Never leave your cat in the car! Cars heat up fast and in only a matter of minutes, your cat’s life could be in danger.Worried that your cat will hate the carrier? Try these steps to help your cat like his carrier at the start of your travel planning. Keep your cat in the carrier: Restrain your cat while in the car avoid accidents and keep him safe.Also, give her some food and water (unless your veterinarian directs you to do otherwise). Before you drive off: Exercise your cat by playing with her before you leave.Prepare for stress: If your cat tends to be easily stressed, talk to your vet about possible medical help.Confirm your hotels: Call and confirm that any hotels where you’ll be staying will also allow your cat.Pack extra supplies: If your cat needs any special food or medicines, be sure to pack extra to avoid emergencies.Plan pit stops: Plan to stop every 2-3 hours to give your cat water and access to the litter box.Don’t forget to also check that your cat’s microchip information is up-to-date. Check identification: Check that your cat is wearing an easy-to-read tag on his collar.Talk with your veterinarian: Check that your cat is healthy enough to travel and learn what to do if your cat gets carsick.So get him used to the route you take to and from the vet’s office by following the same routine described above, rewarding calm behavior. Practice driving to your vet’s office: If your cat’s like mine, he can tell where you’re headed from the twists and turns of the road.Once you’re in a safe place to stop, pull over and give your cat a treat if he’s done well. Practice driving at different speeds and around corners: After your cat’s a pro at driving around your neighborhood, try driving one exit on a highway and/or a short distance on a winding road.Having a second person to give your cat treats while you drive can help. If your cat did well on that short trip, repeat the process, gradually increasing the distance you drive and rewarding your cat for staying calm. After he’s eaten the treat, bring him back inside and let him out. Practice driving around the block: Once your cat can stay calm while you have the engine on for a few minutes, try driving around the block, then give your cat a treat.Add this to your routine, rewarding calm behavior with treats and stopping when you observe nervous behavior. Practice turning on the engine: After your cat learns that sitting in the carrier in the car is okay, try turning on the engine before giving him treats.When you bring him back into the house, let him out calmly and without fanfare. If he seems upset or tries to get out, don’t give him a treat and try again with less time in the car. Repeat, gradually increasing the amount of time he has to wait in the car until he gets treats. If your cat is calm, give him his favorite treat. Strap him in with a seatbelt and sit next to him. Practice getting in the car: Bring your cat, secured safely in his carrier, out to your car (with its engine off). ![]() (Never give your cat medication without asking your vet first.) If you suspect that your cat is getting motion sickness, your vet may recommend a medication such as Dramamine to treat nausea. Symptoms include drooling, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Rule out motion sickness: If your cat already has difficulty traveling in the car, ask your vet whether your cat could be getting motion sickness. ![]() If your cat is past kittenhood, don’t worry: Adult and senior cats can still learn to tolerate car rides. Start young: Kittens usually adjust to new experiences and surroundings more easily than an adult or senior cats, so start the travel-training process as early as possible.The process takes some time and patience, but it’s worth it. Then, once your cat is comfortable in his carrier, the next step to reducing the stress of vet visits (or travel in general) is to create positive car associations for your cat. But for some, it’s the worst thing that could ever happen to them (according to them, at least).īefore embarking on a road trip, first spend some time getting your cat to like the car. ![]() For many cats, riding in the car is unpleasant.
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