How to get to the vets

Regular vet visits are the best way to keep our beloved cats healthy and happy. They can be a stressful time for you both, but with the right preparation vet visits don’t have to be.

Being prepared, getting them used to the carrier, gentle handling techniques, and creating a calm environment can all work together to make a big difference.

Appointment preparation

A stress-free vet visit starts at home. You play an essential part in this process, so what can you do to help?

    • Use a familiar and comfortable carrier, preferably one with a removable top.
    • Line the carrier with a towel that your cat is familiar with, try leaving the towel on your cat’s bed or resting spot.
    • Bring a favourite toy along to use as a distraction technique.
    • Consider speaking to your vet about trying a calming supplement, for example Zylkene, or calming treatment a couple of days before a vet visit to help keep them calm in the carrier, on the journey and at the clinic.

  • If possible, get your cat used to the driving experience at a young age.

    • Drive slowly and calmly.
    • Use a blanket or towel over the carrier which smells of home to reduce stimuli.
    • Secure your cat in the car, either in the footwell or on the seat with the seatbelt – make sure the carrier doesn’t slip whilst driving.

  • Before entering the clinic, assess the space and consider waiting for your appointment in the car, if your cat can not be placed in a high safe place.

    • If you need to sit in the waiting room, put your cat’s carrier above ground level. They have a natural tendency to be in higher places and may feel more secure surveying their surroundings from above.
    • Make sure your cat has no view of other animals.
    • Be aware of smells such as disinfectant or dogs and move away as these are known cat stressors.
    • Keep the blanket or towel over the carrier to reduce stimuli.

Cat carrier advice

Choosing a cat-friendly carrier will set you up for success. Ensure the carrier you choose is:

  • Secure.
  • Easy to clean.
  • The right size, large enough for your cat to lie down but small enough
that they don’t fall around inside.
  • Strong enough for your cat’s weight.

  • Backpack Carrier

    X Limited space for your cat to lie down.
    X Unsteady movement creates stress.
    X Leaves your cat feeling exposed.
    X Poor ventilation.
    X Difficult to clean.

  • Soft Carrier

    X Soft fabric can collapse on your cat.
    X Difficult to clean.

  • Tethered Harness

    X Unsafe means to transport your cat.
    X Leaves your cat exposed in the clinic, which is stressful for them and other animals in the clinic.
    X Not all animals in the clinic will be familiar with seeing a cat on a leash.

  • Cat Friendly Carrier


    ✓ Open, structured lockable door.
    ✓ Removable top half makes it more gentle for a vet to remove a stressed cat.
    ✓ Removable top half allows cat to be examined whilst in the carrier.
    ✓ Easy to clean.

Source: iCatCare - Visiting Your Vet

How to use a carrier effectively

Turn what could be a negative experience, into a positive one with some helpful advice.

Quick tips to get your cat into its carrier:


  • Tip #1

    If you can, start habits at a young age. Kittens feel more comfortable in carriers than older cats.

  • Tip #2

    Put the carrier (with the door open) in your cat’s favourite place, like a sunny windowsill or beside their bed, a few weeks before a visit.

  • Tip #3

    Place a blanket from home, treat or toy in the carrier so it smells and feels familiar, and let your cat discover the carrier at their own pace.

  • Tip #4

    Try placing food just outside, then gradually inside. When they’re happily eating there, try feeding them their regular meals in the carrier.

  • Tip #5

    If your cat chooses to rest in the carrier, gently close the door for a moment. Reward with a treat or playtime, then gradually increase the time the door stays closed.

  • Tip #6

    Use a cover towel to keep your cat calm in the carrier.

Tips to tempt your cat out of their travel carrier:

  • Tip #1

    Give your cat space (they may come out on their own).

  • Tip #2

    A treat or toy is a great way to lure them out.

  • Tip #3

    Make sure your basket opens easily and smoothly.

Carriers with removable tops are best, however see below a method to use for a nervous cat if your basket cannot come apart:

  1. Prepare a towel and open the basket door.
  2. Cover your forearms and hands with the towel (also use gloves if necessary).
  3. Reach in and cover and wrap your cat in the towel.
  4. Slowly lift them out of the basket keeping your cat covered.

Handling techniques

Once you’ve done all the hard work to get your cat to the vet in as calm a way as possible it’s best to keep up the good work by using low-stress handling techniques.

Correct handling is vital for examining nervous cats, and delivering medication without causing any additional stress or harm.

Gentle, low-stress handling not only keeps your cat calm, it helps build trust and makes future visits easier.

  • Have everything ready beforehand; less fumbling, less stress.
  • Keep things quiet and distraction-free.
  • Stay calm and confident, cats pick up on your energy.
  • Support, don’t squeeze, to avoid making your cat feel trapped.
  • Always start with no restraint.
  • Only use the least restraint necessary, gentle hands get better results.
  • Start with treats or toys before physical contact.
  • You can offer to form a circle with your arms around your cat to stop
them walking away whilst the vet or nurse treats or examines them.
  • Adapt to your cat’s unique personality and reaction.
  • If your cat resists for more than 2 seconds, pause.
  • For aggressive reactions, give a 30-minute break before trying again. Try to remember what went wrong and what you can change next time.

Try these 2 stress free techniques

  • Hands in a circle

    Cat between both arms in a circle to keep in position.

  • U-Handle

    Limiting hand at thigh.

If you are having difficulties getting your cat into the carrier, please contact your local vet practice for further advice, or you may like to review information made available by International Cat Care.

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