Most cats do not enjoy traveling, as they are prone to feeling frightened and vulnerable when they are taken away from their familiar territory. However, sometimes you have no choice but to travel with your feline friend. When you have to take your cat on a trip, it is important to know exactly what you can do to in order to make the experience as painless as possible.
1) Select a good cat carrier
Your cat should be secured at all times during a journey, so make it one of your top priorities to pick out a sturdy cat carrier that offers no chance of escape. It is important that your carrier be just the right size. A carrier that is too small for your cat to lie down or stretch will cause restlessness and distress. However, carriers that are too large are not always safe either. When your vehicle turns a tight corner, your cat could be thrown against the wall of the carrier. The ideal carrier will have just enough space for your pet to move around a little and to stretch his back and limbs. Finally, you should pick out a cat carrier that is well ventilated. In addition to providing fresh air, your cat will also be able to look around more easily and will feel less confined.
2) Pick out something soft and cozy for the bottom of the cat carrier
When you are going on a journey that lasts between two and eight hours, it is unkind to expect the cat to sit on hard plastic for the entire duration of the trip. Instead, provide a soft towel or one of your pet?s favorite blankets. However, be mindful of the fact that accidents happen; that favorite blanket could end up soiled with vomit or feces if your cat starts to feel particularly anxious or ill. Place newspaper on the very bottom of the carrier, and make sure that you pack a spare blanket or towel in your bag so that you can provide fresh and comfortable material in the event of having to remove the original bedding.
3) Allow the cat to get used to the carrier before the journey
Set the carrier out in the room where your pet spends most of its time, and leave the door open so that the cat is free to wander in and out. If your cat seems reluctant to go anywhere near the carrier, place something with a familiar scent inside (such as a shirt that smells like you). Of course, you should also ensure that your cat has plenty of access to whatever you will use to line the carrier during the journey, so you should never use a freshly washed blanket that has lost the cat?s scent.
4) Do not feed your cat on the morning of the journey
Feeding your cat shortly before you depart dramatically increases the chances that he will defecate or vomit inside the cat carrier. The night before you travel, give your pet a hearty and enjoyable meal, and reward him with something similar when you eventually reach your destination.
5) Sit the carrier in a secure place that allows the cat to see you
While you are in a moving vehicle, it is vital that you place the cat in a safe place where the carrier cannot topple over or dramatically shift if the vehicle suddenly stops or swerves. In addition, if it is possible, you should position the front of the cat carrier so that it is facing toward you, allowing your pet to see you and smell your reassuringly familiar scent. This will also provide you with the opportunity to talk to the cat.
6) Keep the carrier at a moderate temperature:
You need to be particularly mindful of the temperature during summer months. Your cat will not be able to drink water until the vehicle stops, so it is more important than ever to avoid sources of dehydration. Keep the carrier in a cool, shaded area where there is a lack of direct sunlight. During the winter months, hypothermia is a concern, so make sure that there are extra blankets in the carrier and that there is a reasonable source of heat nearby.
These tips should help to make sure that your cat is as relaxed as possible while you travel, though it is highly unlikely that your pet will actually enjoy the journey. Finally, it is important to note that traveling by air is an entirely different matter that is generally more dangerous and requires preparations that are more extensive. If you plan to fly with your cat, approach your vet for advice and make sure that you thoroughly investigate the policies of different airlines, as these can differ dramatically.
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