How many times has it happened to each of us to take their cat, with the kennel, to the vet or a move or even a simple move? Surely we will have noticed that our cat has started to have strange behaviors. Dilated pupils, swollen hair and drool at the mouth. Just like humans, animals can also suffer from motion sickness. This happens especially in cats that are not used to traveling, for our cats travel is a source of stress. Very often we can meet cats that are so sick during the journey that they meow from the moment they enter the carrier until they arrive at their destination.
While on the move they tend to stay curled up and sometimes vomit or defecate. There are even cats that become aggressive and therefore it is best to avoid touching as they could scratch or even bite. Usually one of the remedies that the veterinarian recommends will be to face a drug treatment that allows the cat to experience the journey in a less stressful way. For example, you could opt for natural chemically reproduced pheromones such as Feliway, they help to counteract stress and simulate those that the cat emanates naturally.
First steps to accustom our cat to traveling in a carrier
• The cat must be accustomed to traveling more and more often to reduce stressful events. Start by taking short 10- to 15-minute car rides. Get in the car, get into the vehicle with the cat without closing it in the carrier, making it smell and setting it. Then take a pet carrier that you plan to use every time you travel and leave it closed for at least five minutes before you leave. Leave some tasty treats available inside the car and inside the pet carrier. Take an example from these little paths by getting to know your cat.
• As soon as you realize what your cat is suffering from during the trip, go to the vet and get some medicines indicated for his discomfort. It may take medications just for the vomit or some mild tranquilizers directly. Evaluate with him the best thing to do. If the cat just cries, you can safely avoid it and wait for it to stop. As long as the animal does not present real physical ailments, we avoid giving it drugs.
Bach flower drops are also a valid remedy to calm him down and make him calm. A few drops in the bowl of water every day and an absolute drop in the mouth before leaving will be enough to reassure him. Most sedatives don’t make cats totally unconscious, but they numb them. If the drug is too strong or ineffective, you must inform your vet before you leave.
The idea of taking a towel and a blanket that we will bring back to his kennel the week before leaving and which we will then move to the carrier or car to make him comfortable will certainly be excellent. Familiar smells will make him less anxious. If possible, also spray the blanket or towel with the Feliway.
• Always bring hygienic bags, absorbent paper, plastic bags and wet wipes to be able to clean up any organic waste or excrement that the animal will make.
Important: get your kitten used to traveling from an early age, both in the arms and in the cage even with the grate open, it will make it less nervous and less averse to travel.
