Despite popular belief, it is now possible for you, the pet owner, to help provide Fear Free visits to your vet or groomer with proven non-sedative methods that are safe and effective for your feline friend......Below is a list of suggestions & options as recommended by world renowned veterinarian, Dr. Marty Becker, founder of Fear Free Pets www.fearfreepets.com

Fear Free Cat Guide

Gabapentin Prescription

FOR CATS WHOSE STRESS SCORE IS BETWEEN 3 & 6

Gabapentin is a breakthrough in the treatment & blocking of the Fight or Flight response in cats. Gabapentin is NOT a sedative.

Also used as behavioural health support for emotional cats. By prescription only from your vet. Recommended by FEAR FREE , a organization founded by Dr. Marty Becker. A world renowned veterinarian dedicated to teaching veterinarians, pet professionals & pet owners on how to treat & understand fear in animals. Gabapentin is ideal for cats who suffer from panic, aggression or emotional issues when faced with stressful events.. Cats are very often triggered by seeing the cat carrier, leaving the home,car rides, water, drying, grooming tools,smells, stranger danger ect......Gabapentine has the unique ability to.....

CLICK TO CONTINUE... GABAPENTIN GUIDE

Additional Stress Reducing Options

CAT-IN-THE-BAG

A stress free travel carrier bag for cats Cat-In-The-Bag

Made in Pennsylvania! A new way to travel with your cat. Recommended to all our clients who suffer from cat carrier stress & travel anxiety.

CAT-IN-THE-BAG WEBSITE

Pheromones

A comforting spray for stress relief in cats.

Feliway is the most popular name brand. Spray onto your cat's bag or inside carrier prior to transporting. Feliway is a synthetic copy of the feline facial pheromone, used by cats to mark their territory as safe and secure.

FELIWAY WEBSITE

Zylkene

Edible non-prescription capsules carried by most vets for the relief of anxiety & can also be ordered online. For cats who score 1-3 on the Spa scale.

Zylkene contains a natural product derived from a protein found in Bovine milk and works to calm your pet when they are feeling stressed or worried. The ingredients soothe their brain receptors, helping them to feel less stressed. Zylkene contains the globally patented bioactive decapeptide a-casozepine, derived from milk protein casein. Request 225mg NOT the 75mg.

Cat Carrier Stress

A cat's accute negative reaction to the sight of their cat carrier

Leave your carrier out a few days with the door open prior to a vet/grooming visit. Spray the inside with Pheramone to draw them to it. Put a comfortable bedding inside. Put a few snacks inside. When it comes time for the visit DO NOT chase your cat around the house. You will cause adrenaline to be released into their system. Stay calm and gather your cat & calmly place into the carrier. Cardboard carriers are also ideal for cat carrier stress & found at your local pet store.

Calming Car Music

Any calming music will help while traveling in your car

We prefer bird sounds with a soothing background as our salon music.

More Information.....

What is the SPA Scale?

A scale we use from 1-6 to indicate your cat's stress levels for Stress, Panic or Aggression

Each cat is given a score at the end of their innitial grooming appointment. Our goal is to have every cat client reach and or maintain a spa score between 1-2 out of 6 by their 3rd grooming appointment.

What If My Cat Is Extremely Aggressive?

For your first appointment here are the steps that we will take...

We will assess your cat right in front of you
We will ask that you stay
We will ask permission to video tape your cat
A 30 second video clip will be taken so you can show your vet what he/she is being asked to treat for a future grooming visit
We will give a overall SPA score from 1-6 after grooming is complete and explain what your cat's triggers are.
A score between 4-6 would require Gabapentin (a non-sedative prescription) for any future grooming appointments. Prescribed by your vet and administered by you
We DO NOT groom sedated cats. So please request Gabapentin only from your vet if you are planning on pre-treating your cat prior to their grooming appointment.
The therapeutic dose for anxiety block in aggressive cats is a 100mg capsule or 2.0 ml of liquid given 2 hours prior to grooming

Do You Ever Refuse/Stop/Postpone Services For A Cat?

Yes. Here are some examples...

No privately owned veterinarian care has been established for your cat
If you arrive with your cat sedated by you or your vet
If your cat is at a level 6 on the Spa scale (extremely rare)
When there is a combination of obesity & 10 yrs of age or over combined with stress levels of 4-6
When open mouth panting does not subside
When the color in the gums of a senior cat starts to suddenly drain or they begin open mouth "puffing"
If no progress has been made in lowering high stress levels for their next visit (usually associated with disregarding any of the recomendations that we have made)