Tips for Traveling with Your Cat
Cats are highly sensitive animals and changes in their routine have a great impact on them. A new pet, a move, or even a trip can be very upsetting. Sometimes there are certain issues we can avoid, but others are unavoidable. If you find yourself in a position where traveling with your cat is necessary, we’ll tell you how to do it successfully.
Traveling with your cat: Mission impossible?
The difficulty here depends on the means of transport you use. But if you go by car, traveling with cats can become an odyssey. Follow these tips so that your cat doesn’t go crazy and, above all, doesn’t drive you crazy.
Travel carrier
Whether or not the law requires it, there’s no other way to travel with a pet. This is even more true when it comes to traveling with your cat, as these animals are very flexible and able to crawl through very small spaces. Look for a travel carrier that’s the right size for your feline, where it can turn around and lie down without any problem.
Don’t let it out of the car
Getting your cat into the car is a challenge, even when using a carrier. So, if you make any stops during the trip, don’t let your pet out of the car. Have a covered litter box on hand that the animal can use when needed. Also, provide water if your pet wants it and isn’t too dizzy.
Of course, you should never leave your pet alone in the car. If you have to go to the restroom or into a store, someone should always stay behind with the animal.
Use sedatives
If your cat’s too anxious, you can choose to give them a sedative to make the trip more relaxed. In addition, you could vaporize the car with cat pheromones that will make your cat feel less stressed and allow for more peaceful trips.
Have your pet fast
Before traveling with your cat, it’s best for it to fast for at least twelve hours prior to the trip. This will prevent vomiting, as animals aren’t prepared for this type of trip.
Motion sickness pills
If you already know how your cat reacts to traveling and you know that it gets dizzy, be proactive and give it a pill for dizziness before you leave. It goes without saying that you should never give your cat any human medication, but, rather, pills that are specially made for domestic felines.
Prevent temperature changes
Don’t expose the animal to sudden temperature changes.
Don’t forget the water
The animal will need to drink water during the trip because the anxiety they experience as well as the heat or cold in your car will cause thirst.
Pamper your cat
When you make stops and when you arrive at your destination, don’t forget to pet your cat. However, if you’re thinking of giving them a treat or any other food they like, wait a little while for the trip and any medication to wear off.
Other things to consider
Remember that whenever you travel with an animal you must comply with traffic laws regarding where to put the carrier. Also, be sure to carry all of your animal’s documentation.
As you can see, traveling with your cat is possible if you follow these practical tips that will allow you and your animal to have a pleasant journey. Have a good trip!