Bringing your cat to the vet doesn’t have to be stressful. At Heights Hospital for Animals, we’re committed to making every visit as calm and comfortable as possible — for both our feline patients and their people.
A low-stress visit actually starts at home. Here’s how you can help set your cat up for success.
GETTING YOUR CAT COMFORTABLE WITH THEIR CARRIER
For many cats, stress begins the moment the carrier comes out. If your cat only sees their carrier before a vet visit, they quickly associate it with leaving home — and that can make things harder for everyone.
Here’s how to create a more positive association:
- Leave the carrier out in your cat’s living space year-round.
- Place soft bedding inside to make it cozy.
- Put treats or toys inside the carrier.
- Feed your cat near (or inside) the carrier.
- When the carrier becomes a normal, safe part of their environment, travel becomes much easier.
PRE-VISIT CALMING AIDS
PHEROMONE THERAPY
Products like Zenifel and Feliway mimic natural calming pheromones that cats release when they feel safe and relaxed.
These products come in:
- Sprays
- Plug-in diffusers
- Non-electric extended-release diffusers
Helpful tips:
- Spray the inside of the carrier (or a blanket inside it) about 30 minutes before leaving.
- Spray a bandana and loosely tie it around your cat 30 minutes before travel.
- Use plug-in diffusers at home if your cat is generally anxious.
- Many cats respond very well to these calming scent signals.
PRESCRIPTION SUPPORT
Medications like gabapentin can gently reduce anxiety. It’s a mild sedative that helps your cat feel calmer during travel and handling. It’s available in tablets, capsules, or liquid form. If you think this might help your cat, we’re happy to discuss it with you.
WHEN YOU ARRIVE
At Heights Hospital for Animals, our feline patients have:
- A designated entrance
- A cat-only waiting room
- Visual barriers at reception
- Calming pheromone diffusers in the lobby and exam rooms
Seeing, hearing, or smelling distressed animals — especially dogs — can be overwhelming for cats. Our goal is to minimize those stress triggers from the moment you walk in.
DURING THE APPOINTMENT
Exam rooms can feel intimidating when your cat doesn’t understand what’s happening. Our team works hard to keep things calm and gentle.
Here’s what we do:
- Place a soft towel or blanket on the exam table.
- Close the exam room door to reduce outside noise.
- Speak softly and move slowly.
- Use large, soft towels to help cats feel secure.
- Offer feline-friendly treats like Churu and Purr Pops (if appropriate).
For vaccines, blood draws, or other procedures, we take our time and prioritize your cat’s comfort.
IF YOUR CAT IS STILL VERY STRESSED
Sometimes, despite everyone’s best efforts, a cat may feel too overwhelmed to continue safely. In those cases, we may pause and reschedule the appointment — often with pre-visit medication next time.
In certain instances, we may offer a Drop-Off appointment where your pet stays with us for the day and you pick them up later. This gives your cat time to calm down and allows our team to provide the best care possible.
Pushing a cat beyond their comfort level can increase fear and anxiety, make future visits more difficult, and put your pet or our staff at risk. Cats remember stressful experiences, so protecting their emotional well-being now helps create better visits in the future.
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
At Heights Hospital for Animals, we want both you and your cat to feel welcomed and supported. By working together, we can make veterinary care a positive, low-stress experience.
Ready to schedule your cat’s visit? Call us today, we’re here to help.
