Cats are known to prefer to stay in their own familiar surroundings. A car ride can therefore be a source of stress for your cat. Yet sometimes it may be necessary to take your cat with you, for example to the vet, on vacation or to a lodging house. In this blog we give practical tips to make transporting your cat as safe and stress-free as possible.
Cats and travel
Cats are territorial animals that Are very attached to their own environment. Leaving this safe place can quickly create tension for them. The unfamiliar sound of a moving car, the movements and the new smells do not make the experience more pleasant. For this reason, it is important to prepare the trip well and put your cat at ease as much as possible.
Travel is stressful for most cats, whether by car or by plane is. In either case, make sure you are well prepared and use aids such as a safe carrier and calming pheromones.
Safety first
Transporting a cat loose in the car is not only dangerous, but also illegal. An unexpected movement can cause your cat to panic, endangering both you and the cat. Therefore, always provide a sturdy and safe carrier. Choose a carrier that can be securely closed, but provides adequate ventilation. Also, make sure the carrier is large enough for your cat to turn around, but not so large that it slides back and forth while driving.
Getting your cat used to the car
Most cats are not used to car rides, so it is wise to acclimatize them incrementally:
- Take short rides to get your cat used to the feeling of driving.
- Place the carrier open in the house a few days before the trip so that your cat becomes familiar with it.
- Let your cat make positive associations by putting treats or toys in the basket.
Calming your cat during the car ride
During the trip, you can take a few measures to reduce your cat's stress:
- Cover the carrier with a cloth to reduce outside stimuli.
- Put on soothing music or use calming pheromones such as Feliway. Always consult your veterinarian before giving anything.
- Make frequent stops if you are taking a long drive, but never leave your cat loose in the car.
Alternative: a pet sitter through Petbnb
Are you going on vacation soon and is a long car ride with your cat really unavoidable then? Then consider whether it might be more convenient to leave your cat at home. Petbnb provides a platform where you can easily find a reliable pet sitting for your cat can find. Even a last-minute pet sitter is possible, so you can go out and enjoy your sun vacation or camping trip with peace of mind.
The great thing about Petbnb is that it feels like a vacation for your pet. Instead of a standard cat boarding facility or busy cat daycare, your cat stays in his own home and receives full-time attention from a private sitter. Here, your cat gets all the personal attention he deserves, from playtime to cuddle sessions to customized grooming. This way, your vacation will also be a cat vacation! Petbnb offers the ideal solution for those looking for a domestic alternative to a cat boarding facility.
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