Your pet cat needs to be taken to the vet for regular checkups. There are several options to reduce stress for your pet when it comes to carriers. Cats can be carried without using a carrier, but some doctors don't like it and can harm people or other animals if the cat is not properly trained. Therefore, check with your doctor in advance if it is okay to bring a cat without a carrier.
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Part 1 of 3: Securing Cats without Carriers
Step 1. Try using a gym bag
Your cat should not disturb other people or animals while in the doctor's office. If the cat is only carried, there is a risk that the cat will freak out and make a mess. If you don't have a carrier, use a gym bag as an alternative.
- Gym bags are designed to carry sports clothes and equipment. Therefore, the sides of sports bags are generally made of nylon which has many holes so that air can flow in. It is ideal for cats to still be able to breathe.
- Employers who don't like using carriers generally use nylon gym bags to take their cats to the doctor. Just make sure the sides of the bag are nylon and have plenty of holes so the cat can breathe freely.
- In addition, choose a bag that has a rigid and solid base so that the cat doesn't "drown" when being carried around. Cats can feel uncomfortable if they "drown" in the bag.
- Complete the bag with toys, blankets and other items your cat will enjoy.
Step 2. Use the harness
The leash is usually used to take the cat for a walk. This tool can be used as a substitute for cat carriers.
- Purchase a special harness for cats. Do not use leash for small dogs as this will harm the cat.
- Before wearing, let the cat get used to the leash first. Gently place the leash over the cat's body. Let him sniff and play with the rope. Then, gently attach the leash to the cat's body and lock the buttons. If the cat struggles, get someone to help restrain your cat.
- Let the cat put on the leash for a while. Don't touch the leash and keep a close eye on your cat. When your cat seems comfortable with the new accessory (the cat is no longer struggling or trying to untie the leash), attach a leash to the cat.
- Walk the cat on a leash indoors for a week before taking it outside. Let the cat get used to it until it no longer struggles before taking it outside for a walk.
- Once the cat is comfortable walking around in the house, train your pet to walk around the house on a leash. Do the exercise for a month before trying to take your cat to the vet on a leash. Remember, in the doctor's clinic there will be many stimuli such as the ringing of the phone, people and strange animals. Cats should be trained as much as possible before they can be taken to the vet on a leash.
Step 3. If your cat is tame, use a cat basket or bed
If your cat is old or has a docile nature, it is sufficient to keep the cat in its basket or bed. However, this option only applies if you are sure of your cat's temperament. Don't let your cat jump out and cause trouble that could endanger the safety of people and other animals.
Use this method with caution. Even a docile cat can be frightened by the unfamiliar environment in a doctor's clinic
Part 2 of 3: Getting used to the cat in the car
Step 1. If possible, start at an early age
To be able to carry a cat without a carrier, a cat must get used to riding in a car without using a carrier. Kittens are easier to train to get used to being in a car.
- Kittens get used to new experiences more easily than adult cats. If possible, train your cat from less than a year old.
- If your cat is old, you can still train it. Only the time is a little longer.
Step 2. Introduce the cat to your car gradually
This method is the most effective because if the introduction is done too soon, your cat will be frightened. Do this introductory stage in several stages.
Put your cat in the car without starting the engine. Calm him down and provide him with treats and attention while the cat is adapting to its new environment. Let the cat explore the contents of the car at short intervals and get used to it for about two weeks
Step 3. Do a test drive before visiting the doctor
Once the cat is used to being in the car, try taking it for a ride.
- First, try starting the engine and letting the cat get used to the sound.
- If your cat is used to the sound of a car engine, try taking a short drive. Just walking around the complex is fine too. Later, the driving distance is gradually extended. It is recommended to do a test drive to the doctor's clinic for several times so that the cat gets used to the route.
- Provide positive support in the form of snacks and compliments during this process.
Step 4. Take precautions
Even very calm cats will be in trouble if they are frightened. Alternative carriers such as bags or baskets can be used to secure the cat so it doesn't harm you while driving. You can also tie a harness to secure it to the chair. Don't let the cat snuggle under the gas or brake pedal and cause an accident.
Step 5. Take the cat on public transportation
Just like private cars, cats need to be familiarized with the public transportation environment before being taken to the vet. You can train your cat to ride the bus or public transportation. Start your workout with a short trip first. However, keep in mind that not all public transportation allows you to bring pets such as Busway and trains. As such, it may be best to take a taxi or ask a friend to pick you up.
Part 3 of 3: Understanding the Risks
Step 1. Veterinarians don't like cats that come without a carrier
Doctors and their staff generally don't like it when the employer takes the cat to the doctor's clinic without a carrier. You will get reprimands and even rejection for your actions.
- Cats brought in without carriers, especially if they arrive without any protection at all, are a burden on the medical staff. The employees in the waiting room will take care of your cat's safety so as not to be injured by dogs or other animals. In addition, veterinary clinics will not guarantee the safety of cats that are not kept in cages. For example, there may be a dog in the clinic who likes to chase cats and could potentially injure your cat.
- Some doctors require cats to be carried with carriers. It's a good idea to contact your doctor first to see if you can take your cat without a carrier.
Step 2. Know the safety features that cat carriers provide
There is a reason why doctors recommend using a carrier. Cat carriers have several safety features that are important for your cat.
- The carrier guarantees your safe driving because cats don't roam in the car. Thus, accidents while driving can be avoided.
- Cats will run when they are scared. Cats will be hard to find if they escape from the car door, you. This can be dangerous for your cat, especially if many cars pass near the clinic.
- Even if your cat is tame, other animals are not necessarily the same. Many dogs dislike and are aggressive towards cats. Therefore, it is best if the cat is kept in the carrier.
Step 3. Find ways to keep the carrier from stressing the cat out
If the main reason you don't want to use a carrier is that it stresses your cat, there are ways to reduce the stress of your cat while in the carrier.
- Do not use the carrier only when visiting the doctor. Leave the cat carrier lying open in your living room. Cats like enclosed spaces and may occasionally sleep in carriers.
- Every now and then, take the cat for a short ride in the carrier. Due to the frequent driving, the trip to the vet will be more relaxing.
- Fill the carrier with toys, treats and other items that cats love.
