Reducing Your Cat's Stress In A Car
Most cats do not care for riding in the car, which can make it hard for you to bring your furry friend to the vet or cat hotel. While it might seem that there is no way around the fear and anxiousness your pet feels, there are ways to make the trip more comfortable. Try the following suggestions when you’re next planning to transport your cat.
How to Keep Your Cat Calm During Transport
1. Use The Correct Size Carrier
Whenever traveling with your cat, they should be safely secured inside a carrier at all times. It needs to be big enough for them to stand up, stretch, and turn around. It should also offer plenty of ventilation. Place a comfortable blanket or padding inside to prevent them from sliding around. Don’t forget to replace that small-sized kitten carrier with a larger one as your kitty grows into adulthood!
2. Make Their Carrier Familiar
House cats are very consistent. They like to eat, drink, and sleep in the same familiar spots. Introducing new locations or objects can cause some confusion and take a little time to adjust. Placing them inside a carrier once every few months can cause anguish because they are trapped inside a place they don’t recognize.
Avoid this stress by leaving their carrier in a spot they like to frequent, such as that favorite sunny place on the floor or near a window. They will inspect it and, eventually, with the help of their favorite toys and treats, they won’t see it as a foreign object and will enter it willingly. Always keep it positive and fun when they are around their carrier!
3. Take Your Time & Stay Calm!
One of the most important steps of getting your cat used to a calm carrier experience is by yourself remaining calm at all times. Your cat knows you very well and will sense any anxiety that you have about transporting them. It is the responsibility of you as the owner to take ownership of the calmness you want your cat to feel.
Do not rush! Plan how long it will take to get to your destination and add 10-15 minutes to your carrier prep time at home.It is very important not to rush, because you will also become anxious and stressed. Take a few deep breaths and remain calm before searching for your kitty in the house to get them ready for the carrier. Once you find your cat, praise and pet her, and gently place her in your arms. You may need to lightly scruff the back of the neck in order to calmly paralyze her while placing in the carrier if there is any sense of resistance or anxiety while going in the carrier. Praise your cat in a happy voice after the carrier is closed.
4. Stay In Sight
If you’ve ever had to travel with your cat out of a carrier, they probably spent the trip climbing on top of you. This is very dangerous, as it distracts you from being a safe driver and your kitty is not in a secure space. It is safer to take your fluffy friend to their destination in their crate. Try to place it where they can see you through the gate or holes in the siding, preferably in the front seat buckled in. This way, they’ll be less likely to feel like they’re being abandoned. Also, try to talk to them, especially if they are meowing, as the sound of your voice will offer some comfort.
*Pounce Tip* Ask a professional to demonstrate how to place your cat in a carrier when you initially adopt them. Beginning the proper technique from when they are a baby will ensure carrier transportation will be easy over their entire lifetime.
