Dr. Nichol’s Video – Feline Fear & Loathing in the Veterinary Clinic

This is the story of Sherman, a well-loved cat with long-standing defensive-aggression in veterinary clinics. It was so bad that his people quit taking him for routine wellness exams. As a result his kidney failure wasn’t diagnosed until its advanced stage.

It wasn’t that Sherman’s people didn’t feel that medical care was important; he just hated going. During one veterinary visit, the staff had taken Sherman to the treatment room for his vaccination booster. His folks heard their boy cry out.

The next time routine care was needed, after a lot of pushing, shoving, coaxing, and cajoling to get Sherman into his carrier, he became intensely aggressive toward the doctor and staff. Believing that cats don’t really need a lot of preventative care, his folks gave it up. Actually, cats have as much need for annual exams and preventive medicine as anyone.

We veterinarians carry a huge responsibility for our patients and the people who cherish them. We are all well-served by a recently developed initiative called Fear Free. Veterinary professionals can become certified. Fear Free certified veterinary facilities are the best. Look for the Fear Free logo on their websites.

I hope you find this information useful. You’re welcome to share this video with any of your pet-loving friends. If their pets are nervous during veterinary visits, well, they’ll be glad for the advice.

Each week I share a short video, a podcast, or a blog to help bring out the best in pets. You can sign up at no charge on my website, drjeffnichol.com. And when you do, I’ll send you my free at-home pet first aid and CPR guide.

I’m Dr. Jeff Nichol. Thanks for watching.