June 27th, 2008
Cats Belong In a Carrier | Tips for Trips
Cats Belong In a Carrier | Tips for Trips
Submitted by Kyler Horris
Without proper planning travelling with your pet by car can spell disaster.
Here are some tips that will make it easier during a car trip for you and your cat.
First I must say that all animals should be kept in a confined space during travel by car. The easiest way to transport a cat is in a plastic or wire pet carrier. There are also cardboard carriers, but they can be chewed through in no time. So my advice would be to use a proper carrier, especially on those longer trips. You will find that in the long run it is a good investment.
Don’t be driven by guilt knowing that your ‘friend’ is in a carrier until you reached the destination. From past experience I know that cats who are on the loose in cars may crawl under the seats or even under the foot pedals and don’t forget their heads can get caught in the window trying to escape. Your safest bet is to leave him/her in a pet carrier.
Car noises are scary, so try avoiding to put the carrier on the floor. If at all possible, place the pet carrier on the passenger seat next to you. A slanted seat can easily be levelled (maybe with a rolled towel) in order to get the cat as comfortable as possible. The radio should be on low or even turned off.
Most cars have air-conditioning these days. If the air vents point in the cats direction for the cat to get some cool air, make sure it is not blasting with cold air. And remember not to leave the cat in the carrier in the sun.
Make sure that your cat has his/her own cat food and plenty of water. It is best keep the situation as familiar as possible, so that your cat is less bewildered.
Just a thought, maybe it’s a good idea to feed your cat at the end of your journey, rather than at the beginning.
Don’t forget litter, pan, scoop and disposable bags. Even if you are visiting someone with cats, bring your own cat’s litter. Cats can be very temperamental about having their own.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
NEVER LEAVE ANY ANIMAL IN AN UNATTENDED VEHICLE - ESPECIALLY IN THE SUMMER MONTHS - ANIMALS MAY OVERHEAT, WHICH OFTEN RESULTS IN DEATH!
Just to give you an idea of carriers. Click on the links below:
www.www.zoo plus.co.uk
www.thepetextraordinarium.co.uk/
www.www.cat-alog.com
