How to Keep Your Cat Calm During a Dental Visit
Dental cleanings are crucial for your cat's health, but vet visits can be stressful for them. Don’t let worries about your cat’s comfort prevent you from getting their annual dental cleaning. Here's how to make the experience as smooth as possible:
Before the Visit:
Use Sylvester.ai to get a baseline: Take a photo using Sylvester.ai to get a baseline of your cat’s comfort level before leaving the house. Sylvester.ai uses advanced machine learning to analyze a photo of your cat in real time and determine if they are showing signs of discomfort. This can give you a helpful point of comparison.
Hear what Dr. Matt McGlasson has to say:
Familiarize them with the carrier: Help your cat become more comfortable with their carrier by leaving it out during times not associated with the vet. You can also make it a more positive space with treats and toys.
Take short practice trips: Just like familiarizing your cat with their carrier, exposing them to travel before the vet visit can go a long way. During and after the car ride, share a treat with them - positive rewards go a long way!
“Familiarizing your cat with the carrier goes a long way. Try putting their favorite treat in the carrier and leave the door open. As your cat goes in, give more treats in the carrier. Soon they will associate carriers with treats and good experiences. Sylvester tip - this works best before their normal feeding time.”
During the Visit:
Bring a familiar item: The smells from a blanket from home can provide your cat comfort and reassurance.
Talk with your vet: Make sure your vet or technician understands your cat's personality.
Choose a Fear Free clinic: Fear Free veterinary clinics are trained to offer the best experience possible for your pet. Not only do they prioritize your cat’s comfort, but they have honed the skills it takes to minimize their stress. Find a Fear Free clinic here.
After the Visit:
Let your cat rest: When you get home, let your cat rest in a familiar, quiet location.
Use Sylvester.ai to monitor your cat: Take photos of your cat on our app as they recover for an immediate understanding of their comfort level. Compare the results against the recovery timeline provided by your vet. Contact your vet immediately if you notice any unusual behavior or signs of discomfort outside the expected window.
Offer gentle comfort: Provide reassurance and gentle petting to help your cat relax.
Remember: Every cat is different. Work closely with your veterinarian to develop a stress-reduction plan that best suits your individual pet.
