No one can deny that most cats detest travelling by car. The majority of cats rarely travel by car throughout their lifetimes. Most car trips are only to the vet, which gives the cat a bad image of the vehicle. Additionally, cats aren't typically taken on automobile journeys very frequently, so they might never become used to the cars.
Long excursions may likely be more distressing for your cat than short ones. Especially if you are aware that your cat becomes anxious in the car, you might feel agitated and overwhelmed if you have planned a long car trip with a pet.
Long excursions may likely be more distressing for your cat than short ones. Especially if you are aware that your cat becomes anxious in the car, you might feel agitated and overwhelmed if you have planned a long car trip with a pet.
Even though you may not be able to make your cat enjoy vehicle drives, you may be able to make him comfortable enough to make them less stressful.
Prior to the vehicle trip
A cat carrier and cat transporter are your most crucial pieces of luggage, aside from your cat, of course. Never allow your cat to ride in the car alone; not only may they distract the driver, but it's also safer for everyone if they're restrained. Additionally, if the car doors and windows are unlocked, they could quickly escape.
Make sure you have a solid, safe, easy-to-clean carrier that is big enough for the cat because they will need to travel in it for the whole of the trip. You can purchase a plastic, wire mesh, and wicker basket, but resist the urge to put it in a cardboard box if your cat defecates in it. It will become weak and crumble. Although getting the largest carrier might seem nice, some cats really prefer to feel snug, and a too-large space might make them feel uneasy. Naturally, you don't want your priceless goods to be crammed too, so make a wise choice.
Every cat is distinct, but many won't like being forced to get in a box if they have the least desire to do so. If the cat was placed in their new carriers at the last moment, they could respond with a lot of worry and discomfort. Introduce your cat to their carrier well in advance to help them get acquainted with it. They will be more content to stay inside once their voyage starts, the more time they must spend adjusting to it.
Beginning a few days to a few weeks before your trip, leave the carrier open on the floor to help your cat become used to it. It will be cozy and pleasant thanks to soft bedding, tasty catnip treats, and comforting aromas, which should entice your cat to settle in and see it as a safe haven. Plastic luggage-style cases can be disassembled, luring interested cats to jump in and take a closer look. You've already made the initial step to a safe trip with your cat when you set up a cat carrier.
Getting used to car rides
In order to help your cat stay calm, purchase some cat pheromone from your veterinarian or a pet store and spray it on the interior of the cat carriers before putting your cat inside. Add a familiar blanket and a beloved toy to make the cat's carrier as cozy as you can. Slowly acclimate your cat to driving; perhaps start with a short journey around the block. Then gradually introduce a longer trip, always concluding with attention and food as a reward. This training should ideally begin when the pet is still a kitten, so that they can become accustomed to it at an early age.
Your cat could be a little loud at first, but as you leave, things normally quiet down. Speak with the vet before you go if you know the cat is a very nervous traveler and you need to transport them somewhere by automobile. They might be able to give them a prescription for some tranquilizers drugs.
How to make your cat more comfortable during a vehicle ride
Give your cat nothing to eat an hour or two prior to your trip. A full stomach may cause them to feel queasy when traveling, which might make them even more dread the idea of taking future trips.
Place the cat carrier wherever the cats can't distract from the road and where it is snug so that the carrier remains in place if you must brake unexpectedly when driving with cats. In case they suffer an accident, it's a good idea to place a waterproof sheet underneath their basket as well.
Speaking of mishaps, carry towels, plastic trash bags, and a disinfectant safe for pets—it's better to stay safe than sorry!
If you've got a wire cat carrier that has windows on all sides, your cat might feel more at ease if you covered it in a blanket or piece of fabric. This will help make their cage feel more like a den.
Make sure your pet is not experiencing either extreme. Ensure that you never leave the cat in your vehicle on a hot day, even if only for a short while, and only do so after you are certain they are safely buckled up in their carrier and getting some fresh air. Even on reasonably moderate days, cars heat up more quickly than you may imagine, so it really isn't worth endangering your cat.
A 2-in-1 carrier/litter tray or a water bowl or bottle should always be packed in the car if the trip will last more than two hours.
If you must open the cat box while driving for any reason, make sure all the windows and doors are locked first. You don't want your cat to escape, especially in a foreign environment.
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