Train my cat not to freak going to the vet

Last year I got a new Kitten Buckwheat. He is a good little guy and right now doesn't get too upset about anything. But I am starting to feel like he is getting -- nerotic. I think this can be related to me. I live alone in a small apartment and no one ever comes over.

But my last cat -- was a holy nightmare taking her to the vet. I feel that was because I didn't take her for 7 years or so -- then it was too late to really train her.

So I want to train Buckwheat to go to the vet like it was just another day. I was considering making it a trip each weekend (or frequently) in the car. Just putting him in the carrier and driving around. At least when he is young and likely to imprint on his head that going out is nothing to be afraid of. I do plan on yearly checkups (I have pet insurance) but there is only so much you can go to the vet.

Also is there a carrier that might be better for him? My current standard carrier he hates because he can't see much and I feel like if he could see he would be less scared and it would be an adventure.

But I wanted to check with you guys first. Has anyone faced this problem?

Oh I wanted to add that Buckwheat is highly trainable. Last year when I got him I kept him out of my room and now each night at 9 PM he rolls up on the couch and goes to bed. I could have the door open and he wouldn't come in.

 

:m23: and welcome! I'd love to see pics of your furbaby! I never trained my kitties to see the vet. I will whisk them into a hard carrier 1/2 hour before their scheduled vet appointment and it'll be as short and as painless for them as possible. They will not enter a soft carrier though. Good luck with your plans!

 

Welcome SaraBoo. My kitties hate going to the Vet's too. They meow the whole way there and are scared.

I've also thought of driving them around to get them used to the car but have never actually done it.

Good luck with your kitty.

 

I used to have a cat years ago named Peppi. We moved 4 hrs away with him in the front seat and 1 1/2 years later we moved back with him in the car again, no carrier. We could take him anytime in the car and ride around the block with him in the front seat, he was just as comfortable as he was at home. Maybe if you at least get him used to riding in the car with you he won't have a fear of riding in the car and later on you can introduce him to the carrier or start doing that in the house so he will trust you.
Hope thet helps.

 

Hi, and welcome If I were you I'd get him used to the carrier first. Let him have access to it all the time, and use it to carry him around in your house. Take your time and give him treats after each "trip". When he is comfortable with the carrier you can start taking him for short rides in your car. He can still get afraid when you go to the vet though, there are a lot of strange smells and noises there for a little fella :wink:

Would love to see pictures of him

 

Have you tried Bach's Rescue Remedy, it is homeopathic, natural, and really helps calm cats down. I know it did for mine.

Somebody on this forum recommended it for my cat, I am so glad they did. When my Mimi was sick I put some on her ears nose and lips and she fell right to sleep after not sleeping hardly for a couple of days due to illness.

I also put some on her before we got in the car to the Vet's and she only meow'd one time, not her usual trantrum, it really worked!

Goldy Cat/Mel