At some point in their life, your cat will make a trip to the vet. While this is usually a stressful event, there are a number of things you can do to make it easier for both of you.

When transporting your cat anywhere outside the house, use a cat carrier, even if they usually likes to be held. Your cat can easily become frightened while in an unfamiliar place or surrounded by unfamiliar people. Even a friendly cat may bite, scratch or try to escape.

Your cat may also urinate or defecate when they become frightened. A carrier will make sure this mess doesn't end up on you or on the waiting room floor. Line your cat carrier with familiar and comforting bedding - use something they usually sleep on or an old piece of clothing that has your scent. Covering the cat carrier with a blanket or towel may also help keep your cat relaxed. Cats like to hide when they're frightened or uncertain and the darkness and covering provided by the blanket will make them feel safe and secure.

Familiarise

Cats don't tend to like trips to the vet, where they are examined and surrounded by strange sights, smells, people and animals. If the only time your cat ever sees the carrier is immediately before it is used to take them to the vet, they will understandably develop a strong aversion to it.

Your cat may hide every time the carrier appears or fight tooth and nail not to be put into it. You can help prevent this behaviour by leaving the cat carrier out all the time. Make sure it's a familiar part of your cat's surroundings. You may want to give your cat treats in the carrier every once in a while just so they think of it as a 'good place'.