Spread a good scent. Cats make themselves feel better by rubbing pheromones on their surroundings, which they produce in special glands, most notably on their heads. They get their first introduction to the relaxing effect of these scents when they’re tiny babies, associating the special smell of their moms with nursing. In recent years synthetic versions of these pheromones have taken the veterinary world by storm, and I couldn’t be happier. I wear so much of the feline version, Feliway, that it’s like an aftershave for me. Spraying the mat inside the carrier with this product may help to relax an anxious cat.
Cover it up. Another place to spray pheromones is a towel that can be draped over the carrier. Even a calm cat may become freaked out by the view outside your home, by anything from the car to the waiting room with that dog staring. Covering the carrier with a towel — or, even better, one with pheromones on it — will block the view of the scary stuff and make your cat feel calm and safe.
Be gentle and secure en route. Give your cat a smooth ride. Keep the carrier level when you’re holding it, and secure it with a seat belt in your vehicle when you're not. A soft mat or towel can help keep your cat from sliding with any movement you cannot control. It wouldn’t hurt to drive a little more safely as well, so watch those jackrabbit starts and give the car ahead of you room so you don’t have to slam on the brakes. It’ll make the trip easier on your cat — and improve your gas mileage.
Once you get your cat to your veterinary hospital, the staff and doctors will do the rest! We’re working hard to make it easier for you to keep your cat healthier. If you do your part to get your cat in, we can take it from there.
Google+
