To help your pet’s appointment go as smoothly and safely as possible, please follow the guidance below.

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Pre-Visit Anti-Anxiety Medication

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To make the visit as calm and stress-free as possible, we may recommend giving anti-anxiety medication at home before the appointment.

If we have examined your pet within the last six months, we may be able to prescribe pre-visit medication to help reduce stress, fear, and reactivity during veterinary visits — making handling, examinations, and treatments much more comfortable for them.

Unfortunately, we are unable to prescribe these medications for pets we have not seen recently.  For cats, this is most commonly gabapentin.  

 

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Timing

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Medication is typically given 2–3 hours before the estimated time of the  appointment, when its calming effects are most beneficial. Effects usually last 6–12 hours, although this can vary between pets.

Because response and metabolism differ — depending on weight, temperament, and medical history — some pets may require an adjusted dose. In some cases, if the initial dose has begun to wear off, we may advise a small “top-up” (microdose) to maintain the calming effect.

We will always guide you clearly on dosing and timing beforehand. You are very welcome to contact us (especially on the day) if you are unsure at any stage.

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Fasting Before the Appointment

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• Please ensure your pet has no food for a minimum of 8 hours before their appointment.  This is important in case a mild sedative is required or if certain blood tests are being run.

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• Water should be taken up 2 hours pre appointment however if your pet has any health conditions or the weather is hot please seek guidance from the vet on this.

 

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Gabapentin

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If your cat has been prescribed gabapentin to reduce stress:

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• Please give this 2–3 hours before arrival.

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• Administer the medication in the smallest possible amount of food, for example:

  • A teaspoon of Lick-e-Lix

  • A small amount of pill putty

  • Half a teaspoon of wet food

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Giving larger meals may interfere with fasting blood tests and disable us from offering sedation should we require it.

 

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Holding Your Cat for a Blood Test

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Blood samples in cats are most commonly taken from the jugular vein (neck), as this provides the best quality sample with the least stress when performed correctly.

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Please have ready:

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• A large towel or blanket

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• A household member who is comfortable handling your cat

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• A dressing gown or thick clothing for you, if you may be helping to hold your cat, to protect against scratches

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• It may be useful, if available, to spray feliway or pet remedy on any towels for handling before the appointment and use a feliway plug in the room

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Your cat will need to:

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• Be wrapped securely in a towel (“burrito wrap”)

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• Be sat upright on a table or work surface

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• Have their head gently tilted upwards

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• Be held calmly but firmly to keep still

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The towel wrap helps your cat feel secure and prevents sudden movements.

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Further information on how to hold your cat for a blood sample can be found here:

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Holding a cat for blood sampling

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During the Visit

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• Have treats or Licki-Lix ready and easily accessible,
   

• Ensure no children or other animals are in the room.  Cats may become anxious, especially if there is noise or barking from other pets
   

• Consider playing calm, classical music to help create a relaxed atmosphere

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Suitable Surface

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Please ensure there is a stable, suitable surface available, such as:

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• Dining table

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• Kitchen worktop

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• Sturdy desk or island

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Non-slip mats or towels are helpful for nervous pets.

 

If you have any questions or concerns before your appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us — we’re happy to help make the visit as stress-free as possible for both you and your pet.