Making Cat Visits Calmer & More Comfortable in Omaha
If you’ve ever wrestled a cat into a carrier, apologized to a vet team for your cat’s behavior, or skipped an appointment because it felt like too much stress (for you and your cat) you’re not alone.
Cats are special. They’re sensitive, perceptive, independent, and sometimes deeply offended by the idea of leaving their house. We know that. And at Ralston Vet, we’ve built cat care around our feline friends, not just making them “deal with it.”
We’re proud to have care team members that are Feline Friendly Certified by the FelineVMA, and our entire team practices low-stress handling to help make visits feel a little easier (and a lot less stressful).
March felt like the perfect time to share how much we love working with cats and how we can team up to make their visits better.
What “Feline Friendly” Actually Means Here
Feline Friendly isn’t a buzzword for us. It’s a commitment to care we use every day to reduce fear, stress, and anxiety for cats and for the people who love them.
Here’s what cat parents can expect during every cat visit at Ralston Vet:
A Quieter, Calmer Start
- Cats are taken directly to a quiet exam room, away from dogs.
- Cat appointments are scheduled in the quietest part of the hospital.
- If your cat needs to leave the room for diagnostics, they’re moved through dog-free procedure areas.
Comfort-First Exam Rooms
- Each feline-friendly room has a plug-in pheromone diffuser.
- Every cat visit includes a lavender-colored pheromone towel on the table.
- Exams happen at your cat’s pace, not on a stopwatch.
- Lights, noise, and movement are kept as minimal as possible.
Low-Stress Handling, Always
We use a combination of techniques based on your cat’s comfort level and Fear, Anxiety, and Stress (FAS) score, including:
- Towel wraps and hiding options
- Gentle touch and minimal restraint
- Scruffing avoidance
- Exams performed in the carrier base if that’s where your cat feels safest
And yeah sometimes the exam happens right where your cat is most comfortable. There’s no “one right way” to examine a cat.
What We Likely Did for Your Cat Today
Many cat parents worry they didn’t see everything happening in the moment or behind the scenes. So here’s what we commonly do during feline-friendly visits:
- Took your cat straight to a quiet room
- Performed the exam at your cat’s pace
- Used treats, Churu, or distraction techniques
- Allowed hiding during parts of the visit
- Used pheromone towels and/or diffusers
- Performed blood draws and nail trims using comfort-first positioning
- Adjusted handling or medication plans if your cat needed extra support
(Some steps vary based on your cat’s needs, but comfort is always the goal.)
Nervous Cats Are Normal, We Promise!
One of the biggest things we want cat parents to hear is this: You do not need to be embarrassed about your cat.
Hissing, hiding, freezing, growling, swatting, these are all signs of stress, not “bad cats.” We see it every day, and we plan for it.
That’s also why we’re big believers in pre-visit support, which can include:
- Carrier tips and acclimation strategies
- In-clinic calming tools
- Pre-visit or day-of calming medications when appropriate
If getting your cat to the clinic feels like the hardest part, please tell us. We’ll help you plan.
Loving Your Cat Means Making Care Easier
Regular veterinary care matters just as much for cats as it does for dogs, sometimes more, because cats are masters at hiding illness.
Our feline-friendly approach helps:
- Reduce stress at visits
- Increase wellness compliance
- Catch problems earlier
- Make repeat visits less intimidating over time
For many cat families, pairing this approach with a Care Plan (including unlimited exams and preventive blood work) removes another barrier, hesitation. When exams are included, it’s easier to say, “Let’s check it out,” instead of waiting and worrying.
You’re Doing a Good Job
If your cat hates the carrier, hides under the bed, or gives you the look when you say “vet,” you’re not failing them, ours do the same. You’re a cat parent, prioritizing their health is loving them.
Our job is to meet you both where you are, with patience, empathy, and care that puts cats first.
If you’re due for a visit, have questions about feline-friendly care, or want help making your cat’s next appointment easier, we’re here.
📞 Call or text us at 402-331-6322
Book Online Now
💻 Learn more at ralstonvet.com
Because cats deserve care that feels safe, respectful, and a little more loving.
