Does Your Kitten Need Their Vaccinations? Use These Tips To Keep Them Calm
Most cats are not excited about a trip to the vet, and if they have to have vaccinations, they are even more unhappy. They might hiss and attempt to scratch anyone and everyone. If you're able to keep your kitten as calm as possible before their vaccinations, they may handle things a little better. Here are some tips you can use to help your kitten remain calm when they need their shots.
Touch Their Body
Your kitten will be touched and handled by the vet in different ways then you might. To prepare them, in the weeks before their appointment, make a conscious effort to touch their legs, feet, mouth and hindquarters (where the vet is likely to inject them).
When they are in the vet's office, your kitten won't resist and be uncomfortable when the vet does the same thing. Even if they wince during their vaccinations, it will be a better experience because they haven't been anxious during the entire examination.
Take Short Car Trips
Unlike dogs, cats do not travel in the car often. As a result, they typically associate the car with negative events in their lives, especially because the car ride itself can be full of bumps and turns that make them feel uncomfortable on their feet. To make your kitten feel better in the car, it's a good idea to start taking small rides with them. Even a trip around the corner can be enough to start getting them used to being in your vehicle; they will start to learn that being in a car doesn't necessarily mean anything bad is going to happen. When they need to get in the car to get their vaccinations, it will seem normal.
Leave The Kitten Inside the Carrier
When you finally sit in the vet's waiting room, that can be a time for true terror for your kitten. Loud dogs and other strange animals can make your kitten become instantly afraid. You may imagine that you'll soothe them by taking them out of the carrier to hold them in your arms, but that can be even more nerve-wracking from the perspective of your kitten. In fact, they are more likely to attempt to jump out of your arms to run or hide, and if that happens, they might get into an altercation with another animal, perhaps scratching or biting them.
To make your kitten feel better while in the waiting room, just leave them inside the carrier. You can make sure that the carrier is comfortable by putting a favorite toy or something with your scent on it, like a t-shirt.
When you're able to use the pointers described above, your kitten might be more comfortable during their veterinary visit. Because they are calmer, they may not be too harried and frantic when they must get their vaccinations. Ask your veterinarian for more suggestions to help your cat remain peaceful. Contact a business, such as the Chicago Cat Clinic, for more information.
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