If you live in a Center City walk up, an apartment complex in Northern Liberties, or a South Philly rowhome with narrow stairs, you already know: getting a cat into a carrier and out the door is half the battle before the appointment even starts. Cats are creatures of routine, and anything that disrupts their territory, including a carrier that suddenly appears the morning of a vet visit, can trigger real stress. The good news is that with a little advance prep, you can make the whole experience calmer for your cat (and a lot easier on you).
Here’s how to set your cat up for a smooth visit to Love City Vet, whether you’re coming from a rowhouse in Fishtown or a high-rise near the Delaware River.
Book your cat’s appointment at Love City Vet →
- Choose the Right Carrier
Not all carriers are created equal, especially for cats. A few things to look for:
- Hard-sided, top-loading carriers tend to work best for cats. Being able to lift your cat straight down into the carrier, rather than shoving them in nose-first through a front door, is far less stressful for most cats, and it makes them easier to lift out on the exam table too.
- Size matters. The carrier should be big enough for your cat to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so large that they’re sliding around during transport.
- Secure, easy-open latches matter more than you’d think, especially if you’re navigating row home stairwells, elevators, or rideshares to get to the clinic. An added benefit of the hard-sided carriers is they are sturdy but easy to take apart so we can keep your cat comfy in the carrier for as long as possible. No need to zip tie them closed if they’re put together properly!
- Consider replacing your carriers if: the screws are rusted or impossible to take apart, cracks or holes develop in the carrier, or your pet has fleas and you need to decontaminate!
If you’re apartment-dwelling and short on storage, a collapsible hard-sided carrier can be a great space-saving option that still gives your cat a solid, secure structure.
Not sure what carrier fits your space and your cat? Ask our team for a recommendation →
2. Leave the Carrier Out Before the Appointment
One of the simplest and most effective things you can do: stop treating the carrier like something that only appears on vet days. A carrier that lives in a closet and only comes out for stressful trips becomes a signal to your cat that something bad is about to happen.
Instead, leave the carrier out in a common area for a few days before the appointment. A corner of the living room works well in most Philly apartments and row homes. Toss a soft blanket or a piece of your worn clothing inside, and consider feeding treats or meals near (or inside) the carrier so your cat starts to associate it with something positive rather than something scary. Hunting for food is normal and healthy for cats, so hiding treats in the carrier is good enrichment for them day-to-day as well.
3. Consider Calming Pheromone Products
Synthetic feline pheromone products (like Feliway) can be genuinely helpful for cats who get anxious around travel or the vet. These products mimic the natural facial pheromones cats use to mark territory as safe, and they’re widely considered safe for regular use.
A few ways to use them ahead of a visit:
- Spray the inside of the carrier 15–20 minutes before your cat goes in (giving the alcohol carrier time to evaporate).
- Use a pheromone diffuser in the room where the carrier lives in the days leading up to the appointment.
- Consider a pheromone collar for cats with more significant travel anxiety.
Have questions about which calming products are right for your cat? Contact us →
4. Cover the Carrier With a Towel
Once your cat is in the carrier, draping a lightweight towel or blanket over it can make a real difference. Reducing visual stimulation (car traffic, unfamiliar hallways, other pets in the waiting room, etc.) helps many cats settle down faster. It also gives them a sense of a den-like, hidden space, which cats naturally find reassuring. Just be sure there’s still enough airflow around the carrier’s vents.
5. Existing Clients: Ask Us About Gentle Anti-Anxiety Options
If your cat has a history of significant stress, yowling, panting, or hiding around travel, or struggles to recover from stress during vet visits, and you’re an existing Love City Vet client, give us a call before the appointment. Depending on your cat’s health history, our veterinary team may be able to recommend a mild, vet-prescribed anti-anxiety medication or supplement to take the edge off before travel. This isn’t right for every cat, but for some it makes a meaningful difference and it’s a conversation worth having with your vet ahead of time rather than the morning of.
Existing client? Call us to discuss options before your next visit →
6. Struggling to Get Your Cat Into the Carrier? Call Us.
If you’re doing everything “right” and your cat still won’t go in or worried about getting scratched or bitten in the process, stop and call the practice. Our team can walk you through carrier techniques over the phone, help you troubleshoot, or in some cases talk through whether the appointment should be adjusted. Forcing a terrified cat into a carrier can create a lasting negative association that makes every future visit harder, so it’s always worth a call rather than pushing through it alone.
Struggling right now? Call our South Philly or Northern Liberties team →
What Does “Cat Friendly” Actually Mean?
Not every vet visit is set up with cats’ unique needs in mind. That’s worth thinking about when you’re choosing who examines your cat. Individual veterinarians can pursue Cat Friendly Veterinarian training through the Cat Friendly Practice® program, which focuses on reduced-stress handling and low-stress exam techniques built specifically around how cats experience a visit, not just a general approach borrowed from dog care.
When you’re searching for a vet in Philadelphia, it’s worth asking whether the veterinarian you’ll actually be seeing has this kind of feline-specific training. You can learn more about what to look for at catfriendly.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I start carrier training before a vet visit?
Ideally, leave the carrier out for at least 3–5 days before the appointment so your cat has time to explore it and stop associating it with stress. If your cat is especially anxious, starting a week or more in advance or keeping the carrier out as a permanent piece of furniture can help even more.
Is it safe to use Feliway or other calming pheromones on every visit?
Yes, synthetic feline pheromone products are generally considered safe for regular, ongoing use and don’t sedate your cat, they simply help signal that the environment is safe. As always, if your cat has a specific health condition, it’s worth a quick check with your vet.
My cat hides the moment they see the carrier. What should I do?
Stop trying to force it in the moment. Put the carrier away, try again after a few calm days of leaving it out with treats and bedding inside, and reach out to our team for carrier-training tips tailored to your cat.
Can I bring my cat to Love City Vet from an apartment without a car?
Absolutely! Many of our South Philly and Northern Liberties clients walk, rideshare, or take transit with their cats. A secure, well-latched carrier with a towel over it makes any of these trips easier on your cat.
What if my cat still panics even with all this prep?
That happens, and it doesn’t mean you did anything wrong. Give us a call: We can talk through in-clinic options, adjust how we handle the exam, or discuss whether a mild anti-anxiety option makes sense for future visits.
Visit Us in South Philly or Northern Liberties
Love City Vet has two Philadelphia locations to make vet visits more convenient for cat owners across the city:
- South Philly: 330 W Oregon Ave
- Northern Liberties: 456 N 5th St
Whether you’re bringing your cat from a rowhome in Pennsport, an apartment near the Piazza, a walk-up in Fishtown, or a condo in Old City, our team is here to make the visit as low-stress as possible for you and your cat.
Ready to book? Schedule your cat’s appointment at Love City Vet today →