How to get a “mountain lion” in for healthy exams…..
So, anyone who knows me, knows we have a zoo starter kit at home. Horses, working K9s, pet dogs, cats and birds. I pride myself on what a great job we do providing such a loving happy and healthy home for 100% of our furry family. Well, my ego has left one pet out of that 100%. Like me, I know some of you have one cat in particular, (Mazzy is ours), that is sweet as a peach at home and then on Vet trips, they turn into some national geographic’s “mountain lion” gone bad episode.
This has been weighing heavily on me, as I have the benefit of all the veterinary and behavioral education to get it done. Shame on me because Mazzy hasn’t had a drop of blood tested in years. My excuse has been for our sake and the sake of any veterinary staff who dare. Right? Wrong.
Most of these troubles are from fear. Hers and ours.
Here’s what we can do about it:
-Provide a safe well ventilated carrier. You can put treats in there just hanging around the house, with no trip in mind at all. We don’t want the carrier to mean “cat trap” lol. Before, I’m pretty sure Mazzy could tell if you were “thinking” about getting one out. Cover the carrier with a towel to prevent any excess noise and stimuli during transportation.
-Don’t feed right before any car ride. It can make any motion sickness more likely and more uncomfortable.
-Handle the cats at home in a fashion like an exam. This lets you become more familiar with your cat’s normal body and help reduce fear by getting them accustom to being looked at. Lift legs, spread paws and massage them. Look in the ears. Look in the mouth for any oral changes and pay attention to color. Feel how lean or how fatty-cakes they are! Don’t do it all at once, just one thing at a time. Make sure to reward the good stuff!
-Pheromone therapy. This can be as easy as a plug in air freshener. That is actually how Feliway is delivered, which we carry at the hospital. It disperses a calming pheromone for kitties.
-Less desirable, but an option is a safe sedative that we can give you to give at home before any trip. Its rare to go that far, but if it reduces their stress enough so we can get it done, then do it.
- Training. Yes, I said it……train your cats! You don’t have to create a circus act, just some tools to help with fears and control. It’s not only possible, but surprisingly fun and easier than any one knows. I have proof! Look at the Hobbes Video. Hobbe’s was a former “Mountain Lion Extraordinaire”. Here’s the link: The Vet House Hobbes Video
Everyone’s cats are different with so many variables on fears and behavior. Don’t tackle it by yourself or leave them out of veterinary care. We’ll help you and we’ll get it done. Once they are here, there will be respectful handling and we’ll discuss everything being done for the best healthy plan.
Email me if you want to prepare training and handling tips at home at brian@thevethouse.com.
Call us to set up a plan to get the “mountain lion” in safely at (972) 690-8741.
See you soon,
Brian at The Vet House
