If you’re a cat parent, chances are you’ve experienced the great disappearing act: you grab the carrier, and your cat vanishes. Under the bed. Behind the washer. Into thin air.

You’re not alone.

Cats are incredibly sensitive to change, and traditional vet visits—with the car ride, the clinic smells, barking dogs, and cold exam tables—can be overwhelming. That’s why at Vets to Pets, we’ve built our mobile care model around Fear Free® principles, with special focus on feline comfort.

As the first practice to complete the soon to be released Fear Free Certified Veterinary Practice – House Call Standards program, we’ve gone the extra mile to ensure your cat feels safe and seen—right in the comfort of their own home.

Why Cats Need a Different Approach

Cats experience stress differently than dogs. They often internalize fear, becoming withdrawn, hiding, or lashing out when overwhelmed. These stress responses can lead to:

  • Missed vet visits (and missed early detection of illness)
  • Increased fear at future appointments
  • Even physical symptoms like vomiting or overgrooming
That’s why it’s so important to meet cats where they are—emotionally and literally.

How We Make Cat Visits Fear Free®

We don’t just tolerate cats—we love them. Here’s how we earn their trust and make their visit as peaceful as possible:

1. A Familiar Environment

The biggest win? Your cat stays in their comfort zone. No car ride, no loud waiting room—just their favorite windowsill or blanket.

We examine cats in whatever space feels safest to them. If they prefer their bed, a cozy spot under the table, or even the bottom half of their carrier, we adapt.

2. Pheromones + Calming Wraps

Before touching a single whisker, we spray our gear with Feliway™—a calming feline pheromone that helps cats relax naturally.

For nervous or wiggly kitties, we may use a Calm & Cozy™ cat wrap—a gentle, swaddling tool that helps cats feel secure without restraint. Think of it like a ThunderShirt, but designed specifically for cats in veterinary settings.

3. Low-Stress Handling

We don’t scruff cats at Vets to Pets – we use gentle touch, slow movements, and lots of patience.

If we see signs of stress—dilated pupils, tail flicking, hissing—we pause. Sometimes we even reschedule rather than push through. Emotional health is just as important as physical health.

4. Pre-Visit Pharmaceuticals (PVPs) When Needed

For cats with high anxiety or past trauma, we may recommend pre-visit pharmaceuticals—short-acting anxiety meds that help them stay calm and cooperative. These are a game-changer for many feline patients (and their humans!).

5. Treats, Toys & Time

We come equipped with squeeze-up treats, crunchy snacks, and sometimes even a teaser toy to shift the focus from “stranger danger” to “this isn’t so bad.”

Building Better Vet Experiences—One Cat at a Time

When cats have positive experiences with their vet, something magical happens:

  • They become easier to examine
  • They’re less likely to hide illness
  • They form stronger bonds with both you and their vet team
At Vets to Pets, we’re honored to help your cat feel safe, seen, and respected—all without them leaving home.

Ready to Make Your Cat’s Next Vet Visit Stress-Free?

If your cat hates the vet, it’s not because they hate care—it’s because they’ve never experienced Fear Free®, in-home care with people who speak “cat.”

Let us show you the difference.
Book a visit with Vets to Pets today—and help your cat love (or at least tolerate) the vet.