To make vet visits easier for cats, consider choosing a feline-friendly certified vet, as they specialize in gentle handling and environments that suit a cat’s needs, like quieter waiting rooms and cat-specific techniques. Stay calm, as your cat senses your energy, so relax before the visit with calming music or breathing exercises. Practice short car rides to reduce stress and break the association of car trips with vet visits. Use pheromone sprays like Feliway to soothe your cat, and bring a familiar item, like a blanket, for comfort. Keep the carrier cozy and familiar by leaving it out at home with treats, and reward your cat with toys and treats before, during, and after the visit. If anxiety is a major issue, ask your vet about medications like gabapentin to help make the experience smoother.

"Empowering new graduates in veterinary medicine begins with embracing mentorship, where the guidance of experienced veterinarians provides the essential tools and emotional support to navigate the complexities of referrals. Clear communication is critical for building client trust; by explaining the referral process in simple terms, new graduates can ease client concerns and foster confidence in their recommendations. Developing strong relationships with specialists through professional respect and collaboration ensures patients receive the best care, enhancing the reputation and capability of the practice. Showing empathy and understanding toward clients, especially when they feel uncertain, transforms a potentially anxious experience into one of trust and reassurance. Preparing clients with clear instructions and addressing potential concerns upfront enables them to navigate the referral process confidently, strengthening their trust in you as their veterinarian. Together, mentorship, clear communication, collaboration, empathy, and preparation empower new graduates to create a positive and fulfilling referral experience for clients and their pets."

"Pets bring joy to our lives, but they can also carry zoonotic diseases—illnesses that can spread from animals to humans. Common parasites like roundworms, hookworms, Giardia, leptospirosis, and ringworm can affect both pets and people. Pets often pick up these parasites from contaminated soil, water, or other animals, and once infected, they can pass them to us, especially through contact with their stool or skin. Children under 5 are at a higher risk because they’re still building their immune systems and may not follow strict hygiene practices. But with routine vet visits, regular deworming, and basic hygiene habits—like handwashing and picking up pet waste promptly—pet parents can protect their families and keep everyone healthy and happy."