Fear Free Vet Visits
Making Veterinary Visits Less Stressful for Cats
Feline veterinary visits have declined in recent years. Why? Stress–for cats and their owners. But cats and their owners aren't the only scaredy-cats. Veterinary visits can cause stress for cats and other types of pets (and their people), too!
The good news is that you don't have to sacrifice your cat's care by skipping out on regular veterinary visits because of stress.
Our Fear Free Certified Team Members Can Help
Members of the Oly Cats Veterinary Hospital team have completed the Fear Free Certification and have helped train the rest of our staff.
With this program, we continually learn new ways to make your cat’s healthcare even better.
During a typical Fear Free veterinary visit, you will see our practice team using some of these techniques:
- Offer tasty treats to distract your cat and make them happy.
- Provide comfortable, non-slip surfaces for your cat to stand on thus improving balance.
- Encourage cats with a happy voice, smile, and treats—we never handle them roughly to get them on a table or into a cage.
- Considerate about your cat's comfort when holding them or performing procedures, such as nail trims, and we don't struggle with them.
- Create a calming environment with pheromone diffusers and sprays.
- Prescribe anti-anxiety and calming medications to give before their visit.
- Watch if your cat is showing excessive signs of fear, anxiety, or stress. If needed, we will postpone the exam/procedure until a time when the cat is more relaxed—often sending home medication to give prior to the next visit.
- Sedate a patient for a scary or painful procedure.
We see the benefits of a kind and considerate approach to pets when they are happy to come to visit us and become calmer patients.
Please call us at (360) 584-9901 for more information on the Fear Free environment we provide cats.
