Feline Focus

It is all about cats! They’re fuzzy, they’re adorable, they invade our lives and take complete command of it and we are so lucky! These animals have lived alongside humans for almost as long as dogs, and have served purposes as important. From companionship to pest control, they’ve been a wonderful addition to our lives, our Feline Focus celebrates all they’ve done, and reminds us of what we should do to make sure we have a happy cat.

The many misconceptions about our feline family members can often hinder our ability to provide the best possible healthcare. We often associate a cat’s independence with self-sufficiency but the reality is every cat should be visiting the veterinary clinic annually. Cats, whether indoor or outdoor can be affected by both internal and external parasites. They hide their pain well which can make it even harder to detect any issues they may have. That is why we recommend all cats, regardless of lifestyle, visit the veterinary clinic at least once per year. Cats are great at grooming, but they are not always great at reaching every spot. Making ticks and fleas a potential concern.

We love our feline family members for their independent and elusive nature, but ironically it is those traits that can make it challenging when it’s time to see the veterinary clinic. We often dismiss the need for our cats to see the veterinarian based on their resistance towards their carrier, so making sure they are not suspicious of their carrier will go along way.

Here are some tips to help your cat feel comfortable and safe in their crate:

• Familiarise them with their carrier well in advance of their appointment
• Leave the carrier is a familiar and desirable spot
• Put a blanket in the carrier
• Leave the door open so they are comfortable with going in and out
• Make the carrier a playful place

Sometimes no matter how fun you make their carrier, they still avoid it at all costs. In these situations, take the following steps to safely transport your cat:

• Put a towel in the carrier and place it on its end with the open door facing the ceiling
• Pick them up under their front legs, supporting their hindquarters with your other hand
• Carefully lower your cat bottom-end first
• Close the door and secure the latch, rotate gently to return the carrier to the correct position

Making the trip to the vet as stress-free as possible will help your cat get the best care possible!

Written by: Mayfield Veterinary Clinic