How do vets handle an aggressive senior cat's first vet visit?

Poor kitties can get so scared when going to the veterinarian. Some veterinarians are More comfortable with cranky cats than others. You may want to call you veterinarian and ask for a sedative to give her before you bring her in. This may be enough to allow the doctor to examine her well. If not, they may need to give her a little more sedation once she is there. I find that it is much less stressful to the kitty, and all involved if you use sedation in these circumstances. Best of luck and I hope she improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

Hi there, it's great that you will take Po-Po for an exam and check over. I expect your vet will start by asking you some simple questions about his lifestyle, food, eating drinking and bathroom habits. Also if he's strictly indoors or goes out occasionally. They will then perform a physical exam, noting any abnormal findings including weight. From then they will probably recommend taking a blood sample (they may do this in the treatment area out of your sight) but don't worry, the main reason is that cat veins are tiny and hard to see and feel, so bright lighting and good assistants make the sampling more successful. Your vet may also get a urine and fecal Sample to check for parasites and other illnesses like diabetes . most vet offices will start to run blood tests in house, but others might send the sample out to a reference lab. I hope this info helps you prepare for his visit. Take a towel in the cat carrier, and one more to place over the carrier or box so that he feels more secure.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Cheeky. I still recommend vaccinating older pets as they are more susceptible to disease due to weakened immune systems. I would ask her veterinarian for a mild sedative such as gabapentin to relax her for transport. I hope this information helps!

Neutering could definitely help the aggression problem. I would also recommend picking up a product called Feliway. It comes in a spray and a plug in and it has pheromones that can help calm your cat. You will not be able to smell it. Sometimes this helps, too. You can also spray the towel in the carrier so he can bring it with him to the vet. I would contact your vet for an oral medication to help sedate him prior to his next exam. This would help ensure his safety and every one that handles him.

Those side effects are more common with chronic long term use. One to two doses prior the appointment will provide mild sedation and help calm her for the visit. You can try feliway spray. You spray a towel for the carrier and place a towel on top to help keep her covered

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Ideally, you should contact a cat behaviorist in your area to help you in person with her behavior. However, spaying her would likely help with this behavior. Your veterinarian can consider sedating her so that they are able to proceed with taking the blood samples and the spay to see if that helps. Otherwise, it would be best to have someone help you in person to modify her behavior. Best of luck!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. I would contact the veterinarian again and ask if they can provide you with a sedative / anti-anxiety medication prior to coming in and then have you muzzle her prior to bringing her in. Medications such as Trazodone and amitriptyline together can help with the anxiety. She really needs to be seen by a veterinarian and have her blood tested to see if there are any abnormal systemic changes that could be causing the symptoms you are describing. With her age, I am concerned about something systemic that could be abnormal or cancer. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.