So perhaps some of you dont remember, but i came to this forum with a big problem- my raggie was incredibly timid and somewhat aloof and i was really down about it. The good news is, he became the biggest snugglebug (def mummys boy, insists on being spoon fed by me etc) but is still very very timid around strangers (he doesnt even like my boyfriend, who LIVES with us). So basically, he bonded with me. Im going to have to take him to the vet in 2 or so days (baby has a red eye
! ), how can i make this less stressful for the both of us? He howls hysterically in his carrier. Do vets often sedate cats like this?
Thanks for any advice.
I'm sorry that your kitty has a red eye
I don't know if they would want to sedate him, I've only heard of vets sedating aggressive cats, unfortunately I have no experience in this area! He sounds much like Merlin, he will run as soon as a different car pulls in the driveway and he won't come out from under the bed until guests leave. But like your boy he is the biggest cuddly bear and he loves his mummy
He will run from Pete too if he's wearing noisy shoes or suddenly appears through a doorway, weird huh? He may be ok at the vet, often kitties are stressed during the car ride so maybe a favourite toy or something comforting will help, or even cover the cage with a towel so its dark and they feel safer. We always angle the carrier so they can see us too, it seems to reassure them. After all it will only be for a short time and they are usually fine once back at home. Extra cuddles and kisses should make it all ok
Covering the carrier with a towel or something to make it dark is a good idea or you get some Feliway spray and spray the inside of the carrier before putting your cat in. Also, if you leave the carrier open with a blanket in at all times he may come to see it as a nice bed or a safe place to hide. You really don't want him sedated unless absolutely necessary.
I understand why you're worried. My Ruby was NOT a pleasant kitty the first time we took her to the vet (and we had to drive over an HOUR away to visit the breeder's vet). She yowled and meowed pitifully the entire car ride there and tried to claw her way out the cage. We weren't allowed in with her that first time (which bothered me), but the first time we went to our vet she wasn't happy either.
That being said, it really wasn't that bad. I thought they were going to have to sedate her as well but the vets move pretty quickly (you'd be amazed how quickly they get a thermometer up a cat's bottom! LOL like ninjas they are!). Just be by his side and give him lots of pats and comfort him as much as you can
I say go with the Feliway. It works wonders with Menou and he is downright anti-social with anyone other than us.
If you are extremely worried about your cat's behavior prior to the vet visit, I would call and ask them for advice. They may go ahead and let you pick up a mild sedative, or they may reassure you that they deal with cats like this all the time and have the experience to make this trip quick and painless.