Felines are not friends to travel, but using pheromones, anchoring their carrier in the car and avoiding dizziness are tricks that help them
Most cats are not traveling friends, and many prefer to stay at home, in the care of a friend or professional, during the holidays. But how do you travel with your cat if you have chosen a suitable accommodation for it? There are tricks that help you do it, not only during the holidays but also during a move. Any ideas? These are explained in six steps, how to start the car, place the carrier correctly , not shout and put the music at low volume, avoid dizziness and use pheromones for felines combined with light, non-dangerous sedatives , so that the trip is calmer for the animal.
1. Traveling with cats: carrier in the car
A safe trip with cats involves choosing a good carrier. Most vets agree to recommend those that are rigid and have racks, as they are safer.
But where to place the carrier in the vehicle? If possible, on the ground, securely attached, behind the front seats. But it is important to ensure that the cat does not receive the direct air conditioning (or heating) blast.
Another option? In the back seat of the car: the receptacle must be well anchored with the seat belt, so that it does not move in the event of sudden braking. And of course, it must always be closed (be careful, because some open easily, and can be dangerous in the event of sudden braking), so that the cat cannot move around the car.
2. Cats and cars, can they be friends?
Traveling with cats by car before the holidays helps them calm down
Cat trips by car are less stressful if the cat gets used to the vehicle before the holidays. A good advice to travel with felines by car is to put an edible treat in the carrier and make small tours with the animal inside during the weeks before the trip.
3. Soft talk and low music
Travel with felines by car should be calm. The volume of the stereo should be low and the windows of the vehicle turned all the way up, to avoid that the noises of the road can frighten you even more.
The cat will meow at the beginning of the journey and even throughout the journey. For this reason, it is advisable to speak to them in a calm tone to calm them down and not remove them from the carrier, as it can be dangerous for him and other travellers.
What is the best way to ventilate the car when a feline is traveling? With air conditioning or air conditioners, as they are not noisy and keep the vehicle at a suitable temperature for all occupants, including the animal.
4. Stops without leaving the car
Long trips with a cat, when they exceed two hours of travel, require stops. These breaks are a good time for the animal to try to relieve itself, if it wants to. And a covered sandbox will be a good ally. On long trips, you have to make stops so that the feline drinks water and has the possibility of using his litter box , even if he does not always use it.
But it is very important that the cat does not get out of the car, even if it insists. Neither with a strap nor a harness. A stressed cat is unpredictable, and it is easy to slip out of the harness. Taking the animal out of the vehicle implies dangers, among others, that it gets lost.
But beware! You should never leave them alone in the car , even less in summer. It should not be underestimated how quickly the temperature rises inside a vehicle, since cats also suffer from heatstroke , which can be fatal for these animals.
5. Sedatives and pheromones
If the cat becomes dizzy on the trip, feed it three hours before and use sedatives or pheromones.
Before starting the journey, it is worth visiting the vet, because it can prescribe a light sedative for felines (some come in the form of comfortable pipettes), which will contribute to a calmer trip.
In addition, before traveling with cats, it is advisable to vaporize the vehicle half an hour before with synthetic pheromones for felines. These hormones will make the cat travel more calmly in the vehicle. They can be purchased at almost any veterinary center.
6. How to avoid cat dizziness?
Some cats get dizzy during car trips, even as a result of stress. In these cases, it helps them to place the carrier on the floor – taking care that the area is ventilated and away from the heating duct, if the trip is during winter – between the front and rear seats. This way they will not be able to see out the window and their dizziness will be reduced.
In any case, traveling cats should be fed in the usual way, since any change in their diet can increase their feeling of discomfort and dizziness. But it is important to feed the cat at least three hours before the trip
Have you ever traveled with your cat by car and want to share your experience and advice? You can do it in the comment section. Thanks!
