Stress and anxiety may cause your cat to lay low and forgo food after a vet visit. In this post, our Benton vets explain why your cat may be hiding and not eating after visiting the vet, and what you can do to calm your kitty.
If your cat seems to be stressed, overwhelmed, or upset during or after visiting the vet, you are not alone. While this reaction is common, it can be concerning to see your kitty upset or anxious for any reason, even if it is temporary.
In this post, we'll explain why veterinary visits can be stressful and upsetting for cats, how to prepare before the visit to help the appointment run smoothly, and what to do during and after the visit to lessen stress and anxiety for your cat.
Your Cat's Visit to the Vet
Veterinary visits are essential to your cat's health and well-being, since they allow your vet the opportunity to detect, diagnose, and treat health issues early before they become long-term problems.
However, vet visits can often be stressful and upsetting for our feline friends. Cats like to be in control of their environment and may not travel well. A trip to the vet can be stressful if they are unfamiliar with their cat carrier and car rides, and with seeing other animals at the veterinary clinic, some of whom may be in pain.
Additionally, your cat may have to undergo medical procedures such as vaccinations or diagnostic tests without understanding why and that these procedures are to help prevent illness or find out why they may be in pain.
All of this can cause your cat to act differently after the visit and appear not to trust you. The good news is that post-visit stress and anxiety are normal reactions to attending a veterinary appointment and that your cat will definitely get back to being their friendly selves; they just need some time and understanding.
Why Your Cat May Hide & Not Eat After Visiting the Vet
After your cat arrives home from their vet appointment, they may feel stressed, anxious, frustrated, or fearful due to smelling unfamiliar scents and hearing noises from other pets and people at the vet's office, receiving vaccinations, or taking medicine.
If this is the case for your cat, they may display the following behaviors:
- Not eating for a short period of time
- Aggressive behavior toward people and/or other pets (hissing, growling, spitting, yowling, swatting, scratching, or biting)
- Shaking or trembling
- Excessive grooming
- Hiding
- Restlessness
- Increased vocalization
- Inappropriate elimination
- Agitation
You may wonder if your cat will trust you again, or how long it will take them to return to their regular selves. If you have other pets, they may act differently toward your cat because they smell the scent of the animal hospital and any medicine your cat received.
These changes should only last for a short period of time (typically within 12 to 24 hours) before your cat is back to acting like themselves again. They may even relax sooner if you take steps to reduce the stress of veterinary visits.
How to Make Your Cat's Vet Visits Less Stressful
As cat owners, we often underestimate how much preparation and a few simple changes to our cat's environment can do to help our kitty relax before and during a visit to the vet. Here are some tips to keep in mind for your next visit:
- Remain Outwardly Calm – Our emotions easily rub off on our pets; they can sense when we're stressed or upset. If you're anxious about your cat's vet visit, your feline friend will likely pick up on this and their anxiety may worsen. While it can be difficult, do your best to stay outwardly calm and keep your body language relaxed. This will help calm your cat and reassure them.
- Use a Familiar Cat Carrier – Especially when they are visiting the vet for the first time, your cat will experience many new sights, sounds, and smells. Let them become familiar with the carrier you'll be using before the day of their appointment by allowing them to explore it. About 30 minutes to one hour before you leave for the vet, you can spray the carrier and your car with calming feline pheromones.
- Bring Your Cat's Favorite Treats, Blankets & Toys – One way to make spending time in their carrier more palatable is to place your cat's favorite items like blankets, toys, and treats in the carrier to distract them and provide comfort during their ride to the vet clinic, and during their visit. You might place a favorite blanket on the examination table.
- Help Your Cat Get Used to Car Rides – Many cats become nervous on car rides and may feel nauseated. You can ease them into the idea of car rides by taking baby steps, from placing your cat in the carrier in your car, starting the motor, and sitting without moving the car for a few minutes. Repeat the process the next day; back out of your driveway, then return. Gradually work your way up to taking short trips, then riding comfortably for 30 minutes.
How Your Vet Can Help
Our vets at Saline County Animal Clinic are experienced in caring for cats of all temperaments and breeds. We are committed to helping you and your cat feel as comfortable as possible during your visits, and take care to handle our feline patients gently. Here are a couple of ideas we've found work well to keep anxious cats calm during veterinary appointments:
- Help Your Cat Know What to Expect at a Vet's Office – If you've got a shy or nervous cat, we may be able to schedule your appointment for a time when the clinic is usually quiet. If possible, wait with your cat in the car rather than waiting in a reception area and bring her directly to the examination room when your veterinarian is ready. Ask how your vet can help keep your cat calm during the visit; they may take some time to play with your cat before the exam, offer treats, or have other measures they like to try.
- Bring Your Cat to the Vet Regularly – If you adopt a young kitten, take the opportunity to include "happy visits" to your veterinarian, where your cat can play with unfamiliar people and receive treats. You may also want to include practice exams at home.
How to Reduce Your Cat's Stress at the Veterinary Clinic
To help your cat relax during their veterinary exam, follow these tips:
- Find a cat-friendly vet that is committed to working with and being patient with kitties who may be nervous.
- Ask your vet whether your cat may benefit from sedative medication before and during the visit. Your vet can explain what's involved if they think this may be a suitable option for your kitty.
How to Reduce Your Cat's Stress at Home
Once you and your cat arrive home from the vet visit, they may not seem to trust you or want to interact. On the other hand, they may also act aggressively as a result of anxiety and fear.
Keep in mind this isn't personal, and be patient and understanding with them. you might also try following these tips to help them decompress:
- Speak Calmly to Your Cat – Talk calmly, gently, and reassuringly, and follow their lead; while some cats want space and hide, others may seek you out for cuddles.
- Offer Your Cat Their Favorite Food and Treats – You can also try feeding your feline their favorite food or treats (if your vet says this is okay after their visit).
- Temporarily Separate Your Cat From Other Pets – When your cat arrives home, separate them from other pets if you notice any of your animals displaying signs of aggression or fear such as growling or hissing.
- Dedicate a Quiet Area of the Home For Your Kitty to Relax – Your kitty will probably enjoy getting cozy in a quiet area of the house with some familiar blankets and their bed, which will smell familiar. You might consider spraying pheromones on their bedding or plugging in a synthetic pheromone diffuser in your home.
Above all, remember that by bringing your cat in for their routine exams and vaccinations, you are looking after their long-term health and protecting them from severe but preventable, and in some cases life-threatening, diseases.
The benefits of ensuring your kitty receives the preventive care they need far outweigh the temporary stress and risks of putting off these essential appointments.
Your cat will forgive you in time after you take them to the vet. In most cases, they just need some time to relax and de-stress from their visit.
What to Do If Your Cat's Behavior Doesn't Improve
If your cat doesn't begin to eat within 24 hours or come out of hiding within two days, contact your vet for advice. They may ask about any signs or symptoms you see in your cat and provide tips or recommendations for medications or products to help them relax at home.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.