Why Cats Hate Going to the Vet
Many pet owners often sigh and say, "My cat absolutely hates going to the vet!" Most cats are naturally very cautious and alert, and as soon as they enter the clinic, their nervous and anxious feelings are clearly visible on their faces. Sometimes, even after leaving the clinic and returning home, that lingering sense of distress doesn't easily fade away and can even cause them to act strangely.
How Cats React After Visiting the Vet: Insights from a Recent Survey
According to a survey conducted this July by Neko No Kimochi (with 314 pet owners participating), nearly half of the cat owners reported that their cats become upset or emotionally unsettled after a visit to the veterinarian. These cats may display one or more of the following four main types of reactions:
1. Anxiety and Restlessness
- "They pace around the room or obsessively lick their fur."
- "They patrol the house for a long time before calming down."
- "At night, they get especially anxious, vocalizing with a different sound as they walk around."
2. Hiding or Ignoring People
- "After coming home, they sulk for a while, refusing to be touched, and hide. For several days, they immediately run away whenever they see me preparing to leave."
- "As soon as I come home, they hide in the closet and don't come out for a long time. When I approach, they growl at me!"
- "Each cat hides under the bed or behind the sofa when they get home, not coming out for hours."
3. Refusing to Eat
- "After returning home, they only eat once their mood stabilizes."
- "For about a week, their appetite and energy noticeably decline."
4. Other Unusual Reactions
- "They lick their body more frequently than usual, and the whole cat seems especially tired."
- "They start breathing through their mouth."
- "They rub against my legs and meow more often than usual, as if seeking affection."
- "They are aggressive toward other cats at home, hitting and kicking."
- "They start vomiting or have diarrhea on the way back from the hospital."
How Pet Owners Help Their Pets Recover from the Trauma of a Hospital Visit
So, how can pet owners help their furry friends recover from the trauma of a hospital visit? Japanese veterinarian Okamoto Risa reminds us that if a cat shows obvious signs of distress after every vet visit, you can try three methods to soothe them:
1. Helping Your Cat Get Comfortable with the Carrier
To make your cat more familiar with the carrier, leave the carrier out at home regularly so your cat can freely go in and out of it. Over time, your cat will start to see the carrier as a safe and secure place. This will help reduce fear and stress the next time your cat needs to visit the vet.
2. Using Aids to Help Cats Relax
One effective way to help your cat feel more at ease is by using assistive products designed to promote relaxation. You can try using pheromone sprays, which are known to help cats reduce anxiety and feel calmer in stressful situations.
These sprays mimic natural feline pheromones and can create a soothing environment for your cat. This is especially helpful during changes in the household, visits to the vet, or other events that might cause your cat to become anxious or unsettled.
3. Giving Time and Space to Your Cat
When you come home, don't rush to hold your cat or force interaction. Instead, allow your cat to be alone quietly. It's important not to overwhelm your pet with too much stimulation right away.
Giving your cat time and space helps them feel safe and comfortable in their environment. Cats often need a moment to adjust and settle after you arrive. By respecting their need for solitude initially, you build trust and create a peaceful atmosphere.
Remember, every cat has their own personality and preferences. Some may want attention right away, while others prefer to relax alone first. Observing your cat's behavior will help you understand what they need and when they are ready to interact.
Conclusion
If your cat at home acts strangely after seeing the vet, consider these methods to take good care of their little emotions!
