Q: When it's time to go to the veterinarian's office, my gentle cat becomes a monster. Our veterinarian says she's used to cats like ours, but I wonder if there's a way to make things easier for all of us. -- C.S., via e-mail

A: Work with your veterinarian to come up with a strategy to make the visit easier for you all, and realize that the staff will have to handle your pet firmly to prevent injuries to your cat and the people around her. Be sure you're using a hard-sided carrier for these trips -- never try to hold an angry cat in your arms or transport her in something that lends very little protection to you or her, such as a pillowcase.

You might also consider using a mobile veterinarian. Although your cat won't be any more pleased to see a veterinarian who makes house calls, at least she'll be spared the trauma of travel.

The temptation when you have a cat who hates the veterinarian is to avoid routine preventive veterinary care entirely. It's not uncommon for cats like these to never see a veterinarian after that first visit has gone so horribly wrong.

If you go this route -- and we're not recommending it, just acknowledging it as a choice many cat lovers make -- the responsibility for spotting illness falls squarely on your shoulders. Be aware of changes in your cat's body, attitude or behavior, all of which can indicate illness and necessitate a trip to the veterinarian's, whether your cat likes it or not. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Gina Spadafori

Do you have a pet question? Send it to petconnection@gmail.com.