Travelling with cats
We all know that cats are not the happiest of travellers and prefer their usual routine to any “surprise” outings, especially when this outing takes them to the vet!
But how can you minimise stress when travelling with cats?
Use a cat carrier
Using a cat carrier is the safest way to travel with your cat, and it’s guaranteed to make her feel much more secure. Cats like to hide in small spaces, especially when stressed, so having a comfortable place for your cat to stay will help keep her calm. For cats, the production of a carrier usually means a trip to the vet’s, so they are often not too keen to get into it! So take your time to let your cat become accustomed to the carrier well before your journey. Make it a pleasant place to be – feed your cat treats inside it and make a cosy bed of familiar smelling bedding which can be used on the journey. Leave the door open and encourage your cat to go in and out and to sleep in the carrier. Then, when it comes to the actual journey, your cat is at least familiar with its immediate environment.
If you have more than one cat, it is better to give them separate carriers which allows better air flow, more room and less chance of overheating. Even the best of friends may become stressed during a journey and behave in an uncharacteristic way such as becoming agitated with each other. Separate carriers will prevent any injury. If your cats can see and hear each other they may be comforted by that.
Once your cat is in the carrier and comfortable, make sure it’s secured so it doesn’t bounce or move around. Even if you’re not in an accident, hard turns and stops will send the carrier flying all over the seat – something that’s definitely scary if you’re the cat inside! Make sure your cat feels secure and isn’t troubled by too much movement.
Practice makes perfect
If you’re traveling by car, try taking short drives with your cat in his carrier as practice runs. The more you practice and the more he learns that traveling isn’t scary or dangerous, the better your trip will be, come time for the real thing. Make sure he’s used to being in his carrier first and start with very short trips before you make them longer.
Travel on an empty stomach
A hungry cat will likely be an unhappy cat, but you don’t want an overly full tummy on a long journey. Not only could this bring discomfort to you cat, your cat might end up vomiting or having diarrhoea. Motion sickness does happen in animals, so be prepared and feed your cat 3-4 hours before travel time. There will be a snack waiting for your cat at your Longcroft hotel.
Feliway all the way
Feliway helps keep your cat calm and relaxed. Spraying it on the bed or blanket you put in the carrier will help your cat feel more at home.
Never leave your cat alone
Not only can leaving your cat alone during a car trip make him feel frightened and abandoned, it can also be dangerous. Cars heat up very quickly, even with the windows slightly open. Overheating can quickly lead to illness and death!
All is well that ends well
When the exciting journey is over, give your cat some time alone to calm down and get used to her surroundings once more.
