from the top are the easiest, as your cat can be gently lifted in or out.
• Cover the carrier with a blanket or towel during transport to help keep your cat calm.
• Handle the carrier carefully: avoid sudden movements or bumping it against other objects.

Familiar scents will make your cat less stressed

• Use the carrier at home as a sleeping spot or feeding area for your cat. This way, your cat won’t associate the carrier only with a visit to the vet. If you prefer not to keep the carrier out all the time, try placing it in the living room at least a week before the veterinary appointment.
• Put a blanket or an item of clothing that smells like home in the bottom of the carrier.
• Gently rub a cloth along your cat’s head to pick up its scent, then rub the same cloth along the carrier and place it inside.
• Spray Feliway® (if available) in the carrier about 30 minutes before use.
• If your cat panics, calmly wrap it in a towel and place it in the carrier, towel and all.
• Bring an extra blanket (that smells like home) in case your cat soils the carrier.

In the waiting room

• Use the cat parking spots or other elevated areas so you don’t have to place your cat’s carrier on the floor.
• Find a quiet spot and keep the carrier covered, using one of our blankets if needed.
• If necessary, you can also choose to keep your cat in the car until it’s your turn. Do not do this in hot weather, as the car can quickly become too warm.

In cases of severe stress or anxiety

If your cat becomes extremely anxious or panicked during a visit to the vet, making examination or treatment difficult, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll be happy to discuss ways to make the visit as stress-free as possible, possibly with the help of calming supplements or medication.

See you in the waiting room!