Clarksburg Animal Hospital Veterinary Care
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23321 Frederick Rd.
Clarksburg, MD 20871

Hours: Mon–Fri 8am–6pm

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Calm Cats at the Vet | Clarksburg Animal Hospital

Pet care guides

Calm cats at the vet

Most people don’t think their cat needs to see the vet unless they’re obviously sick. Just like dogs, cats need regular checkups, and there’s a lot we can do to make the trip easier for both of you.

More cats, fewer cat patients

Cats are easy to overlook.

More households have cats than dogs, and more cats per household, but in most veterinary hospitals cats make up only about a third of patients. That’s true at Clarksburg Animal Hospital too, and we want to make sure our cats are as healthy as our dogs. Here’s how people think about cats:

  • 81%

    of people think cats are more independent and self-sufficient, and don’t need as much attention.

    The truth

    Their symptoms are much more subtle, and a vet can help find issues before they become more expensive problems.

  • 81%

    of people think their cats are in excellent health.

    The truth

    Nearly 60% of cats are overweight or obese, and around 85% of cats over 4 have dental disease.

  • 63%

    of people think indoor cats aren’t at risk of disease.

    The truth

    Infectious disease and injuries are less common, but dental disease, behavior problems, obesity, diabetes, kidney disease, arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease are all common. And no, vomiting cats are not normal!

Prevention and early detection

Common cat conditions we can help with.

Cats, even indoor cats, tend to suffer in relative silence. Prevention and early detection are the key to keeping your cat happy and healthy, and to saving money, since a later diagnosis is often more expensive.

Why don’t cats see the vet?

  1. Their symptoms are much more subtle than dogs’.
  2. They don’t enjoy traveling.
  3. Many people are less bonded with their cats than their dogs.

  • Dental problems

    They’ll still eat, even with bad teeth.

  • Arthritis

    They still jump up, just a little less often and with more thought.

  • Inflammatory bowel disease

    No, vomiting isn’t normal.

  • Weight management

    Lots of our cats are chubby, and there are easy ways to help.

  • Urinary issues

    Once we diagnose it, we can treat it.

  • Behavior issues

    We’ll rule out medical reasons, then help with modification.

  • Illness and organ failure

    Often seen as eating slightly less, or losing weight.

Stress management

Tips for cats, and their humans.

  1. The human

    • Take some deep breaths and stay calm. Once you’re nervous, your cat will sense it and assume there’s something to be afraid of.
    • Give yourself plenty of time, so you don’t feel pressured.
    • Consider catching your cat earlier in the day and putting them in a smaller room without hiding places. For some cats it’s better to shut all the room doors and leave them in the main space. Find what works for your home.
    • If it isn’t working, don’t turn it into a battle. If your cat isn’t sick or in need of immediate care, just call us to reschedule.

  2. The carrier

    • Get the carrier out now, and make it a good place with food, treats, toys and familiar smells.
    • Better yet, leave it out all the time, so it becomes a trusted space that feels secure when they leave home.
    • Add a familiar blanket, or a shirt of yours.
    • Bring them to the appointment hungry. They’re more likely to take treats in the carrier and from us.
    • Carry the carrier gently. Think baby carrier, not amusement park!

  3. The car ride

    • Put the carrier in a secure position, preferably where your cat can see you.
    • Keep the radio quieter; those ears are sensitive. Try classical music at a low level.
    • Take turns, acceleration and braking gently. Sleeping baby in the car, not amusement park ride.
    • Offer more treats before you start driving.

  4. Coming into the office

    • Avoid setting the carrier on the floor. Cats feel safer up high, where they can see what’s going on.
    • We’ll move you to a room quickly, to avoid the stress of seeing and smelling other pets.
    • Set the carrier on the table, where we’ll have a blanket sprayed with calming pheromones, and open the door. Let your cat look around and take in the sights, sounds and smells. If they want to come out and explore, let them.
    • Offer more treats if you brought favorites from home.

In the exam room

How we make your visit smoother.

  • A fresh, clean towel with calming pheromone spray on the table

  • We come in and chat with you, and let your cat get used to us before we begin touching them

  • Treats, either ours or favorites you’ve brought

  • Some cats are more comfortable in their own space, so we can take the top off the carrier and examine them there

  • If we take them out of the carrier, we do it carefully and gently. No shaking and dumping out of the box!

  • We try to keep your cat facing you, which also makes them more comfortable

  • We only use as much restraint as needed. Most cats need very little for an exam.

  • Some cats need a little extra help from medications designed to reduce anxiety and stress, and we’ll suggest them if we think they could help

FAQ

Questions about bringing your cat in

Still have a question? Call us at 301-482-2535.

My cat stays indoors and seems healthy. Do they really need checkups?

Yes. Just like dogs, cats need regular checkups. Indoor cats have fewer infections and injuries, but dental disease, obesity, diabetes, kidney disease, arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease are all common, and a vet can help find issues before they become more expensive problems.

What signs of illness might my cat be hiding?

Cats tend to suffer in relative silence. They’ll still eat with bad teeth, and still jump with arthritis, just less often and with more thought. Illness and organ failure often show up as eating slightly less or losing weight. And no, vomiting isn’t normal.

How can I get my cat into the carrier without a fight?

Leave the carrier out all the time with food, treats, toys and a familiar blanket or shirt, so it becomes a trusted space. On the day, give yourself plenty of time, and consider catching your cat earlier in a smaller room without hiding places.

If it isn’t working and your cat isn’t sick, just call us at 301-482-2535 to reschedule.

How can I make the trip to the vet easier?

Bring your cat hungry, so they’re more likely to take treats, and offer some before you start driving. Secure the carrier where your cat can see you, keep the radio quiet or try classical music at a low level, and take turns, acceleration and braking gently.

What happens when we arrive?

Keep the carrier up high rather than on the floor, and we’ll move you to a room quickly. We’ll open the carrier on a blanket sprayed with calming pheromones and chat with you while your cat gets used to us. Some cats are more comfortable being examined in the carrier with the top off.

Can my cat get medication for vet visit anxiety?

Some cats need a little extra help from medications designed to reduce anxiety and stress, and we’ll suggest them if we think they could help. Learn more about our low-stress approach.

Appointments

Time for your cat’s checkup?

Call us at 301-482-2535, or book an appointment online in our Pet Portal.

Location

Clarksburg Animal Hospital
23321 Frederick Rd.
Clarksburg, MD 20871
301-482-2535

Serving Clarksburg and surrounding areas.

Working Hours

Mon – Fri
8:00am – 6:00pm
Sat & Sun
Closed
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New clients can use the Pet Portal too. Enter your information there and make your first appointment.