Does Bringing your cat to the vet cause you anxiety?

Does Bringing your cat to the vet cause you anxiety?

Do you postpone bringing them in because you just don’t want to fight?

Do you have your fair share of battle scars because you are trying to be a good pet parent?

We understand!

We are now offering “Calm Kitty kits”, which include a brief handout with instructions and recommendations for how to safely and calmly transport your cat to the clinic, 2 feliway wipes, 5 Zylkene capsules, and 10 gabapentin capsules.  All to help reduce your cats stress levels the following ways.

• Feliway: this is a synthetic pheromone that mimics the pheromones naturally produced by glands in your cat’s cheeks that help them relax.  We recommend using the wipes, similar to how you would use a moist towelette, to coat the inside of the cat carrier a few hours prior to travel.  Please wait 30-60 minutes after coating the carrier to allow the alcohol base to dry.  It is also recommended to leave the carrier out for several days prior to travel so your cat can become familiar and comfortable with the carrier in their space.  Once you return from your pet visit, it is also recommended to coat the carrier once they are out of it to reduce any lingering scents from the vet office.
• Zylkene: This is a supplement to support balanced behavior, and recommended to give for 5 days prior to your cat’s vet visit.  This supplement is manufactured from cow’s milk and is intended to help pets stay calm in challenging and unusual situations, such as going to the vet.  This capsule can be given whole or opened and sprinkled on food.  Most cats tend to like it, considering it is derived from cow’s milk, and does not tend to cause stomach upset.
• Gabapentin: This is a medication is commonly used in pain management, but has a noticeable side effect of helping reduce cat’s anxiety in stressful situations. This capsule can be given whole, or can be opened and sprinkled on food.  You would give a dose the night before and then another 1-2 hours prior to vet visit.

If you would like to try these products, we are currently selling them as a package for $15.  We recommend picking up the package 5-7 days in advance of vet visit or travel.  Zylkene would be started 5 days prior to the visit, gabapentin the night before, and the morning of you would give your last Gabapentin dose as well as coat the carrier with Feliway 30-60 minutes prior to traveling.  Please call our office if you have any questions or concerns about the “Calm Kitty Kit” or if you would like to order one for your feline friend.