Make Your Cat Feel Comfortable When Traveling

Unlike dogs, whom seem to enjoy rides with their owners for adventure away from the home front, cats do not feel so comfortable leaving the comforts of home even for a little while. Trying to go for a ride with your cat can be quite an adventure in itself. By nature cats can be pretty picky and grow rather fond of their surroundings. There are many reasons why your cat doesn’t enjoy traveling. Maybe they view the carrier as a restrictive punishment or the thought of going to the vet with his tools and practices are enough to scare your cat. For whatever reason, there are some things that you can do to help your cat feel more comfortable about traveling.

One way to have travel for your cat made easier is by traveling with your cat during the early stages of their life. Start out with short trips. A ride just around the block or a trip to the store are good places to start. These short trips should be done fairly often so that your cat can get used to travel and not be so nervous and anxious. You and your cat may want to venture past your backyard and check out the beautiful nature scenes after your cat has gotten used to wearing a leash and harness. You can try taking your feline friend on longer trips away from home and their cat furniture once they are comfortable with the small trips.

In the situation of spending long periods of time away from your home, you may wish to bring your cat along. This way the feeling of being separated is avoided for both you and your cat. For international travel you may need to check and see if there are any special accommodations needed. These special accommodations may include documents, vaccinations or any other accommodations needed for your cat. In the cases of quarantine, it may be easier for you to leave your cat behind this time. The stress that is involved with quarantine just would be too much unless you were looking to permanently relocate. Before you engage in the travel, have your cat visit the vet for any check ups and shots that your cat may be due for. Also make sure to ask about sedatives. You want to call ahead and make sure that the place of stay permits animals.

Information such as your cats name, your name, your personal residence address and the address of the your destination should be printed on an identification tag attached to a cat collar. This is a very important item. Let’s not forget luggage for your cat. Items that will be needed for your cat may include things such as foods that he likes, drinking water, leash and harness, bowls for the food and water, litter box and litter, scooper, some of his favorite toys, medical records, medications, first aid and grooming supplies. To clean up any spills and general cleanliness paper towels and some spray cleaner. Placing some disposable diapers in the bottom of the carrier will make cleanup easier and quicker.

When traveling by vehicle, be safety conscious. Prevent shifting and rocking by placing the carrier in a very secure spot. With out blocking ventilation you may place a towel over the carrier to ease your cat and give him some comfort. Talking in soft calm tones or even soft music playing over the radio can help your cat to relax. At each stop you make on your trip put a leash and harness on your cat and allow him to stretch his legs. Your cat should never be left unattended in your vehicle for any reason. Humidity that can build up in the vehicle can cause your cat to have heatstroke.

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No Pets As Gifts

Can’t think of the perfect gift for your animal-loving friend or family member? How about a new cat or dog? How about, no way! Pets should be chosen by the recipient, when they are ready to adopt one. Dogs and cats are not objects that can be gift-wrapped, and handed over to someone.

Giving a dog or cat to a child in the same manner you would give a book or a doll can give them the wrong idea about that animal’s worth. While other gifts may be returned or exchanged if they are not right, a pet is not a toy, not an article of clothing or decorative object. Toys are often forgotten in the weeks after the holiday, things are misplaced. It’s fine to buy a dog or cat for your child, but make it a family event, and do not tell the child it is a “gift”.

The person you want to give an animal to has to be ready to make a commitment to the care of that animal. The potential new owner should be able to choose the animal that they are going to commit themselves to. An animal is a living, feeling creature, and cannot be abandoned when one gets bored of it. All too often the attraction fades as the adorable puppy or kitten grows into an adult animal.

Rather than purchase the animal outright, why not come up with a creative way to help the person with the choice and/or purchase of his new pet? For example, you can give any of the necessary and useful accessories and gear that the new pet owner will need.

Create or purchase a gift certificate to an animal shelter, rescue group or breeder. Be sure the person truly wants an animal before giving a gift certificate, as they may not be refundable. Offer to take your friend to one of these places if transportation is an issue.

Other ideas could include gift certificates to training classes, groomers or veterinarians. Give gifts of books or videos. If the pet is to be for the family, wrap up a stuffed version, with a card that promises an outing to your local shelter on a date after the holidays.

Unless you are planning a very quiet one, holidays are not the best time to bring a new pet into the home. There is usually a lot of activity in the home, and stress levels may be high. It is difficult to give the pet the attention it needs. There may be more noise and people in the house than usual, which can be stressful and confusing for the animal.

Doors may be opening often, and a frightened animal could easily escape. There also may be additional hazards in the house, such as Christmas trees and decorations, ribbon bedecked packages, lit candles and an abundance of food on counters and tables. After the holidays, when there are two to three quiet days with at least one person home all day is the best time to get your new pet. If your new pet is a puppy, it will need to be housebroken. That will be much easier if you can be giving the dog your total attention. You also have a better chance of bonding with your new friend if there aren’t a lot of other distractions for both of you.

Getting a pet is an exciting event, but since anticipation can be just as sweet, the promise of the gift to come will be just as welcome.

Elyse Grau has written many articles on pet health and care. She was a pet-care columnist for her local paper. See her website Pet Health Resource for more information on caring for your dog. http://www.pethealthresource.com

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