Stress in cats at the veterinary clinic typically occurs due to being away from the safety of the home and having no control over the environment or resources.1 Cat owners can also be anxious or stressed during clinic visits.2
In this study, cat owners in Germany were surveyed about their relationship with their cat, identifying pet behavior, stress when visiting the clinic, and feline-friendly handling in the clinic. Of the 889 responses, 50.8% (419/824) reported experiencing negative emotions (eg, nervousness, anxiety) at the clinic and described visits as stressful; most respondents (88.7% [732/825]) felt the experience was stressful for their cat. In addition, owners who experienced stress were more likely to describe their cat as also being stressed.
Survey results showed many cats exhibited signs of frustration while in the carrier, including vocalization in >50%. Feline-friendly examination methods (eg, towel wrapping technique) were rarely used in the clinic; however, 89% (704/791) of owners considered their clinician to be feline friendly if they perceived few or no signs of stress or aggression from their cat toward the clinician. Owner satisfaction was generally high when the cat was perceived to be treated with patience and respect. Owner perception of their cat’s stress during restraint by the scruff was also evaluated; cats were perceived to be significantly more fearful and stressed when this restraint technique was used.