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So you’ve booked an appointment with the vet to preserve the health of your favorite feline. Vet visits can be stressful for kitties and their owners, but according to the cat health experts at Waipio Pet Clinic in Waipahu, HI, there are a few steps you can take to make sure your cat doesn’t get too freaked out when it’s time for a checkup.

Here are their top three ideas for keeping stress levels low at every step:

  • Play Doctor: Doing a pretend vet exam at home to get your cat used to being handled in different ways can help them feel less stressed when it comes time for the real thing. Hold and gently rub their paws, open their mouth, inspect their ears, and comb them. Making these sensations feel normal at home will help your cat be less anxious when they happen in a less familiar environment.
  • vetMake The Carrier Comfortable: If you only use your carrier for trips to the pet hospital, your cat will associate it with this activity and get stressed out whenever you try to get them inside. Put them in for a few minutes here and there, followed by treats or play, to create a positive association with being in the carrier. Also, try giving them a towel they can hide and burrow in once you’ve arrived at the vet: This gives them a way to self-soothe.
  • Stay Calm: Give yourself plenty of prep time before the vet appointment so you can move at your cat’s pace. You don’t want to force them into the carrier. Let them enter it on their own, and try to keep calm throughout the process. Any stress or anxiety you start to feel could by absorbed by your furry friend, so breathe deep and keep your cool!

Waipio Pet Clinic’s passion and expertise make them a trusted local resource for the cat health needs of Oahu residents. Their vets have vast knowledge of feline health issues and are passionate about animal wellness, treating each of their furry patients like the beloved family members they are. Visit them online to learn more, then give them a call at (808) 676-2205 to book your appointment with their friendly staff.

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