Calming Aids Before Vet Visit

[Cat Ma]

Any suggestions for calming aids to give to my cat before a vet visit? I am looking for a gel or chews without sugar.

 

[Meya14]

You can get a spray called feliway that you spray into the cat carrier before you put her in. It is a pheromone that helps to calm cats down. It's at most pet stores.

 

[BJM]

Another tactic to help is systematic desensitization where you gradually introduce the steps involved in going to the vet, paired with a positive low carb reward.
Step 1 - leave the carrier out all the time, with a comfy blanket in it, and perhaps a spritz of Comfort Zone by Feliway and/or a pinch or two of catnip or a favorite toy.
Step 2 - closing the door and picking up the carrier with the cat in it, then putting it down again.
Step 3 - add in walking a short distance and back
Step 4 - add in getting into the car and back
etc.

These steps are done daily for at least a week until the cat can handle it easily.

 

[rhiannon and shadow (GA)]

my cat likes to hide so covering the carrier with a piece of fabric/pillow case can make a difference for some.
Much like they do with horses by covering their eyes.
It depends on the cat.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Sheba likes to be covered too. I cover the carrier and I also put an extra cover in the carrier that she can hide under.

 

[Maggies Mom Debby]

I have used Bach's Rescue Remedy, a homeopathic calming aid made of flower essence. My vet suggested it and it did seem to help. I would rub a drop on the inside of Maggie's ear or give it by mouth. It can be hard to find - look for it at either health food stores or on Amazon.

 

[Cat Ma]

I have used Bach's Rescue Remedy, a homeopathic calming aid made of flower essence. My vet suggested it and it did seem to help. I would rub a drop on the inside of Maggie's ear or give it by mouth. It can be hard to find - look for it at either health food stores or on Amazon.

Do you use the Rescue Remedy for pets or the regular formula?

 

[Maggies Mom Debby]

The regular RR. That's what they had at the health food store.

 

[Laura & Heffernan]

I use Rescue Remedy for pets or for kids. The regular rescue Remedy has alcohol in it. The kids formula is exactly the same as the pets version and usually $1 or so cheaper. I squirt it right in the cats mouth, but you can put it on a treat, in their water or their food. It works great--I take it myself!

 

[Cat Ma]

I use Rescue Remedy for pets or for kids. The regular rescue Remedy has alcohol in it. The kids formula is exactly the same as the pets version and usually $1 or so cheaper. I squirt it right in the cats mouth, but you can put it on a treat, in their water or their food. It works great--I take it myself!

How much Kids Rescue Remedy do you give your cat and how soon do you give it to your cat before a vet visit/stressful event?

 

[Anitafrnhamer]

Rescue Remedy, three drops before you go and a pheromone collar as well. Together you will have a much less agitated cat.

 

[Cat Ma]

The Kids and Pets Rescue Remedy have 80% glycerin.

Is glycerin a concern for a diabetic cat?

 

[Cat Ma]

From the Diabetes Association for people. Does the same apply for cats?

Sugar Alcohols
Sugar alcohols are one type of reduced-calorie sweetener. You can find them in ice creams, cookies, puddings, candies and chewing gum that is labeled as "sugar-free" or "no sugar added." Sugar alcohols provide fewer calories than sugar and have less of an effect on blood glucose (blood sugar) than other carbohydrates.

Examples of sugar alcohol are:

• Glycerol (also known as glycerin or glycerine)

 

[Maggies Mom Debby]

I was told to rub a couple of drops of Rescue Remedy on the inside of the ear, so the alcohol just evaporates. (To be honest, I would think the amount of alcohol or glycerin in 1 or 2 drops of RR is probably insignificant even if given orally.)