Some of us even bring our pets along on vacation, and needless to say, any travel, whether by plane, train, or car, can cause stress in your cat. The stress of being in a new, limited setting can affect even the best-behaved pets. Consider these tips before embarking on your next journey with your cat, and you’ll both have a much more pleasant experience.
Tip 1: Keep Your Cat Calm While Travelling in the Car
Finding a sturdy carrier that fastens to the seat belt is essential if you take your cat or kitten on a car trip. Drive the route you plan to take on your long trip in increments of no more than an hour.
Your cat will require training, and you should identify what stresses it. Does your cat get upset when you play music too loudly? Could he benefit from having a blanket over the carrier to block out strange sights? Is he able to relax with the help of a podcast? Never leave your cat in a parked car, regardless of the weather.
You can try out Furinaid Plus from Vetina in this case. It contains L Tryptophan, an amino acid that is the precursor to neurotransmitters serotonin and melatonin. These play a role that improves mood, relieves stress and anxiety during moving out from the house or travelling long distances, weather changes, or when the household routine is disrupted, and superbly manage behavioural change and aggression.
Tip 2: Your Cat Should Not Be Fed in The Hours Before a Trip
Wait to feed the cat in the morning before departure. Because of the cats’ susceptibility to motion sickness and other stressful occurrences, an empty stomach may be the best travel companion for your cat. It is also true for any mode of transportation, including air, road, or rail.
Tip 3: Throw on Some Calming Music and Turn on the Diffuser
The cat must be sprayed with a sedative and a spray to prevent scratches for at least 15 minutes before being placed in the carrier. If you spray the inside of the transporter once or twice in each corner, as well as the floor and ceiling, that should do the trick. These items emit an odourless vapour that has the same calming effect as your cat’s pheromones.
Your pet’s stress is reduced with Soft Music days with travel, where there is loud noise, or numerous new people. It relaxes the animal and stops it from getting overly enthusiastic, which reduces aggression and other stress-related behavioural changes.
Tip 4: Get A Cat Confinement Collar for Your Feline Friend Before You Leave the House
Check that the collar fits snugly around the cat’s neck, with no more than a two-finger space between the two. In conjunction with the control spray, the collar’s relaxing pheromones can help keep your pet quiet and in check. Your cat’s safety is ensured with a quick-release mechanism that can be activated if the collar becomes trapped in something.
The unfamiliar sights and sounds in the guest room could cause your cat discomfort, manifesting as destructive behaviour like spraying or scratching. Bring a soothing aromatherapy diffuser to help set the tone when you’re staying with friends, family, or in a hotel.
Tip 5: Add Some Soothing Scents
It’s not uncommon for cats to take some time to become used to their new surroundings. Make your cat more comfortable by bringing a diffuser filled with scents from home. Make sure to bring along his favourite toy, blanket, or cat bed.
Your cat deserves a comfortable and stress-free journey, so make preparations. If you put in the time and effort to learn, your cat will be very appreciative.
Tip 6: If Your Cat Accepts the Carrier, Carrying It Will Be Easier
You’ve gotten your cat a great carrier; now teach it to like it. No longer will it be a mysterious black box only seen at the vet. If you want your cat to accept a carrier, try these methods.
- The room where you spend the most time is where your cat will spend most of its time. If your cat is scared of the carrier, introduce small sections at a time.
- Load the carrier with treats, catnip, and toys. Your cat will get used to the carrier at home. Playing with your cat in the carrier may help them like it.
- Comfort the carrier. The carrier will smell like home, creating a calming and secure environment. Put your scent inside.
- Offer a treat to your cat to encourage carrier use. Reward your cat with a treat when it enters the carrier.
- Worth the wait. Never chase or entice your cat into a carrier. The cat should choose to enter the carrier.
- Food and toys can coax your cat into the carrier when you need to take it to the vet. Instead of forcing your cat through the aperture, disassemble the carrier and place it inside carefully.
Tip 7: If You Want Your Cat to Relax, Make Sure the Car Is Calm
We all have our ways of mentally preparing for potentially tricky situations. Some of us might go for a run or listen to hard metal, while others could meditate or listen to classical music.
All in all, our feline friends are no different from others, except that they rely on us to maintain peace. Here are some ways to ease your cat’s travel woes.
A cat will likely respond well to classical music or purring sounds being played into its ears. In such a scenario, purr apps are top picks. It is essential to get the automobile to a comfortable temperature for your cat before bringing it inside.
Conclusion
In addition to the tips mentioned earlier, you can train your cat to enter into their carriers on cue and gladly accept automobile trips by breaking down the behaviour into tiny steps and increasing requirements at a rate the cat is comfortable with. If your cat has trouble travelling, your vet can prescribe medication to reduce anxiety and prevent motion sickness.
