I’m sure many of us have had a cat before. Many people consider cats to be our best friends, and they’re right! Cats are very playful and cuddly, but most importantly, they’re silly. However, there is one thing that can cause the silliness in most cats to disappear: Dental check-ups. Dental check-ups are something that most cats do not look forward to. Our responsibility as good cat owners is to make their trip to the vet as peaceful and stress-free as possible. You can do many things to make your cat more comfortable, and here are five ideas for doing just that.
1. Put together some fun toys, preferably ones that they haven’t seen in a while.
This is one of the easiest ways to make a trip to the veterinarian a little more enjoyable. It’s just like going to an amusement park; you get dropped off at your destination, and it takes forever to get there, but once you arrive, you know that it will be hard to leave (in the case of the vet, because how often does one look forward to getting shots?). This tip is especially effective if you put together some toys your cat hasn’t seen in a while. So, take a look at your cat’s toy box and try to find some old toys that you can bring out for this occasion.
2. Keep them on a leash the whole time they’re in the waiting room
Another great way to make your cat feel more comfortable during their dental visit is to keep them on a leash the whole time they’re in the waiting room. This way, if they ever get nervous and want to leave, you can easily guide them back without having to pick them up or touch them (especially considering that most vets will not let you bring your cat inside unless he is under your control). You may also offer them their favorite treats to keep them relaxed while waiting. Also, pet feeders for dogs and cats can be carried from one location to the next with no difficulty, so you won’t have any issues taking them to the veterinarian.
3. Play soft, gentle music in the exam room
This tip is effective for cats of all sorts; some cats get nervous when they hear their owners’ worried voices, others get nervous when it’s too quiet, and some just like to listen to music while they’re hanging out. For many cats, their owner’s voice can be a very stressful thing, so playing soft, gentle music in the exam room can be a great way to calm them down. Also, try dimming the lights in the room; this can be enough to make many cats feel much more relaxed to the point where they might even fall asleep!
4. Let your cat explore
This last tip is effective for cats that are social and enjoy getting into new places. Some cats get nervous when they’re in new environments because it makes them feel trapped; if your cat is one of these cats, this tip might be the most effective for you. Let your cat explore all around their new surroundings, but make sure to keep an eye on him so that he doesn’t get into trouble. This tip is especially helpful for cats who are always getting into things or hiding behind large objects.
5. Gently comfort your pet
This may go without saying, but it’s important to keep in mind that you have to be patient with your cat. It can be very frustrating when they are anxious or nervous, so if this happens, calmly help them relax by gently stroking their back or telling them reassuring words. This tip is particularly helpful for cats who are more stressed out than nervous. Your cat will appreciate your patience and consideration during their dental visit.
Conclusion
Cats can be very nervous about going to the vet. They can’t tell us what’s wrong or where they hurt, which can be frustrating for both the cat and the owner. So, if you want to make your cat’s next visit less stressful, try putting together some fun toys, preferably ones that they haven’t seen in a while. Also, keep them on a leash the whole time they’re in the waiting room. If they still create trouble, let your cat explore so that they may get used to their surroundings. If you want to do more for your cat, try playing soft, gentle music or dimming the lights. Be patient and gently comfort your pet if they ever get anxious or nervous. With these 5 simple tips, your cat’s next visit to the vet can be less stressful and much more enjoyable for everyone involved.
