Pet care: Can a cat scared of going to the doctor relax?

Pet lovers are kind and empathic folks. This is good for more than just our cats and dogs. We are healthier humans for bringing out the best in others — of any species.

A recent article on this newspaper’s opinion page recounted the overwhelming panic of a cat who was chased around the confines of its home, finally trapped in a corner, and then pushed into a carrier. After arriving at the veterinary clinic, she became defensively aggressive. Every bit of this was unnecessary.

I usually inject a bit of humor into my columns because it keeps them interesting, but on the subject of making sport of anybody’s misery, I just can’t muster any levity. This kitty feared for her life. She could have coped just fine if she’d only been set up to succeed.

I’m a well-trained veterinarian in all organ systems of non-human animals. My post-doctoral residency focused on the research underpinning our knowledge of their brain function, healthy and otherwise.

Fear is nobody’s friend. Sustained, intense panic triggers the release of neurotransmitters and stress hormones that scream: self-preservation at any cost. Multiple internal systems can suffer dangerous consequences. Affection and a trusting relationship, on the other hand, are the reasons we bring these sometimes confused creatures into our lives. Kindness matters. Nothing kills a friendship like betrayal.

Cats are natural predators but they are also a prey species. In the wild, when a much bigger beast hunts to kill and eat them, they innately know how to escape, hunker down and get small. But if trapped by indoor walls and furniture, their innate survival choices evaporate.

Sadly, there are lots of cats who fear the veterinary hospital but they need medical attention as much as anybody. If you’ve postponed your kitty’s treatment or vaccinations, go to fearfreepets.com to find a clinic staff that’s trained in low-stress pet handling. They can even counsel you on enticing your nervous kitty into its carrier. Your veterinarian can make this easier by prescribing a quick-acting oral liquid antianxiety medication called Bonqat. Kindness matters.

For help with behavior problems, you can sign up for a Zoom group conference at drjeffnichol.com

• .