Bath Vet Group's home page
Out of Hours (Vets Now) 01225 832521
Rosemary Lodge Hospital 01225 832521
Peasedown Surgery 01761 435673
Park Road Vets, Keynsham 0117 933 9933
The Chapel Vets, Melksham 01225 702427
Station Road Surgery 01225 428921
Bath Cat Clinic 01225 312061

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Cat Tips

Tips for taking your cat to the vet

Top 10 Cat Tips

1. The Cat Carrier
Choose your cat carrier wisely, think about how you will get your cat into it, is it secure, can you comfortably lift it? Line the carrier with absorbent material in case your cat makes a 'mess'.

2. Getting Your Cat Used to the Carrier
Keep your cat carrier out in the house, feed your pet in the carrier, or even use the carrier as your cat's bed.

3. Anticipate
Do not feed your cat a large meal before travelling. Get yourself ready before loading the cat into the carrier to limit the time they spend in there.

4. Transport
Cover the carrier with a blanket, secure the carrier in the car so it cannot move around during the journey.

5. Appointments
Book appointments at cat-only clinics or sit in the cat-only part on the waiting room to avoid stress from dogs.

6. Ask for Advice
Ask your friendly veterinary team about calming products e.g. Feliway and Zyklene. These are both available from reception and can help alleviate stress. 

7. Road Trip
Get your cat used to travelling in the car from an early age by taking them on short journeys.

8. Familiarisation
Regularly bring your cat to the vet even if it's just for a weight check to get them familiar with the environment. Don't only bring them to the vets when there is a problem.

9. Prepare
Ensure your cat is surrounded by familiar smells, putting a blanket they like or an item of your clothing in the carrier can make them feel more secure.

10. Try to Stay Calm Yourself!
Cats are very sensitive and will pick up on your emotions.

Check out Cat-Only Clinic (Beaufort) or book an appointment during a 'cat-only' consultation time at our Melksham surgery. Our practices are adapted for your cats, and our staff are specially trained to deal with cats, read more below:

Cat-Only Waiting Areas

We aim to provide a less stressful waiting room for families and their feline friends by providing areas for 'Cat-Only Waiting'. Cat Trees are also available at several of our sites which enable you to position your cat's basket above floor level. Blankets are also available to cover their basket, ensuring they feel safe and secure.

Cat Hospital Ward

If your cat needs admitting to our Rosemary Lodge Hospital they will stay in a specially equipped cat ward where there are no disturbances from barking dogs and banging doors.

Veterinary Examinations

Our veterinary surgeons are trained to allow your cats to make their own way out of their basket and to examine them facing you, working from their tail towards their face - we find that this ensures they stay as relaxed as possible throughout their health examination.