If you’re a cat owner, you may have noticed some strange behaviors from your feline friend before and after a visit to the veterinarian. From hiding under the bed to acting skittish, our furry companions definitely seem to have strong reactions to their checkups.
But do cats actually remember going to the vet? The short answer is yes, cats do have memories of veterinary visits that influence their behavior. In this article, we’ll explore why cats act differently around vets and how long these memories tend to last.
Cats have excellent long-term memories, especially when it comes to stressful or frightening events. While they may not remember exact details, they do retain general memories of negative experiences like vet visits. This affects their behavior before, during, and after appointments.
Cats Have Strong Memories in General
Felines are known to have excellent memories, especially when it comes to remembering other animals, people, locations, and learned behaviors. Their memory capabilities likely developed as an evolutionary survival mechanism to help them recall danger, find food sources, recognize their humans, and more.
Cats remember other animals and people
Studies show that cats can recognize and remember over 10 other felines. They also have strong memories for the humans in their lives. Cats will remember previous owners even after years apart. They recognize their owner’s voice, face, and scent.
Interestingly, cats also respond differently to their owner’s footsteps vs a stranger’s footsteps.
They remember locations
Cats have spatial memories and often remember favorite sleeping, eating, and grooming spots. They can recall where the litter box is located in a multi-room house and will wait by the door to go into a room with their food dish.
GPS tracking reveals that outdoor cats follow habitual paths and routes when roaming and hunting.
Cats recall learned behaviors and training
With repetition and positive reinforcement, cats can learn tricks and behaviors like using a scratching post, coming when called, sitting, giving high-fives, etc. They remember these trained behaviors for years due to their good memories.
Associating treats with the sound of a pill bottle also shows that cats remember connections between different stimuli.
Negative experiences are memorable
Especially scary or traumatic events appear to stick in cats’ minds. For example, if a cat has a very negative experience at the vet, they may remember that for a long time and get scared when visiting that vet in the future.
Cats may hide or act aggressively when brought back to the vet after a previous bad experience. However, associating the vet with positive stimuli like treats can help offset negative memories.
| Type of Memory | Examples |
|---|---|
| Other animals/humans | Recognize owners, previous cats they lived with |
| Locations | Food dish, litter box, favorite nap spot |
| Learned behaviors | Tricks, training, scratching post |
| Negative experiences | Vet visits, injuries, fights with other cats |
Why Vet Visits Are Memorable for Cats
Car rides are stressful
For many cats, riding in a car is an extremely unnerving experience. Being confined in a small space, surrounded by strange smells and loud noises, can cause extreme anxiety in felines. According to a 2021 survey by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), approximately 64% of cats show signs of stress during car rides, such as meowing, urinating, hiding, and trying to escape their carriers.
Cats rely heavily on their sense of smell to understand their surroundings. The unfamiliar smells of a car combined with the motion can quickly overwhelm a cat’s senses and trigger fear and panic. Additionally, cats have sensitive ears, so the noises from the engine, other cars, and the radio can be disturbing or even painful for them.
To make vet visits less stressful, pet parents can try calming treats, pheromone sprays like Feliway, and covered carriers to block sights and sounds. However, the anxiety of car rides often leaves an impression on cats, causing them to associate the car and carrier with fear.
The vet exam causes anxiety
Even after the stressful car ride, a visit to the veterinary clinic brings a whole new set of experiences that can be frightening for felines. The unfamiliar smells and sounds cause uneasiness from the moment they enter the building.
Additionally, cats are very territorial animals who prefer to avoid unknown environments.
During the exam, being handled by strangers and poked and prodded can be very disturbing for cats. Veterinarians use a variety of uncomfortable instruments like tongue depressors, thermometers, needles, and probes that cats do not understand. Some tests like blood draws can also be painful.
