The cat at home always faces a vet visit with some anxiety. For them as much as for us. Cats can often become nervous and stressed during an appointment with the vet, and the waiting times and time spent in veterinary practices are hardly ideal for conveying a sense of serenity and calm to our four-legged friend. Let's look at what to do from this point of view, with the help of Msd animal health, a world-leading company in the field of animal health, and its digital ecosystem We are family.

The cat and the vet visit

The first step towards ensuring a stress- and anxiety-free vet visit for your cat is to plan ahead and choose an appointment at a suitable time that won't lead to long waits in the waiting room. In this regard, almost all veterinary clinics have separate spaces for dogs and cats so that the two species are not in close contact with one another. When booking the appointment, remember to specify whether the cat needs a routine check-up or is coming in for a specific problem. This will help the professional choose the most appropriate time for the visit.

It is also worth asking whether there are any preparation instructions ahead of the visit — for example, whether a stool sample needs to be collected, or whether the cat needs to fast beforehand. The next step is to prepare your little patient for the appointment. It will be important to stay calm and relaxed, especially during the journey to the vet's surgery. Your cat can sense if you are feeling nervous or stressed and will respond accordingly.

You can prepare them by "rehearsing" a clinical check-up to get them used to being handled, particularly touching the face, ears, paws and tail. In general, it is a good idea to leave the carrier somewhere the cat has access to, so they can get used to it at their own pace. If the carrier is only brought out when it's time to go to the vet, the cat will figure this out and become frightened at the sight of it. Place toys, treats or their favourite blanket inside, and if the cat goes in, reward them with plenty of fuss. You will also find it far less stressful to use a top-loading carrier or one that opens easily.

The different types of visit

Once the appointment is booked, it is important to understand what to expect from the vet and what the visit will involve. There are various types that may arise. Here are the main ones.

• Full physical examination. If your cat does not have an existing clinical history on record, or if they have health problems — including those related to old age — this type of check-up allows vets to assess the cat's current physical health and recommend any necessary actions or treatments. Microchipping, neutering and spaying, dental health, grooming, nutrition, breed-specific health issues and behaviour are also often discussed during this part of the visit.
• Vaccinations. These are usually administered at the first visit or after adoption, and subsequently at regular intervals according to the protocol recommended by the vet.
• Annual check-up. This routine visit includes a general health assessment, an evaluation of vaccination needs and a check that the correct antiparasitic medications are being used against heartworm and external and internal parasites.
• Problem/treatment. This type of visit is scheduled when you notice something specific is wrong with your cat and you want to bring them to the vet to assess the issue and, if necessary, obtain a prescription.

The cat and the waiting room

Even if you have other animals at home, your cat may not feel comfortable around the other patients they are likely to encounter in the vet's waiting room. It is therefore important to keep your cat inside the carrier to reduce their stress levels. The best place for the carrier may be on your lap. This way, your little one will be reassured by your scent and the warmth of your body. If your cat is easily unsettled, it is worth mentioning this to the vet, especially if there is no dedicated space for cats in the waiting room. In this case, you might also consider waiting in the car until you are called in.

Once you are in the consulting room with the vet, it is advisable to give the cat a few minutes to get used to the surroundings, stroking and reassuring them while the vet carries out the examination. Pay attention during the visit and help the vet when asked. The key thing, however, is to continue staying calm and not to communicate your own anxiety and stress to your little patient. There will be moments when it may be better to step back and give the vet the space needed to build a personal rapport with the cat during the visit.

The journey home

What to do after the vet visit depends on the state of health. If there is an illness or if the cat has had a health emergency, the vet will likely tell you what to watch out for and when it may be necessary to call if unexpected changes or symptoms arise. It will always be the vet who shows you how to administer medication, provides useful reading material and indicates the timing and manner of further visits and health check-ups. In any case, as soon as you are back in the comfort of home, a little time set aside for cuddles and play can go a long way in helping your beloved feline recover and put the trauma of the visit behind them.