Resources for Cat Owners in Glendora, CA
Cats are unique, sensitive animals — and bringing them to the vet doesn’t have to be a stressful ordeal. At Healthy Paws Animal Hospital, we are a certified Cat Friendly Practice, and we want every feline patient to feel as calm and comfortable as possible from the moment they leave home. The tips below will help you prepare your cat for a fear-free visit to our Glendora CA clinic. Questions? Call us at (626) 310-0677.
How to Make Your Cat’s Vet Visit Fear Free
Cats are highly sensitive to their environment and can pick up on stress very quickly — including yours. With a little preparation, you can make a significant difference in how your cat experiences their veterinary visit. The following tips are based on guidance from the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and are used by our team every day at Healthy Paws Animal Hospital.
- Keep your cat a little hungry before the visit. Feeding your cat less than usual before their appointment makes treats and food more effective as calming, positive-reinforcement tools during the exam. A food-motivated cat is a much easier cat to work with.
- Choose the right carrier. We recommend carriers with a top-opening or easily removable lid so your cat can be examined without being pulled out from the front. A sturdy carrier also helps your cat feel more secure — flimsy carriers can feel unstable and increase anxiety.
- Make the carrier a familiar, comfortable space. Place the carrier in the area of your home where your cat spends the most time, well before the appointment. Line it with a towel or blanket that carries your cat’s scent. Spray the inside with Feliway (a synthetic feline calming pheromone) to help them associate the carrier with safety and comfort.
- Cover the carrier with a towel during transport. Covering the carrier helps your cat feel less exposed and vulnerable during the car ride. Place the carrier on the vehicle floor behind the passenger seat when possible, or secure it with a seatbelt to prevent movement.
- Ask about anti-anxiety medication if needed. For cats who become extremely fearful or stressed despite preparation, we can discuss calming or anti-anxiety medications that can be given prior to the visit. Please call (626) 310-0677 ahead of your appointment to discuss this option — it can make a dramatic difference for highly anxious cats.
- Give yourself plenty of time. Avoid rushing on the day of the appointment. Cats are perceptive and will sense your stress. A calm, relaxed owner helps create a calmer cat.
Please note: For the safety of your cat and our team, we ask that all cats be brought in a secure carrier. We may need to reschedule your appointment if a carrier is not used. Thank you for your understanding.
At Healthy Paws Animal Hospital, our team is trained in low-stress feline handling techniques and our exam rooms are designed with cats in mind. Learn more about our wellness services for cats or our internal medicine and dental care offerings. To schedule your cat’s appointment in Glendora CA , call (626) 310-0677 or visit our appointments page.
Frequently Asked Questions for Cat Owners
Why is my cat so stressed at the vet?
Cats are territorial animals that feel most secure in familiar environments. A car ride to an unfamiliar place, surrounded by new smells, sounds, and other animals, triggers a natural stress response. This is completely normal — but it can be significantly reduced with proper carrier preparation, Feliway pheromone sprays, and a calm, unhurried approach on the day of the visit. Our team at Healthy Paws Animal Hospital uses low-stress handling techniques specifically designed for cats to make the experience as positive as possible.
What type of carrier is best for taking a cat to the vet?
The best cat carriers have a top-opening or easily removable lid, are made of sturdy material, and are large enough for your cat to stand and turn around comfortably. Top-opening carriers allow our veterinary team to examine your cat without removing them from the carrier entirely, which greatly reduces stress. Avoid soft-sided carriers that compress or wobble, as these can make cats feel less secure during transport.
How early should I start preparing my cat for a vet visit?
Ideally, carrier training should be an ongoing process rather than something done the day before an appointment. Leave the carrier out in your home year-round as a familiar resting spot. Place bedding with your cat’s scent inside and use Feliway spray regularly. When vet visits aren’t associated with being suddenly grabbed and stuffed into a carrier, cats are far less reactive to the process.
What is Feliway and does it really work?
Feliway is a synthetic version of the natural facial pheromone cats deposit when they rub their face on objects they find safe and comforting. Spraying it inside a carrier or in the car can signal to your cat that the environment is safe. It does not sedate your cat — it simply provides a familiar chemical cue that many cats find reassuring. It works best when applied 15–30 minutes before use and is available at most pet supply stores.
Can I request anti-anxiety medication for my cat before a vet visit?
Yes. For cats with significant fear or anxiety around veterinary visits, pre-visit anti-anxiety or calming medication can be a game changer. Please call (626) 310-0677 ahead of your appointment to discuss your cat’s history and whether this is a good option. We want every visit to be as stress-free as possible — for your cat and for you.
How often should my cat see a veterinarian?
Most healthy adult cats should have a wellness exam at least once per year. Senior cats (age 10 and older) benefit from twice-yearly visits, as age-related health changes can develop quickly and are best caught early. Kittens need more frequent visits during their first year to complete their vaccine series and developmental assessments. Visit our wellness page to learn more about what’s included in a routine cat exam at Healthy Paws Animal Hospital.
Is Healthy Paws Animal Hospital a Cat Friendly Practice?
Yes! Healthy Paws Animal Hospital is a certified Cat Friendly Practice. This certification — awarded by the American Association of Feline Practitioners — means our facility design, team training, and handling protocols all meet specific standards for feline care and comfort. From separate waiting areas to gentle exam techniques, we do everything we can to make your cat’s visit a positive experience.