Safe Travels: Bringing the Cat Along for the Ride
Some cats love to ride in the car and travel with humans. Others have a difficult time adjusting. If you plan to take your cat with you, there are a few things you should be aware of. It is possible that even a rather stationary cat can travel with minimal problems. Whether you are making a one-time move to a new home or plan to start taking your feline friend with you from place to place, preparation is important for safe traveling with your cat.
The First Car Trip
The first time your cat travels with you may be a challenge. A seat belt will not hold a cat in, and even a usually calm feline may wiggle or panic when the car starts moving. That means holding the cat in your lap may be out of the question. Never assume that because the cat is friendly it will not become stressed and react poorly in a moving vehicle. To enjoy a safe first trip, confine your pet using a carrier.
Plastic travel kennels work wonders for this type of voyage. They come with rows of openings to allow air flow, but limited visibility which may cut back on motion sickness. Many also offer a convenience handle on the top and/or sides for easy carrying. A mesh wire door in the front can be securely locked, even if your cat paws at it. Have someone familiar to the cat hold the carrier. This way, the cat can smell someone it knows close by through the openings. It may help to speak softly and calmly to your cat as you travel. If the cat is not acting aggressively, you may try petting it through the openings. Do not do this if the cat is growling and hissing. By keeping your pet confined to a carrier, you will eliminate the risk of clawing and biting. Not to mention the greater risk of a car accident should the cat climb on the driver or crawl under the brake pedal.
A Free Cat in a Car
Some cats adapt so well to car travel, they can sit free of a kennel or constraint on the seat or in the back window. Although this may look cute, it is generally not an advisable practice. Although your pet may be docile and pose no threat to the occupants of the vehicle, there is always the possibility of getting into an accident. Should this happen, your cat will be in serious danger of getting thrown out of the car or otherwise harmed.
Rest Stops
Rest stops can be a great place to take a break during long car trips. Your cat will need some water, maybe food and a chance to relieve itself. A little leg stretching is also great for humans and felines. However, keep in mind that a rest stop is an unfamiliar place for you and your pet. This can be even more intimidating if a busy highway is close by. Before taking your cat out, attach a snug harness and leash. The leash and harness may not be readily accepted by your pet, so it is a good idea to start working with the leash before traveling. Although some cat owners fee it is unethical to attach a tether to a cat, consider the dangers. If your pet was to get loose in a place you do not know, it may be impossible to find him or her again. Not to mention money or time may require you to move on quickly. Other travelers will be coming and going which can pose an added threat to your cat.
Preparation is Important
Before traveling, make sure you have all the necessary supplies and tools available. It is also a good idea to make a few test trips with your cat. These should be short excursions, starting at about five to ten minutes. Gradually increase the length as your cat becomes accustomed to it. Before making a long journey, have a kennel, harness and leash ready. An auxiliary supply of paper towels may also be helpful just in case! By being prepared, you can help your cat adjust to car travel easily.
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