Fear Free: taking the “pet” out of petrified
By: Julia Hunt, VMD | Published: January 8, 2023
BCAH is very proud to announce that our entire staff became Fear Free certified in 2018!Fear Free was founded in 2016 by veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, an advocate for the human-animal bond. Fear Free's mission is to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress in pets by inspiring and educating the people who care for them.
Fear Free developed courses written by the most respected veterinary and pet experts in the world. Every BCAH staff member took 9 hours of special training to become Fear Free certified so your pets can have less stressful visits with us. Each year since 2018, the staff has taken additional continuing education courses to enhance their Fear Free knowledge and to remain certified.
Our blog will have a series of articles to educate our clients in the Fear Free principles.
Cats have a unique ability to quickly compensate for rolling and tumbling and achieve a feet-first falling posture. This is because a cat with limbs outstretched would reach terminal velocity while falling at around a height of 5 stories. When they no longer sense acceleration, they are able to relax and bend their limbs, and this helps to absorb some of the energy of deceleration.
Part 1: Good veterinary visits begin at home: the cat
Minimizing stress for cats, their owners, and the veterinary team begins at home. A proper carrier is essential—it should be top-loading and easy to disassemble, allowing for gentle access to the cat. Avoid starting a vet visit by forcibly removing a cat from its carrier; instead, remove the top and let the cat remain on its favorite bedding during the exam whenever possible. The carrier should not be an ominous object that appears only for vet visits. Keep it in a cozy spot at home, with the top off and soft bedding inside. Spray the bedding occasionally with a calming feline pheromone, such as Feliway, to make the carrier inviting. Encourage posi tive associations by leaving treats or feeding the cat near the carrier. Placing the carrier in warm or sunny spots, or near a window, can also help. Activities like playing with toys, using catnip, or placing a scratching post nearby further reinforce the carrier as a safe and familiar space. On the day of the appointment, spray the carrier bedding and the car with pheromone spray 20-30 minutes beforehand. Place the cat gently in the carrier, cover it, and use a towel to block visual stimuli. Prepare the car with a comfortable temperature and calming music, and place the carrier securely on the floor behind the passenger seat to prevent sliding. Always carry the carrier in your arms rather than swinging it by the handle to ensure stability. Bringing a hungry cat can also be helpful, as treats during the visit can serve as a distraction. Upon arrival, call the clinic to confirm the exam room is ready to avoid waiting room stress. If unavoidable, keep the towel over the carrier and place it on a higher surface, like a seat or your lap, to prevent dogs from sniffing and startling the cat. If the visit proves challenging, consult your veterinarian for additional tips. Pre-visit medications may help reduce anxiety for particularly stressed cats. Even returning home can cause stress due to unfamiliar clinic smells. To ease this, isolate the cat in a quiet room to relax and recover. Use pheromone spray or rub the cat with a familiar-scented item, like a piece of your clothing, to mask the clinic scent. Distract other pets with play or treats to prevent conflicts. By following these Fear Free principles, you can make veterinary visits less stressful for your feline companion. Regular check-ups are vital for your cat’s health and longevity. Stay tuned for tips to ensure stress-free visits for your canine friends!
