ANIMALS: 5 Tips for Traveling with a Cat – Így utazz a macskáddal!

Felines are creatures of habit. They get comfortable with their daily routines, and anything that disrupts that familiarity raises a red flag. The new sounds, smells, and sensations of a car can be anxiety-inducing for your cat, so it’s important to take a few precautions before hitting the road with your furry friend. 

1. Prepare for Accidents

If a cat gets stressed enough, they may lose control over their bodily functions. Start by covering your car seats with potty training pads to be on the safe side. Depending on how long your drive is, you might want to consider bringing the litter box along. Smaller disposable boxes are sold at most local pet stores. These work great to eliminate the mess and hassle of a full-size litter box. 

2. Call Your Veterinarian

A quick call to your vet can save a lot of time and energy in the long run. Your vet is familiar with your cat’s specific medical history, and this will help them to make the best decisions regarding a plan of action. If a cat is young, healthy, and cooperative about getting in the car, your vet might suggest simple adjustments. However, if your cat gets stressed to the point of panting and yowling, it might be best to try medication. Trazadone and gabapentin are both popular choices for cats with travel anxiety. The gabapentin comes in a solution form, making it easier for your cat to ingest. It also lasts up to twelve hours. 

3. Surround Your Cat with Familiar Items from Home

Most cats have a favorite blanket, toy, or place to sleep. Bring those items along for the ride to make your cat feel more relaxed and at home in the car. This will help to offset the unfamiliarity of the trip. 

4. Try Calming Products

There are a variety of calming products on the market for cats. Calming chews have proven to be especially helpful if your cat just needs a little something to take the edge off. Another incredible product is calming spray. These sprays mimic pheromones to naturally relax your cat without sedation. These sprays come in a diffuser form as well, making them super convenient for a long trip. Be sure to double-check with your vet about any combination of drugs and homeopathic solutions. 

5. Do a Test Run

This step cannot be stressed enough. Each cat is different, and the only way to know for sure if these tactics will work is to try them. Doing a test run a few days before will eliminate some stress before a big trip and give you a better idea of what your cat might need to be at ease. Begin by letting your cat explore the car while it’s stationary. Start the car and give your cat some time to adjust to the sound of the engine. Next, drive a short distance at a slow speed. Let your cat find a comfortable and secure place in the vehicle. Some cats prefer to be able to see out of the windows. This can prevent motion sickness and make your cat feel more in control. Pay close attention to where your cat feels safest, and what seems to add stress.

Traveling with cats is never simple, but following these strategies can have a major impact on the success of your trip. Be prepared for any situation, and your cat will thank you. Rest assured, most cats get comfortable after some time and many even enjoy the ride. 

LANGUAGE POINT
TRAVELLING vs TRAVELLING

Melyik a helyes írásmód? Mi ebben a cikkben a “traveling” verziót használtuk, de a legtöbben két “l” betűvel írnák. Akkor most melyik a jó? Elárulom, hogy mindkettő. A standard amerikai angol egy “l”-t használ, tehát “traveling”, míg a brit angol dupla “l” betűvel írja, tehát “travelling”.