My name is Lynn Gulledge DVM of Kingstowne Cat Clinic in Alexandria. I am a diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Medicine Certified in Feline Practice. Welcome to the Kingstowne Cat Clinic Blog.

Our first topic is how to safely get your cat to the veterinarian. Providing good health care, especially preventative health care, can allow your cats to have longer, more comfortable lives.

If it is not an emergency, take the time to get the cat used to a carrier. Probably the best carriers have a door on the front and on the top. The carrier you use for brief trips does not need to be large.

Cats love to hide in small places. Make the carrier a familiar place at home by leaving it in a room where the cat spends a lot of time. Place familiar bedding or clothing in side. Place treats, catnip or toys inside. It may take days or weeks for your cat to start to trust the carrier.

Stay tuned for the next installment of actually getting the cat into the carrier.

Info taken in part from AAFP guidelines.

Kingstowne Cat Clinic (703) 922-8228