Cats who Hate the Car
Question:
I have a cat who yells and yowls while riding in the car. He starts as soon as I push him into his cat cage. He hates the veterinary clinic.
Dr. Nichol:
Spewing obscenities and invective during car travel is cat-speak for “I’m homicidal. No, I really am.” Your boy knows that his destination won’t be a feline amusement park, more likely an exam with vaccinations. He’d rather file his knuckles with a cheese grater. There is a better way.
Despite their protected lives, our cats hide their illnesses to avoid appearing vulnerable to predators. They’re selling the idea that they have the magic to heal themselves. They’re lying. Deep down, they know at early diagnosis and treatment saves lives. They need modern medicine to feel good and live long as much as you and I. Fear of travel and the funky smelling destination derails this good train. It begins with the appearance of the dreaded carrier.
You need a kitty transporter with top and bottom halves. Cover it with a towel and leave it in your living room with its door open and snacks inside, for a few weeks of inspection. Plug a Feliway Optimum diffuser into a nearby outlet. About 90 minutes before leaving home give your kitty a prescription liquid antianxiety medication called Bonqat in a small amount of food. Your veterinarian can order this smooth remedy.
Then invite the little guy (your cat, not your veterinarian) to camp-out on a big fluffy towel in your lap. When it’s time to leave, slowly wrap him up like a burrito and gently set him into the lower half of the carrier. The top goes on slowly and quietly. The whole assembly is covered by another towel.
A veterinary staff, trained in Fear Free pet handling (fearfreepets.com) will know the plan. They’ll call your cell phone while you’re waiting in the parking lot. You’ll sneak inside, with the kitty carrier clutched to your chest (it’s more stable that way) through their side door and head straight into an exam room. The doctor will remove the top of the carrier, conduct a physical exam and even some treatments while your cat sits partially covered inside. He’ll (your cat, not your veterinarian) be safely out the door in minutes.
Avoidance of the fight or flight response is essential. Cats are “one event learners.” They catch on fast; their fear can worsen each time a harrowing ordeal is repeated. Let’s make it good, every time.
For help with behavior problems, you can sign-up for a Zoom Group Conference on my website, drjeffnichol.com.
Dr. Jeff Nichol is a residency-trained veterinary behaviorist. He provides consultations in-person and in groups by Zoom (drjeffnichol.com). Each week he shares a blog and a video to help bring out the best in pets and their people. Sign up at no charge at drjeffnichol.com. Post pet questions through my website, drjeffnichol.com/contact/ or by US Post to 4000 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Albuq, NM 87109.
