Unlike dogs, who may find excitement in car rides or seeing new faces, cats often view vet visits as threatening their carefully controlled environment. Not to mention the stressful car journey and time away from home. It’s not uncommon for your cat to feel overwhelmed by the new environment, unfamiliar smells and the overall stress of the experience. This can make some owners dread the time their cat needs to go to the veterinarian clinic, as it can result in a stressed feline who just wants to hide away.
Some owners may prefer to avoid the vet altogether, finding it too upsetting for their four-legged friend. While this can avoid stress and upset at that particular time, in the long run, it can also mean health issues go untreated and important check-ups are missed. Luckily, there are ways in which we can reduce trauma for our pets and, in turn, make the experience a little less difficult for all involved. First, we have to understand why visits to the veterinary clinic can be so hard for cats and the signs and symptoms of anxiety and stress. Products like Feliway can also help by providing calming pheromones to ease anxiety and help your cat feel more secure.
Here, we’ll explore why this happens, what you can do to support your cat, and how to make future vet visits less stressful for your pet.
Why do cats find vet visits so challenging?
Cats are naturally territorial animals that thrive on routine. Changes to their environment, such as a trip to the veterinary clinic, can feel overwhelming. From the car journey to the unfamiliar smells, handling by strangers, and encounters with other animals, the experience is a sensory overload. Even indoor cats, who rarely leave the safety of their home, can find these events particularly daunting.
When your cat returns home, they may feel disoriented or even threatened by unfamiliar scents picked up at the clinic. This is why many cats hide, acting instinctively to retreat to a safe space to process their experience. Being away from home, even for a short time, can feel unsettling, leading to behaviour changes that are their way of coping.
What does hiding after a vet visit mean?
Hiding is a natural coping mechanism. Your cat seeks comfort and safety by withdrawing to a quiet, secure place. While it can be worrying to see your furry friend behaving differently, this behaviour usually resolves as they begin to feel more settled. Hiding often indicates that your cat is trying to recover from the stress they experienced, using solitude to calm down.
How can you help your cat recover?
- Provide a safe space: set up a cosy, quiet area with familiar blankets, bedding, and toys where your cat can retreat. Avoid disturbing them while hiding, as this can prolong their stress
- Let them come to you: let your cat approach you when it’s ready. Forcing interaction or cuddles too soon can make them feel more unsettled
- Reintroduce familiar scents: if your cat has picked up strange smells at the clinic, gently rub a soft cloth over their face and then onto their bedding or carrier. This helps restore a comforting, familiar scent
- Use calming aids: products like Feliway, which mimic natural feline pheromones, can help your cat feel secure. These can be especially useful during recovery or before future vet visits
- Be patient and calm: cats are highly perceptive to emotions. Stay calm and reassuring, speaking in a soft tone. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that could startle them further
How to make future vet visits less stressful
Reducing the stress of vet visits starts long before the appointment. With a few proactive steps, you can make the experience less traumatic for your feline friend:
- Acclimate your cat to the carrier: choose a secure but cosy carrier. It should be large enough for your cat to turn around comfortably but not so big that it feels intimidating. Leave the carrier out at home to make it a familiar part of your cat’s environment. Place soft bedding and treats inside to create positive associations
- Desensitise them to handling: handle your cat’s paws, ears, and tail regularly in a gentle, positive way. Reward them with treats to build trust and reduce their fear of being touched during vet exams
- Prepare for the journey: cover the carrier with a light blanket to block out overstimulating sights and sounds while travelling. Secure the carrier in the car to minimise movement, which can make your cat feel uneasy
- Communicate with your vet: let the clinic know in advance if your cat is particularly anxious. Many vets offer fear-free handling techniques or can suggest calming strategies. They may also use a Feliway plug-in to help calm their pet patients
Why does my cat act differently after a vet visit?
Even after returning home, your cat might display unusual behaviours such as hiding, excessive grooming, or hissing at other pets. These reactions are usually temporary and linked to the stress of the visit or the unfamiliar scents they’ve brought home.
In multi-cat households, other cats may behave aggressively toward the returning cat. This is because the vet visit has altered their scent, making them seem like a stranger. To help re-establish harmony:
- Rub a cloth with the returning cat’s scent on other household cats to reintroduce familiarity
- Supervise interactions until tensions subside
- Recognising and addressing signs of anxiety
Signs that your cat is struggling after a vet visit may include:
- Hiding or withdrawal
- Excessive grooming
- Vocalising more than usual
- Loss of appetite
- Aggression or defensive behaviours
If these behaviours persist beyond a few days, consider consulting your vet. They may recommend anxiety-reducing supplements or additional steps to help your cat feel secure.
Four ways to calm your cat after a vet visit
- Stay calm yourself: cats pick up on human emotions. maintaining a calm and reassuring demeanour can help ease their anxiety
- Encourage play: once your cat is ready, engaging them in their favourite games can lift their spirits and redirect nervous energy
- Consider supplements: products containing L-theanine or other natural calming ingredients may help reduce anxiety. Always consult your vet before trying a new supplement
- Rebuild trust: allow your cat to approach you on their terms. Positive interactions will help them recover emotionally from the experience
Vet visits can be challenging for pets, especially cats away from their familiar environment. But with preparation, proper care, and tools like Feliway, you can help your cat recover faster and feel more secure. Building positive associations with carriers, handling, and the veterinary clinic itself can make a significant difference.
Remember, your cat’s anxiety is a natural response to a stressful situation. With patience and love, they’ll soon return to their usual self, curled up next to you, purring contentedly at home. If you’re still worried about your cat hiding after the vet or they seem more stressed and anxious than usual, ask your veterinarian for further advice.
