Cats do not like any changes in their life whatsoever. They may stop using their litter box. They can scratch up your furniture. Your cat may need over-groom or – groom itself. They can find a place to hide when they are nervous or upset.
When I take a nervous cat to the vet, I like to put a familiar towel or toy in the cage with my cat. I keep talking to my cat on the way to the vet to reassure him everything will be fine.
Cats suffer from stress just as we do. They are scared of a new home, new furniture, or a new pet in the house. Cats get stressed from thunder, the fireworks on the 4th of July, and unfamiliar visitors.
My vet sells a beautiful product called Feliway. My friend had a cat that we took to the vet. Tina was shaking and nervous in her cage. The veterinary assistant sprayed some Feliway spray on a towel and put it in the cage with Tina. Tina calmed down immediately once she smelled Feliway. She was calm and relaxed and collected for her entire vet exam.
The Feliway brochure from my vet mentions what Feliway can accomplish regarding calming your cat down. Feliway helps relieve stress-related behavior by mimicking the natural Feline facial pheromone cats produce. The cat takes the pheromone through special nerve bundles sent to the brain and interpreted. Your cat immediately understands the calming message, and therefore, he is more relaxed.
I once put a Feliway wipe in a cage with a cat that I had got recently. She calmed down immediately. She was relaxed at the vet and on the way home.
Ask your vet if Feliway is suitable for your cat. I would highly recommend this excellent product.
I hope you and your cat have happy and stress-free travels.
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