veterinary resources - cat owners

At Pearl Animal Hospital, we know that cats are unique animals and require unique care from people who love cats as much as you do. We adore our feline patients and follow cat-friendly protocols to keep your cat as comfortable as possible, thus yielding more comprehensive examinations and more accurate lab samples and diagnostics.

The carrier: Cat carriers are very important for the safety of yourself, your cat, and those involved in your cat’s care. Please always transport your cat in a safe and sturdy carrier. We recommend a “top-loading” option for ease of placement. Prior to use, introduce the carrier into the cat’s living space and offer favorite treats, food, and/or toys placed in or around the carrier to create positive associations. We recommend spraying some Feliway on the carrier before transporting your cat. For those cats that do not tolerate travel, we may prescribe pre-visit medications that reduce anxiety and/or provide sedation; call for details.

The car ride: Most cat owners will tell you they have never heard a sadder noise than a cat riding in a car. From the cat’s perspective, they are in a scary box with unfamiliar smells and loud noises that mask their cries for help! To set a more positive mood, try to acclimate your cat to the car, starting with short trips around the block. To prevent motion sickness, avoid feeding your cat at least 1-hour prior to travel. During car rides: avoid the radio and speak in a soft voice to your cat; secure the carrier with a seatbelt; and please drive slowly and carefully!

The cat room: We created an exam room especially for cats here at Pearl Animal Hospital. It contains a Feliway diffuser, as well Feliway spray to target specific locations. No-slip pads, pre-sprayed with Feliway, are placed atop the metal table to give your cat a solid and comfortable grip. We avoid dog exams in this room to reduce any odors that may stress your cat. We also keep additional supplies within the room in order to avoid unnecessary traffic.

The examination: When you arrive, we will bring you and your cat into the exam room as soon as possible to limit the stress of the waiting room. Once in the exam room, please place the cat carrier, with your cat inside, atop the table and open the carrier. We want your cat to feel free to explore the room and become as comfortable as possible. If your cat exits the carrier, please close it to prevent re-entry. The veterinarian often enters the room first (rather than the technician) to perform a history while the cat adjusts to her presence. The veterinarian will then perform a complete physical examination using minimal restraint. To avoid the stress of moving the cat to a different room, we will always try to collect samples in the exam room. Depending on your preferences you are welcome to either the exam room or the waiting room during sample collection.

Hospitalization: In the case that your cat must be hospitalized, we will prepare a cat house with a litter box, cozy bedding, and (depending on your cat’s preferences) your cat’s carrier, blanket caves, or a box for burrowing. As with many cat-related items in the hospital, the kennel and bedding will be sprayed with Feliway. We keep our treatment area as calm, comfortable, and quiet as possible by speaking softly around your cat and limiting any extra noise. Please feel free to bring something from home, such as clothing and/or bedding that may smell like your home. You may also bring a container of your cat’s regular diet, if appropriate.

Back at Home: After a visit, your cat may smell like the veterinary clinic and/or be under the effects of anesthesia and medication. These make it temporarily difficult for your other pets to recognize your cat and may result in frightened or aggressive behaviors. In order to keep your cat safe and the household stress at a minimum, please separate your cat from other pets immediately upon returning home and keep your cat in a small and quiet room to acclimate to the surroundings. You may also try nestling your cat with a towel or article of clothing from home to help mask the foreign smells with more familiar ones.

For more information, you may visit the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) , and please do not hesitate to call or email us with any questions or concerns you may have!