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So your Cat needs to take a trip to the "shop" for a professional diagnostic. Don't wait until an emergency arises before preparing for this important visit. Unless your Cat has a suspected fracture, heavy bleeding, or other severe injury, he should be transported in a Cat carrier, both for safety in the car, and for reducing the chances of escape or stress at the veterinary clinic. Cats are already stressed enough at being in a strange place, surrounded by foreign noises, odors, and commotion.
Selecting a Carrier
Cat carriers come in many sizes, shapes and material, and you need to consider your own personal situation when selecting one, if your budget limits you to only one. Do you intend to travel frequently with your Cat by Auto? By air? A different kind of carrier would be indicated for either usage. Is your carrier primarily intended for use in taking your Cat to the veterinarian or on very short trips by car? You might be able to get away with one of those cardboard carriers sold at veterinary clinics.
Making the Carrier Feel Like "Home"
If you are to comfortably transport your cat to the Vet for the first time, he needs to become accustomed to his carrier well before that occasion. Put the carrier in a quiet corner of a room and place a favorite toy inside; also a towel or blanket with his own scent on it. Failing the latter, sacrifice an old sweatshirt with your scent on it. You might also want to "bait" the carrier with a small dietary treat, such as a few pieces of Pounce or other favorites.
Leave the door open so that he is comfortable going in and out. He will soon feel at home inside, and you can then graduate to closing the door with the Cat inside, now and then. Finally, take your Cat for a short drive in his carrier, around the block. If he seems to be frightened in the car, bring along a towel to drape over the carrier. It will help calm him a bit. By doing your "homework", your cat will not fight you when the time arises for you to use the carrier for its real purpose: taking him to the Vet.
At the Shop
Some veterinary offices offer the luxury of separate dog and cat entrances and waiting rooms. If your veterinarian doesn't offer this, try to wait as far away from barking dogs as possible, and talk soothingly and quietly to your Cat while waiting. Do not open the carrier nor let him out until you are safely inside an examination room with the door closed, as a frightened cat will bolt.
Make a List and Check it Twice
If you haven't already done so, use the waiting time to write down a complete list of your Cats symptoms, in detail. If he's throwing up, write down how much, how often, and the content: Is it undigested food? Just liquid? If so, what color: Is it projectile vomiting (hurling at a great distance) or dry heaves? Does he throw up at random, or right after eating?
At the same time, make a list of questions you want to ask the veterinarian. Vets are very busy people and they will appreciate your preparation, which will save them time over a general wandering conversation. Write down your veterinarian's responses, and be sure you understand all instructions before leaving the office. If you don't, ask questions. If a medication is prescribed for "twice a day," ask if it should be morning and evening or exactly every 12 hours. Ask if it should be given with or between meals. If your veterinarian doesn't offer the information, ask if the Cat needs to be seen for a follow-up visit.
Your veterinarian is an integral part of your Cat maintenance team, so by developing a good relationship with him or her, you can work together to increase your Cat's chances for many years of purring performance.
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