Traveling with cats by car this Easter


Felines prefer not to travel, but a number of tricks can be followed to reduce their stress in case there is no other alternative.

Cats prefer not to travel : most do not like changes of scenery, they stress in the car and fear the moment to enter the carrier. But, as in everything, there are exceptions. Some cats do enjoy, at least tolerate, car rides. Whether it is a pleasure trip or by necessity, below is a guide to get around this Easter by car accompanied by the cat. Tricks include, but are not limited to, choosing a rigid carrier, using edible treats, turning down the volume on the radio, traveling with a closed litter box, feeding it three hours before leaving, and never letting the cat get out of the vehicle .


Traveling with cats in the car: the carrier

Most cats prefer not to travel , so you do them a great favour by leaving them at home under the care of a friend, family member, or professional caregiver. But if you have no choice but to move with the feline this Easter, the first precaution is to make the journey as pleasant and less stressful as possible.

A safe and comfortable trip with cats involves choosing a good cat carrier. Most vets agree to recommend those that are rigid and have racks.

Where to put it? “You have to place the cat carrier on a seat, secured with the seat belt, or on the ground between the front and rear seats , so that it does not move and is well anchored.

Adjusting the cat carrier on the ground between the front and rear seats , transversely, so that the animal breathes without difficulty. away from hot air currents or conditioning. The reason? In a study carried out the receptacle placed on the seats with the seat belt has a risk of breaking if the speed of the car exceeds 50 km / hour during the impact .

In addition, the box must always be closed, so that the pet cannot move around the vehicle.


Cats in the car, little by little

The cat’s trips by car will be less stressful, if the animal gets used to the vehicle before the Easter holidays. To do this, you have to get used to its carrier little by little, leaving it open in the middle of the room during the previous weeks. Another trick? During this time, small trips can also be made with the feline in the car.

But in addition, the edible treats and tasty food inside the carrier can help the cat that goes by car.


Cats on board, don’t let it wreak havoc!

The trips of the feline in the car have to be smooth. 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 animal will meow at the beginning of the trip and even throughout the journey. Therefore, it is advisable to speak to the cat in a calm tone to calm them down and not remove them from the carrier , as it can be dangerous for him and for the rest of the 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 pet.


What to do during breaks on a long trip

Long car trips, when they exceed two hours of travel, force to make stops. On long trips, you have to make stops so that the cat drinks water and has the possibility of using its litter box , even if it does not always use it.

These breaks are a good time for the animal to try to relieve itself, if necessary. And a covered sandpit inside the car will be a good ally.

But it is very important that the cat does not get out of the car, even if it insists. Taking him out of the vehicle involves dangers, among others, such as getting lost. Nor can it be left alone , even less in summer. How quickly the temperature rises inside a car should not be underestimated, as cats also suffer from heatstroke , which can be fatal to these animals.


Dizziness, hormones, and meals

Some cats get dizzy during car rides, a condition made worse by stress. Placing the carrier on the floor, between the front and rear seats, can be of great help in these cases, since this way they will not be able to see out the window and will reduce their dizziness. But you have to be very careful that the area is ventilated and away from the heating duct, if the displacement is in winter.

Before starting the trip, it is also worth visiting the vet, because it can prescribe a light sedative that will help the pet to be calmer. In addition, it is convenient to vaporize the vehicle half an hour before with synthetic pheromones for cats. These hormones will make the feline travel calmer in the car and can be purchased at almost any veterinary center.

Cats that travel by car should be fed in the usual way, since a change in their diet will increase their feeling of discomfort and dizziness. But it is important to feed the feline at least three hours before setting off , to prevent dizziness.


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