How to Stop a Cat From Urinating When Taking it to the Vet

If your cat urinates when you take it to the vet but otherwise sticks to the litter box, the problem is likely psychological. Animals often become nervous during or at the prospect of a vet trip, and the key is to calm your pet down. Changing your own behavior may be enough to stop your cat peeing before vet trips; otherwise, you can consider a number of remedies.

Things You'll Need

  • Newspapers
  • Pet carrier
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Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare the pet carrier with a thick layer of old newspapers and a piece of your cat's normal bedding. The smell of the bedding may reassure it, and the newspapers ensure accidents stay in the carrier. Some cats may be distracted by a favorite toy in the carrier.

    • 2

      Approach your cat calmly and confidently before placing it in the pet carrier. Speak in a normal tone of voice and avoid making any loud noises, shouting at other members of the family or chasing your cat. If the issue is putting the cat in the carrier, not the drive to the vet, get your cat accustomed to being in the carrier by placing it in it for brief periods in between vet trips.

    • 3

      Accustom your cat to trips in the car by taking it for short drives once or twice a week. Have a window slightly open to increase ventilation and reduce air pressure.

    • 4

      Ask your vet about a cat pheromone treatment for anxiety. A natural spray which smells reassuring to cats and has no side effects is available.

    • 5

      Ask your vet about medication if your cat remains terrified before vet trips and won't stop urinating. Psychotropic drugs are appropriate only for extreme cases because they have side effects, but if your cat is in a state of terror, the risk of side effects could be worth it. If the symptoms manifest themselves only during the drive, the cause may be motion sickness, for which there are also medications.