By Dr Nicky Love
If you take one thing away from this article, let it be this: a cat is not a small dog.
It sounds simple, but it is one of the most important things to understand as a cat owner. Cats experience the world very differently. Their instincts, their senses, and the way they respond to stress are all unique. And nowhere does this become more obvious than when it is time to take them to the vet.
For many cats, a vet visit is not just an outing. It is a complete sensory overload.
So how do we make it better?
Why Cats Experience the World So Intensely
Cats are incredibly sensitive creatures. They rely heavily on their senses to understand their environment, and those senses are far more refined than ours.
Their hearing is sharper, picking up sounds we would never notice. Their whiskers detect changes in air pressure and movement. Their sense of smell helps them interpret territory and safety. Even their vision is specialised for detecting movement, especially in low light.
Now imagine all of that happening at once.
Every sound, every smell, every unfamiliar movement is being processed simultaneously. When you remove a cat from their home environment and place them into a new, unpredictable space, their system goes into overdrive.
This is why cats do not act “difficult” at the vet. They are overwhelmed.
From Calm Kitty to “Skitty Kitty”
When cats feel threatened or overstimulated, they go into survival mode.
That means fight or flight.
A hissing, growling, or “spicy” cat is not being aggressive for no reason. They are scared. They cannot escape, and their instincts are telling them to protect themselves.
Understanding this shift is key. Once you see the situation from their perspective, everything about their behaviour starts to make sense.
It Starts with the Cat Carrier
For many cats, stress begins long before the vet visit. It starts the moment the carrier appears.
If your cat only ever sees the carrier when something stressful is about to happen, they will naturally associate it with fear.
The goal is to change that association.
Leave the carrier out at home. Make it part of their environment. Add bedding, toys, and familiar scents. Let them explore it freely and even use it as a resting spot.
When the carrier becomes a safe space instead of a signal of stress, you remove one major trigger from the process.
The Journey Matters More Than You Think
The car ride is another major source of stress.
What feels like a normal drive to you can be overwhelming for your cat. Engine noise, vibrations, sudden movements, and unfamiliar sounds all add to their anxiety.
Even small things can make a difference.
Keep the carrier covered to reduce visual stimulation. Avoid loud music. Drive smoothly and avoid sudden stops where possible. Limit airflow directly onto your cat, as they are highly sensitive to changes in air pressure.
The goal is simple. Reduce stimulation wherever you can.
Less noise, less movement, less exposure.
The Waiting Room Mistake Most People Make
One of the most common mistakes happens the moment you arrive at the vet.
Placing the carrier on the floor.
From your cat’s perspective, this is one of the most vulnerable positions they can be in. Dogs may approach, unfamiliar smells surround them, and they have no way to escape.
Instead, keep your cat elevated.
Place the carrier on a chair, a counter, or a designated surface. Cats feel safer when they are higher up and able to observe their surroundings without being approached directly.
It is a small change that makes a big difference.
Handling Matters More Than Force
When it comes to the actual consultation, less is more.
Cats do not respond well to force. Pulling them out of a carrier, staring directly at them, or restraining them aggressively will only increase fear and resistance.
Gentle handling, calm voices, and patience are far more effective.
Something as simple as avoiding direct eye contact or using a slow blink can help communicate that there is no threat. Many cats respond surprisingly well to this.
It is also important to avoid scruffing. While it was once common practice, it can increase fear and trigger defensive behaviour in already stressed cats.
A calm cat is a cooperative cat. And calm comes from understanding, not control.
Why Cats Hide Pain So Well
One of the biggest challenges in feline health is that cats are experts at hiding pain.
This is a survival instinct. In the wild, showing weakness makes them vulnerable. So even when they are uncomfortable, they often carry on as if nothing is wrong.
This is why subtle changes matter.
A cat that is jumping less, moving more slowly, or sleeping more may not just be “getting older”. They could be in pain.
And this is where you, as the owner, play a crucial role.
The Silent Reality of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis in cats is far more common than most people realise.
In fact:
- Around 40% of all cats are affected
- 60% of cats over the age of six show signs
- And in cats over 12, that number rises to as high as 90%
What makes this even more concerning is how early it can start. Many cats begin developing signs from as young as six years old, yet it often goes unnoticed.
The signs are subtle:
Movement:
- “Bunny hopping” up stairs
- Taking breaks while climbing
- Moving slowly or stiffly
Jumping:
- Hesitation before jumping
- Using alternative routes
- Struggling to land or jump down
Activity Levels:
- Playing less
- Sleeping more
- Reduced energy
Physical Changes:
- Weight loss or muscle loss (especially back legs)
Subtle Behaviour Changes:
- Avoiding certain areas
- Using different routes around the house
Because these changes happen gradually, they are often dismissed as “just getting older”.
But they matter.
These small shifts in behaviour can be early indicators of pain and recognising them sooner rather than later can make a significant difference in your cat’s comfort and quality of life.
If you’ve noticed any of these changes, it’s worth having a conversation with your vet. Early assessment and the right support can go a long way in helping your cat stay comfortable and active for longer.
Managing Osteoarthritis: What Treatment Can Look Like
If your cat is diagnosed with osteoarthritis, the good news is that there are more treatment options available than ever before.
Your vet will guide you based on your cat’s age, health, and the severity of the condition. Treatment often starts with anti-inflammatory medication, but pain management may need to evolve over time.
Chronic pain can become more complex if left untreated, so early intervention is key.
One of the newer treatment options available is a long-acting injection that targets pain at its source. This type of treatment is typically administered once a month, which can be a helpful alternative to daily medication, especially for cats that are difficult to medicate at home.
Every cat is different, and the right approach will depend on their specific needs. The important thing is knowing that support is available and that your cat does not need to live in discomfort.
What You Can Do at Home
Supporting a cat with joint pain does not have to be complicated, but it does require awareness.
Make their environment easier to navigate. Add steps to beds or furniture. Use litter trays with lower sides. Reduce the need for jumping where possible.
Weight management is also important. Extra weight places additional strain on already sensitive joints.
Most importantly, observe and document.
Videos of your cat at home can provide invaluable insight for your vet. They show natural behaviour that is often impossible to assess in a clinical setting.
Your Role: More Than Just an Owner
In Hawaiian culture, there is a word used to describe the relationship between people and their pets: Kahu.
It means guardian, protector, and steward.
It is not just about ownership. It is about responsibility and care.
Being your cat’s Kahu means understanding how they experience the world. It means recognising when they are stressed, when they are uncomfortable, and when they need support.
It means making small changes that have a big impact on their wellbeing.
From how you introduce the carrier, to how you manage the journey, to how you notice subtle changes at home, every decision shapes their experience.
Final Thought
Vet visits will probably never be your cat’s favourite activity, but they do not have to be overwhelming.
With a better understanding of how cats think, feel, and respond, you can turn a stressful experience into a manageable one.
And that makes all the difference.
