Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Transporting the cat without a transport box
• Part 2 of 3: Getting your cat used to the car
• Part 3 of 3: Understanding the risks
• Tips

You will need to take your cat to the vet on a regular basis for a health check-up or when it gets sick. If you want to save your cat the stress of a transport box, there are several ways you can do that. It may be more pleasant for your cat not to use a transport box, but many veterinarians do not like when cat owners bring their cat without a transport box. It can also be a safety concern if your cat is not properly trained. Ask your vet if he requires you to use a transport box.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Transporting the cat without a transport box

1. Try a gym bag. You need to keep your cat calm while you are at the vet. It can be a problem to just hold your cat in your arms because it is difficult to hold a cat when it is scared.If you don't want to use a transport box or you don't have one, one of the alternatives is to use a sports bag.
   • Sports bags are bags made to transport clothing and other aids to and from the gym or other sporting events. Many gym bags have nylon material on the sides with holes in them so that a cat can breathe easily when in the bag.
   • Cat owners who find transport boxes uncomfortable for cats sometimes use a nylon gym bag to transport their cat to and from the vet. Make sure to find a gym bag with at least a small section of nylon or mesh on the sides so that your cat can breathe and see its surroundings when you take it to the vet's office.
   • It is also best to use a gym bag with a sturdy, flat bottom with no gaps. An unsupported bottom will collapse when you pick up the bag, causing discomfort for your cat.
   • Many cat owners put toys, blankets and other items in the gym bag to put their cat at ease.
2. Use a harness. A cat harness is used by cat owners to walk their cat. If you want to take your cat to the vet without a transport box, consider using a harness.
   • Make sure to buy a harness made especially for cats. Harnesses designed for small dogs can be dangerous for cats to wear.
   • Let your cat get used to the harness before putting it on. Gently place the harness over his body. Let him sniff it and examine it. Then carefully put the harness around his body and close the buckle. Some cats can resist, so you may need someone else to help you hold your cat.
   • Let your cat wear the harness under supervision for a short time. Do not use the belt. When your cat is comfortable in the harness and is no longer trying to wriggle out or untie the harness, you can attach the leash to it.
   • Practice walking your cat around the house for a week before going outside with him on a leash. Let him get used to the harness and wait until he no longer pulls or struggles before taking him outside on the leash.
   • When your cat is used to being on a leash indoors, practice taking short walks around the neighborhood. Practice for a few months before attempting to take your cat to the vet in this way. Remember, a vet office has a lot of unusual stimuli, such as ringing phones, strange people, and other animals. You will need to practice a lot before you can safely take your cat to the vet in a harness.
3. If you have a calm cat, try a basket or a pillow. If you have an older cat who is particularly calm, you could take it with you in a basket or on a pillow. This is only a good option if you know your cat's character well. Your cat must of course stay safe, and the other people and animals in the waiting room of course too. You don't want your cat to jump out and cause a fuss.
   • Be careful with this method, as even the calmest cats can be startled in unfamiliar or scary surroundings such as a veterinary office.

Part 2 of 3: Getting your cat used to the car

1. If possible, start at a young age. If you want to take your cat to the vet without a transport box, you should get him used to a car ride without the transport box. If you have already had your cat as a small kitten, it is a lot easier to get him used to the car.
   • Kittens often adapt a lot faster to new things than adult cats. Start exercising when your cat is less than one year old and take it on rides if possible.
   • If you have an older cat, you can still teach him to travel safely in the car. It will probably just take a little longer.
2. Let your cat get used to the car gradually. It works best to slowly get your cat used to the car, as a car can be a scary environment for a cat. Let him get used to the car in stages.
   • Put your cat in the car when the engine is not running. Keep him calm and give him treats and attention while he gets used to the new environment. Let him examine the car for a short time and get used to this new territory. You do this for several weeks.
3. Practice driving before taking your cat to the vet. Once your cat is used to the car, let him get used to what it's like to drive the car with you.
   • First, try to run the engine and let it get used to the sounds the engine makes.
   • After your cat has gotten used to the motorcycle, practice with short car rides. Even a short drive around the neighborhood is enough. While your cat gets used to sitting in the car, you can practice longer rides. It's a good idea to take some test drives to the vet's office to get your cat used to the route before going to an appointment with him.
   • During the process, positively reward your cat with treats and hugs.
4. Take safety precautions. Even the calmest cats can cause problems in the car if they are startled. Instead of a transport box, you can use a sports bag or a basket to put your cat in so that it doesn't cause problems when you drive. You can also use a harness or belt to attach it securely to the car seat. Of course, you don't want your cat to crawl under your feet or on the brake or accelerator while driving, as that could easily lead to an accident.
5. Get your cat used to public transport. If you don't have a car, you will need to get your cat used to public transportation before taking it to the vet. You can practice with short trips on the bus, train or tram. However, understand that on public transport you will usually need to carry your cat in a cage or bag. You probably won't be able to take your cat on the tram alone on a harness or in a basket without a lid. If you plan to take your cat to the vet that way, you may want to take a taxi or ask a friend for a ride.

Part 3 of 3: Understanding the risks

1. Understand that veterinarians don't like it when you bring a cat without a transport box. In general, veterinarians and their employees do not like it when people take their cat to an appointment without a transport box. Understand that you will encounter some resistance if you decide to take your cat without a carrier.
   • By taking your cat with you without a transport box, you create a lot of extra pressure for the employees, especially if you are not transporting your cat in a sports bag or the like. Employees in the waiting area must take extra precautions to ensure that your cat remains safe and is not injured by dogs or other animals. Also, be aware that the practice cannot guarantee the safety of your cat if it is not in a transport box. A dog without a leash that likes to chase cats can walk into the waiting area and attack and injure your cat.
   • Some vets even require that cats be transported in a transport box. It may be an idea to call ahead and inquire before bringing your cat without a transport box.
2. Know what security features a transport box has. Vets do not just recommend transporting pets in a transport box. A transport box has several safety features that are important to your cat.
   • With a transport box you can safely take your cat in the car because your cat does not roam the car and does not cause an accident by hindering you from driving the car.
   • Chances are a cat will run away when it is scared. If a cat jumps out of the car and runs away, it may be difficult to find it. Veterinary practices are often in places with a lot of cars. This can be dangerous for your cat.
   • Even if you have a calm cat, you cannot always predict the behavior of other pets. Many dogs don't like cats and your cat is safer in a transport box if there is a dog that becomes aggressive.
3. Think of ways to make a transport box less stressful for your cat. If you especially don't want to use a transport box because you are concerned that your cat will become stressed, there are measures you can take to make the transport box less stressful for your cat.
   • Do not take out the transport box until you take your cat to the vet. Leave the box open in the living room. Cats like to crawl into something and they might like to sleep in their transport box every now and then.
   • Occasionally take your cat on short rides in its transport box. A ride around the neighborhood in his transport box can make a trip to the vet less scary.
   • Just like with a gym bag, you can make a transport box more comfortable by putting treats, toys and other items your cat loves in the box.

Tips

• Always call your vet in advance if you plan to bring your cat without a transport box. This way you can be sure that the vet will allow this.