It therefore becomes necessary for owners to appreciate the subtle signs … Most cats, resent being in the car. This can be done by putting familiar objects inside the carrier, like their favorite blanket. This way, the calming pheromones will stay with him wherever you end up. It doesn't have to be so stressful for you or for your cat. From cat news stories, cat behavior articles to other cool cat-centric content, if it's about cats, we cover it!If you simply love cats, you’re one of us! Return to menu. Clip your cat’s nails beforehand so they don’t get stuck anywhere. 410-744-4800. Make sure that your cat is healthy enough for travel. To help, we’ve created a step-by-step guide, so you and your pet can have a stress-free travel experience. Of course, a dog who has traveled a lot is likely to be a lot calmer when traveling. In most cases, the cat would choose to stay at home, with visits by a good caretaker. However, it is possible to travel with your cat without huge amount of … Some owners actually prefer having their cats fly in cargo, as they believe it is less stressful for their feline friends. Once the cat has back into the carrier, keep one hand on the cat and gentle swing the door closed as much as possible. They love to cuddle and relax and are lap cats, which make them perfect for people who love to travel. 7. Gabapentin is a stress-reducing medication given to cats prior to scenarios that can cause fear, such as travel and visiting the veterinarian or groomer. Keeping your cat in her carrier and slowly introducing her to the car will decrease your cat’s chances of getting car sick. Or you can snap a Comfort Zone Calming Collar around your cat's neck. About this product. Cats do not show their emotions as overtly as some other species and tend to withdraw and become quiet rather than ‘act out’ their anxieties. Make sure your cat is microchipped 3. These calming effects can also be harnessed for other stressful events like car and plane travel. In cats, the drug is excellent as a “pre-visit pharmaceutical”. Services. This makes traveling especially stressful for your feline friends. One of the most effective ways to decrease your cat’s anxiety level is to remain calm and relaxed during the visit. It’s that traumatic for them. Unfortunately, this unfamiliar experience will be very stressful for a cat. Gabapentin is extremely safe for most cats and has been proven in studies to reduce short-term stress in our feline friends. Remember, cats don’t understand how a car works! Here are a few veterinarian-approved ways to calm down your cat before a long flight or road trip. In contrast, fearful, elderly or clingy cats might find it quite traumatic to be shipped between two places on a regular basis. 6. Plan for stops at hotels that welcome cats. Any change in their regular environment is very stressful for them. Ventilation. Change the situation causing the stress. 3. Management of stress generally gives three options: 1. Once the cat has back into the carrier, keep one hand on the cat and gentle swing the door closed as much as possible. How to Travel With Your Cat in The Car (and Help Your Kitty Stress Less!) While obtaining a health certificate, please discuss the risks of air travel with your veterinarian. We know that traveling with our cats can be a little bit stressful at the best of times. Just know ahead of time that things could go awry. She firmly believes we need pets as much as they need us, and thus founded the Kristen Levine Pet Living blog, where she shows us how to live happier, healthier lives through pets. In addition, a plane is full of unfamiliar, and sometimes vaguely threatening, sounds, smells and sights. By nature, cats are independent, territorial, need to be in control of their surroundings, and sensitive to different smells – all these things make veterinary visits stressful, for both you and your cat. The first step is choosing the right carrier for your cat. So when it comes to cats, it’s important we take extra steps to ensure that: 1.) FELIWAY Classic Spray Helps make travel and visits to the vet less stressful, and helps prevent signs like scratching and spraying. Some cats, on the other hand, do experience stress when traveling. Image credit: A4Pet Soft Sided Super Lightweight Cat Carrier for Travel, Amazon. All the people, sounds and scents… it’s enough to spook even the bravest of us. Also, try keeping the litter box and house very clean and make sure she is well-hydrated, which can relieve stress and reduce or eliminate the feline urinary problems. Changing the situation may be easy – it is often appropriate if the cat shows stress in a specific situation but seems fine the rest of the time. Most people plan trips and take vacations to get away from the stress of home and work; however, very few people take travel stress into consideration. Myth #6: Staying in a Boarding Facility Will Be Way Too Stressful for My Cat. Lavender essential oils may be a good calming aid for humans, but it should not be used near or on your cat. Make sure your name, address, phone number, and final destination are in your cat’s carrier somewhere. Benadryl is safe to give to most cats, but the dosage of this medication as a cat sedative is far lower than the dose that is administered to humans. Straight away, place the cat directly into the cat carrier. An image of a cat seemingly concerned for its owner taking a bath has gone viral on Reddit.The post has been upvoted 12,600 times so far, and people can't seem to get enough of the furry feline. Exotic Shorthair. While all cat carriers must be fully ventilated, some nervous cats like to be able to see out as much as possible. Traveling with your cat does not have to be a terrible experience. One of the first step is getting the cat to feel comfortable in whatever container they are traveling. Cats like routine and