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Cats are finicky by nature and they can get quite attached to their surroundings. Do you ever wonder why your cat suddenly does a vanishing act when you bring his carrier out? First of all your furry feline probably senses that this is going to end up to be another trip to the family vet. Your cat does not want to get prods, pokes and possibly injections to boot.
It seems that dogs do not have the problem with traveling in a car. They like to accompany their master on outings in the car. However, travel with a cat can be quite difficult. You cat may be a pure homebody and not like to travel. Here are some ways that your can help your cat cope a little bit better.
You will find that if you have gotten your cat used to traveling at a very young age then they will tolerate the carrier and the travel much easier. You should try taking your cat for short, frequent drives if it is only to the store, a spin around the block or to visit friends. In this way, your cat will not immediately associate a car ride with a trip to the vet.
If you have trained your cat to tolerate a harness and leash, then you should try taking him on car rides to check out the nature scene a little farther than your own backyard. When your cat tolerates the shorter trips then you can begin to try longer excursions.
If you plan on being away from home for quite some time, you may consider taking your cat along so that it will relieve the stress of the two of you being separated. Perhaps you have lengthened the time of your trips with your cat and feel that he is now ready to get his feet wet and take an extended trip with you.
If you happen to be traveling outside of the country, call the animal authorities in the place that you are going to be traveling to in order to find out if there are any special vaccinations that are needed for your cat, and if there are any special documents you will need as well as other regulations concerning animals. You should apply for any papers well in advance of your travel date as International traveling papers can take some time to process.
If a quarantine is required, then I would forget about taking your cat. The stress would certainly not be worth it unless you are planning a permanent move. Make sure you see your vet for the cat to be checked over thoroughly and given any shots that are due. You should also be given some advice about sedatives as well as details about fasting before the trip. Make sure that your lodgings permit cats.
A very essential thing to have is a cat collar and identification tag that has the name of your cat, your name and your address and the phone number of not only your home but of the destination. Your cat will also need to have his harness and leash, the usual food that he eats, a bottle of his drinking water, his litter box, his bowls, a bag or two of litter, a scooper, grooming and first-aid supplies, medications, health records, and a few of his favorite toys from home.
You should not forget such cleanup supplies as paper towels and spray cleaner. If you line the bottom of the carrier with disposable diapers this will help to soak up any accidents and make cleanup that much easier.
If you are traveling by car, be sure to place in carrier in a secure spot where it will not shift around or wobble. If your cat happens to be a nervous feline, then drape a towel over the carrier but be sure not to obstruct ventilation. Playing soft music on the radio can be soothing to a cat as well as reassuring words from you.
Try to drive as smoothly as possible, and when you get to a rest stop harness your cat before you open the doors to let him stretch and use his litter box. You should always be on the lookout for heatstroke. Do not leave your cat unattended in your car for any reason.
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