According to veterinarian Dr. John Howe, “65% of cats exhibit signs of stress during a veterinary visit.” Hiding, dilated pupils, flattened ears, and low growls are common behaviors displaying a cat’s anxiety. Age, genetics, and past experiences may influence how easily a cat is stressed.
There are some ways vets can make visits more tolerable like using treats, pheromones, and gentle handling techniques. However, for most cats, the unfamiliarity of the veterinary clinic and examination will remain at least somewhat unsettling.
Cats don’t understand the vet’s purpose
A major contributor to vet visit stress for cats is the fact that they lack understanding of why they are there. Dogs can be taught that going to the veterinarian helps keep them healthy and prevent illness.
Cats, however, live more in the present moment and cannot connect the vet’s actions to improved well-being.
To a cat, the purpose of being handled, poked, prodded, and exposed to unfamiliar and loud instruments is a mystery. They do not comprehend that exams, lab work, vaccines, and preventative care help them live longer, healthier lives.
A visit from their perspective is simply a series of uncomfortable, scary, and painful experiences.
Some cat owners try showing extra affection before and after vet visits to demonstrate to their cat that the situation is not threatening. However, cats are unlikely to ever view their veterinarian as a source of comfort.
At best, they simply learn to tolerate the visits but likely keep an imprint of anxiety and fear associated with the clinic.
Signs Your Cat Remembers the Vet
Hiding and acting aloof before appointments
Cats have incredible memories, especially when it comes to stressful experiences like visiting the veterinarian. According to the ASPCA, studies show cats can remember negative experiences for years. So if your furry friend starts hiding under the bed or acting aloof a few days before a scheduled vet visit, they likely recall their last stressful trip there.
Some telltale signs your cat anticipates an upcoming vet visit include: increased hiding, loss of appetite, random meowing, hissing, or growling. Your kitty may even avoid you by jumping off your lap when you try to pet them.
Unfortunately, there’s no way to explain to cats that vet visits are for their own good. But you can help ease their stress by using calming pheromones at home and giving extra affection before appointments.
Agitation and vocalizations in the car and waiting room
Does your cat yowl relentlessly on the car ride to the vet or pace anxiously in the waiting room? These behaviors demonstrate they remember vet visits being an unpleasant experience. Studies indicate around 25% of cats have increased heart rates just during the car ride alone thanks to vet-related stress.
You may also notice dilated pupils, flattened ears, sudden hiding, or even random aggression. All are signs your cat finds the vet stressful. While vets do their best to use soothing pheromones and gently handle patients, that white coat and stethoscope still tend to trigger anxious memories.
Using calming treats, soothing toys and minimizing wait times can help lower their stress.
Defensive body language during exams
No cat enjoys the prodding and poking that happens during a veterinary exam. But the way your cat reacts can demonstrate if they recall similar exams. Signs your cat remembers past vet visits while getting examined may include swishing or thrashing tail, pinned back ears, biting or nipping, constricted pupils and sudden scratching or jumping off the table.
A 2021 study graded 130 cats on their stress levels during vet exams. Results showed:
- 18% had relaxed or content body language
- 33% seemed mildly stressed such as moving away frequently
- 49% displayed highly stressed behavior like snarling, shaking, trying to hide or escape
So while your vet wants the best for your cat, there’s no doubt those past exam memories influence nearly half of cats during subsequent visits.
Appetite and bathroom changes afterward
Even after your cat returns home from the dreaded vet visit, their memories of it can linger. It’s common for recently seen cats to have bathroom accidents outside the litter box or turn up their nose at favorite foods.
These are signs the stress hormones kicked in earlier and can take 48 hours to fully wear off.
You may also notice your cat sleeping more than normal. Excess sleeping can indicate Depression in cats after extremely stressful experiences like vet visits. Making sure to give them extra playtime and affection can help them destress faster.
And be sure to avoid scolding them, yelling or punishment after vet visits since they don’t understand the reasons behind their traumatic experience.
How Long Do Vet Memories Last for Cats?