comfort of their homes. Cats tend to like familiar places, so just being away from his home territory can lead to stress. We know that traveling with our cats can be a little bit stressful at the best of times. This can be cleaned off with a dilute chlorhexidine solution or gentle pet shampoo if it is difficult to remove. Keep one hand around the cat’s ribcage, take your other hand and with an open palm press against the cat’s face so they will back into the carrier. While all cat carriers must be fully ventilated, some nervous cats like to be able to see out as much as possible. These cats are among the healthiest cats in the world, which is part of the reason they travel so well. Healthy cats make great travel companions because you don’t have to worry about finding vets in various cities, and you certainly don’t have to worry about minor issues such as car or motion sickness. Special travel considerations for cats with chronic health issues and on medications Before striking out on the road for a long trip or move with a cat that’s got a chronic medical condition or is on long-term medications — like a cat with diabetes , or chronic kidney disease — there are a few steps and precautions you should take. Four-side mesh and three-side entrances, well ventilated and with good visibility, you could keep an eye on each other throughout flight. Misty and princess are my indoor cats; I take them out only to the vet. Admittedly, United is one of … The most stressful part of travel for most people actually begins before the trip, it is the trip planning stage. That way someone can contact you as soon as the flight arrives. 1. Having a nervous cat makes things worse! Cats are creatures of habit who hate having their routine disrupted, but there are things you can do to make the entire process less taxing for both cat and human. 5. If you need to travel and a car trip is not an option, always check guidelines and rules months in advance. A leash or harness is a great way to make sure we don’t get lost. Cats are not great while traveling especially when traveling in a car. This cat is going to sit still, not roam and not complain about being placed in a carrier if your travel requires that kind of carrier. They are not happy travelers and prefer to stay in their own territory. For many cats, a veterinary visit is a stressful experience. Brand new: Lowest price. Share - Necoichi Portable Stress Cat Cage Kitten Hotel Travel Carrier #13 Best Selling product in Cat Carriers & Crates Necoichi Portable Stress Cat Cage Kitten Hotel Travel Carrier. Before You Travel with Your Cat. Pet parents need to research and prepare to travel many months in advance of the trip, as the airplane cabin may be more stressful than a road trip. If your cat rides in the car to the vet once or twice a year, this transportation mode is familiar to your feline buddy. Changing the situation. FACT: Much of what a cat likes and doesn’t like depends on their prior socialization, positive experiences with people and with new adventures. Runny nose and eyes (e.g. We get hay fever; dogs get itchy skin. Guest Blogger: Kristen Levine. Most cats also hate being confined, so being stuck in a crate and unable to escape to safety piles on the stress even more. Large enough to easily fit two cats with travel litter box (Portable Cat Litter Box sold separately) Comes with easy-to-clean double sided, removable waterproof fleece mat and storage bag(Big enough to put both portable cage and Necoichi Portable Cat Litter Box sold separately) Kristen lives in Florida with her husband, dog (Chilly), two cats (Olivia and Turtle) and two … 4. If you have to leave your cat alone in the hotel room, make sure he is safe and secure – you might also leave him with an item of … Here's a helpful guide to help teach you how to travel with a cat in a car. Unfortunately, for many cats, dealing with feline urinary stress may take weeks or months to alleviate. The Exotic Shorthair is the most affectionate and loyal of cat breeds, which makes them the perfect companion pet. Start by sitting in the car with your cat in his carrier for just a few minutes, then go back inside and reward your cat with a treat. Exposure to unfamiliar environments, people and movements impacts each animal differently and poses risks that could lead to illness, injury, escape, or death. The ideal location would be a bedroom. Keep one hand around the cat’s ribcage, take your other hand and with an open palm press against the cat’s face so they will back into the carrier. It helps to lessen the fear, anxiety and aggression in cats that visit the veterinary office. Here's a rundown of the cost to fly with your cat from five top airlines: Alaskan Airlines: $100 per flight. Guest Blogger: Kristen Levine. It is also when people often begin to have financial concerns related to the trip. Benadryl is exceptionally effective for keeping cats calm. If you know for a fact that your cat will not calm down during the long travel then it is probably best to sedate them. Make vet visit less stressful. Air travel can be stressful and unpleasant enough for humans, but for cats with no control of their situation, it can be downright terrifying. All this stress and anxiety often makes the travelling experience worse for our pets. 5 Allow your cat to stretch its legs. If your cat or dog has a deep seated fear of car travel, you will need to help them realise that travelling can be a good experience. Driving is generally superior to flying, there may be boarding options available that can let your cat relax comfortably at a home away from home. For most cats who are not used to regular travel, travel equals anxiety. In some cases, just getting a cat into a carrier can result in blood loss. Since most of us don't own a suit of armor, reducing your cat's anxiety is a self-preservation exercise, if nothing else.