Preparing Your Home and Your Cat for a Stress-Free Veterinary Visit
- Nov 13
- 4 min read
By: Dr. Geoff McGee, Veterinarian
November 13, 2025
Taking your cat to the vet can be a stressful experience for both you and your feline friend, especially if your cat is fearful, stressed, or aggressive. Having a mobile veterinarian can greatly reduce a lot of the stressors your cat must face to receive veterinary care. Preparing your home and understanding your cat’s unique needs can make a big difference in how smoothly the visit goes. This guide offers practical tips to help you create a calm environment and approach the visit in a way that reduces anxiety for your cat.
Choosing the Right Room for the Visit
When the vet comes to your home, the choice of room can affect your cat’s comfort and behavior. A small, quiet room like a bathroom often works best. Bathrooms usually have fewer places for cats to hide, such as beds or couches, which can make it easier for the vet to interact with your cat.
Why a small room helps:
Limits hiding spots, so the vet can gently approach your cat
Reduces overwhelming stimuli like loud noises or lots of space
Keeps your cat contained in a familiar, controlled area
Using the Kennel: When It Helps and When It Doesn’t
Some cats feel safer inside their kennel during a vet visit. The kennel can act as a secure space where your cat can retreat if they feel overwhelmed. For these cats, placing the kennel in the chosen room before the vet arrives can help them settle.
On the other hand, some cats develop significant anxiety when confined in a kennel. For these cats, it’s better to let them stay loose in the room where they can move freely. The vet can then observe their behavior and approach them more gently.
Tips for kennel use:
Introduce the kennel well before the visit so your cat associates it with safety
Use familiar bedding or toys inside the kennel to create comfort
Watch your cat’s reaction to the kennel and adjust plans accordingly
Considering a Second Visit with Medication
For cats that are extremely fearful or aggressive, a single visit might not be enough to complete a thorough examination. In these cases, the vet may suggest a second visit with prior medication to help calm your cat.
Medication can reduce anxiety and make the experience less traumatic. This approach allows the vet to perform a more complete check-up without causing undue stress to your cat.
When a second visit is helpful:
Your cat hides or resists all handling during the first visit
The vet cannot safely complete the examination
Your cat shows signs of extreme stress or aggression
We will only recommend this option if we truly feel that your cat needs a calming medication to complete a thorough exam. At McGee Veterinary Service, our goal is to keep your cat safe and comfortable while ensuring they get the care they need.
Mercury’s Story: From Fear to Comfort
Mercury is a cat who was extremely scared during his first home vet visit. He would not allow Dr. McGee to touch him, hiding and showing signs of stress. He even managed to hide inside of the kitchen cabinets! The vet team decided to schedule a second visit and gave Mercury medication beforehand to help him relax.
During the second visit, Mercury was much calmer. He even rested comfortably in the room, allowing the vet to examine him without struggle. This example shows how patience and adjusting the approach can lead to a better experience for fearful cats.
Preparing Your Cat Before the Visit
You can take steps before the vet arrives to help your cat feel more at ease:
Familiarize your cat with the chosen room by spending quiet time there
Keep the environment calm: dim lights, soft voices, and minimal noise
Avoid sudden movements or loud sounds that might startle your cat
Use calming pheromone sprays or diffusers if your cat responds well to them. We recommend Feliway Diffusers or Sprays.
Have treats or favorite toys ready to reward calm behavior
What to Expect During the Visit
Understanding the vet’s process can help you prepare mentally and physically:
The vet will try to approach your cat slowly and calmly
They may ask you to hold or gently restrain your cat if needed
The examination will be as quick and low-stress as possible
If your cat is too stressed, the vet may pause and reschedule with medication
Final Thoughts on Creating a Positive Experience
Veterinary visits don’t have to be traumatic for your cat. By choosing the right room, understanding your cat’s preferences about kennels, and being open to a second visit with medication, you can help your cat feel safer and more comfortable.
Remember, every cat is different. What works for one may not work for another. Communicate openly with your vet about your cat’s behavior and needs. Together, you can create a plan that supports your cat’s health without unnecessary stress.
MVS Service Area
McGee Veterinary Service provides in-home veterinary care and peaceful at-home pet euthanasia to the following communities: Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Cave Creek, Carefree, New River, Anthem, Peoria, Glendale, Litchfield Park, Surprise, Sun City, and Sun City West. To see if we cover your neighborhood, view our detailed Service Area Map.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Geoff McGee is the owner of McGee Veterinary Service. He graduated from WSU College of Veterinary Medicine in 2017, completed a surgical internship, and founded a mobile practice in 2024 driven by his desire to better care for his senior dog. When not serving the community's pets, Dr. McGee enjoys hiking, camping, and spending quality time with his family.