At least months according to scientific research
Studies have shown that cats can remember negative experiences, like a trip to the vet, for months afterwards. In one experiment, cats were given a “mildly aversive” experience involving being put in carriers and having tape placed on their paws.
When brought back to the same environment months later, the cats displayed dilated pupils and increased activity levels indicating heightened stress.
According to feline science experts, this demonstrates that distressing memories can linger in cat brains for as long as 6 months. However, positive stimulus can help cats overcome bad memories much faster.
Offering treats, catnip, and ample playtime before and after vet appointments is said to dramatically reduce anxiety and fearful behavior.
Fearful responses can last years
If a cat has an especially traumatic experience at the vet, like severe injury or loss of a sibling, those fearful memories could stay with them for several years. Signs of lasting vet-related trauma in cats include aggressive behavior, urinating outside the litterbox, constant hiding, decreased appetite leading to weight loss, and more.
An Israeli study evaluated vet clinic behaviors in shelter cats over a 5-year period. Cats that had been previously abandoned displayed more profound distress-related behaviors than others. This suggests frightening or scarring events can imprint on cats long term.
Depends on cat personality and visit experiences
How well and how long cats remember vet visits depends partially on their unique personalities. Bold, curious types may shrug off check-ups much faster. Timid and sensitive cats are at higher risk for traumatic stress that persists over time.
Experts advise scheduling “happy visits” filled with play and treats for especially anxious felines.
The specific procedures and handling during vet exams also impact how memorable they are for cats. Necessary but unpleasant tests like shots, oral exams, and temperature checks often lead to longer-lasting upset. Low-stress handling techniques can help minimize vet-induced trauma in cats.
Making Vet Visits Easier for Your Cat
Use calming aids like pheromones
Cats can get very stressed going to the vet. Using synthetic feline pheromones like Feliway can help calm them during the drive and in the waiting room. Spray some on a blanket in their carrier about 30 minutes before the appointment.
There are also calming treats and anti-anxiety medications you can give cats before vet visits.
Take them in a secure carrier
Get your cat comfortable with the carrier before appointments. Leave it out so they associate it with safety. Make sure it’s sturdy and roomy enough for them to turn around and lie down. Covering it with a lightweight blanket can also minimize stress.
Transport your cat securely buckled into the backseat.
Give rewards during and after visits
Positive reinforcement goes a long way with cats. Give your cat special treats during and after vet exams to associate it with something pleasant. Praise them verbally when they are calm and cooperative with the vet. Do something fun like play with a feather toy when you get home.
Schedule regular wellness checks
Annual wellness exams let vets establish a baseline of your cat’s health for early disease detection. Cats hide illness very well, so changes seen on wellness exams can allow for earlier diagnosis and treatment. Regular vet interaction from a young age also reduces stress and fear associated with going to the vet later in life.
Kittens that are examined frequently handle vet visits much better when they are adults.
| Age | Recommended Wellness Visit Frequency |
|---|---|
| 0-6 months | Every 3-4 weeks for vaccination boosters and parasite screening |
| 6 months – 6 years | Annually |
| Over 6 years | Twice per year |
While vet visits can be stressful for cats, following these tips can make the experience less frightening. Reducing anxiety improves the vet’s ability to accurately assess your cat’s health. Be sure to schedule regular preventative care exams to keep your cat happy and disease-free!
Conclusion
In summary, ample evidence shows that cats do in fact remember going to the vet, though their memories tend to focus more on the stressful emotions than specific details. Cats can recall vet visits for months or even years afterwards, depending on the cat and experiences.
By understanding why vet trips are so memorable and distressing for cats, we can take steps to reduce their anxiety and make visits more tolerable.
While your cat may never enjoy going to the vet, you can help create more positive memories and associations through rewards, pheromones and keeping visits pleasant and productive. With some care and patience, your cat will be healthier and happier for it.
