Is your Kitty Stressed??
Our goal at The Hermann Veterinary Clinic is to provide a fear free veterinary visit.  Listed below are a few of the tools we can use to minimize the stress for your cat.
Tool 1: Pheromones
Pheromones are a type of chemical communication. Feliway uses calming and soothing pheromones to help decrease stress. 
Place a few squirts of the Feliway pheromone spray on a towel. Then place the towel around you cat’s carrier or near your cat.
Tool 2: Cat Exam Room
We refer to one of our exam rooms as our “Cat Room.” We try to only examine cats in this room to decrease the smell of dogs, which may increase stress for your cat. 
We also try to minimize your time in the waiting room to avoid any barking or excited dogs.
Tool 3: Cat Carrier
If the only time your cat sees the cat carrier is when they go to the vet, the cat carrier itself will cause stress. We recommend acclimating your cat to the carrier by incorporating the carrier into your daily lives. Let your cat use it as a nap space and offer treats inside the carrier.
Carriers that have a top that can be easily removed are the best option. This allows your cat to be removed from the carrier with minimal stress. We may also be able to examine your cat while in the carrier.
Tool 4: Food
If your cat is food motivated, let us know! We would love to bribe your kitty with treats.  If your cat has a favorite treat, feel free to bring them along.  Also, not feeding your cat prior to his/her visit will decrease nausea in the car and make them more willing to accept treats at the veterinary clinic. 
Tool 5: Toys
Feel free to play with your cat with the toys provided.  If your cat has a favorite toy, bring it along. 
Tool 6: Medication
If the tools listed above are not enough to alleviate stress for your kitty, ask one of our Veterinarians about medication options. 
We may recommend rescheduling your appointment if your cat is too stressed and we feel medication would help.
Thank you for your help in providing a fear free veterinary visit for your cat.  If you have any questions, concerns, or recommendations, please do not hesitate to speak with one of our team members. 

The Hermann Veterinary Clinic Team