It can be difficult to take your cat to the vet if he doesn’t like the car. It is unpleasant for most cats to travel by car. It might even be the worst experience for some of them.
The moment your cat is comfortable with his carrier, try to reduce the stress of visiting the vet (or traveling, for that matter) by teaching your cat to have positive associations with his car. Although this may take some time and effort, it is worth doing. Consider the following suggestions:
Start early.
Kittens adapt to a new experience and environment faster than older or adult cats. Therefore, train them when they are still young. Don’t worry if your cat is no longer a kitten. Older cats can still be taught to withstand car travel.
Address motion sickness
If your cat finds it difficult to travel by car, see your vet to see if he is experiencing dizziness. Some of the symptoms are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling. If you think your cat is dizzy, your vet may prescribe some medication for treatment. (Before administering any medication on your own, it is essential to ask your vet for advice.)
Let your cat practice riding inside the car.
Before starting the engine, keep your cat well restrained in its cage, inside the car. Put a seat belt over your cat and sit next to him. If your cat remains calm, reward him with his favorite treat. Do this again, slowly increasing the time for him to wait in the car, then give him treats. If he is impatient and tries to escape, do not give him treats, then try to do it with less time in the car. When you return it inside the house, let it out casually.
Start the engine while in the car.
When your cat finds it okay to sit in the carrier while in the car, start the engine and then give him some treats. Include this in your routine and reward calm behavior with treats, but stop when you notice uncomfortable behavior.
Drive at different speeds and turn corners.
When your cat is used to driving within your neighborhood, try driving a short distance along a winding road or freeway exit. When it’s okay to stop, stop, and then give your cat a treat when he’s been good.
Drive to your cat’s vet.
If your cat gets used to the routine, you can sense when it will go through twists and turns. Let him get used to the route to and from the vet, following the same routine mentioned above, and reward the calm demeanor with treats.
Even if you do your best, there are cats that are not completely comfortable when traveling in a car. If your cat is one of them, you may want to find a vet near your home or find a vet who can make house calls. This way, your cat remains calm before visiting the vet, allowing the animal doctor to conduct a full examination.