I felt sorry for Watchcat Sylvia during her first vet visit. As we sat in the exam room waiting for the vet, Sylvia started panting like a dog. I didn't blame her, as being in an unfamiliar environment is stressful, especially when you don't know why you're there.
She started to calm down as I petted her, and during the next visit, she panted less. Eventually, she stopped panting altogether at vet visits, realizing that the vets and vet techs were there to help her. During the two years and change when Sylvia had vet visits two or three times a week, I half-expected her to drive herself to the appointments and strut in casually, slapping high fives with the staff.
While I felt sorry that Sylvia needed so much veterinary care, I was glad that she came to see the vet's office as a safe space.
