How to Calm a Cat to Travel
Cats are creatures of habit, and many of them are stressed out by car travel. If you have attempted to take your cat for a car ride, she may have protested by scratching, meowing, hissing or even splaying out her limbs to prevent you from putting her into a carrier. To prevent these problems in the future, you can calm your cat with different kinds of positive reinforcement and, if necessary, prescription drugs.
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Things You'll Need
- Cat carrier
- Litterbox
- Treats
- Catnip
- Blanket
- Cat pheromone spray
- Prescription anti-anxiety medication
Instructions
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Select an appropriate carrier for your cat. Make sure it is large enough so your cat can stand up and turn around. Choose a carrier with a secure latch and side air vents so that your cat has plenty of fresh air to breathe.
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Place the carrier in your cat's favorite room, and put her favorite blanket and toy inside. Sprinkle catnip inside the carrier and add a treat from time to time. This will cause your cat to associate her carrier with positive stimuli.
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Spray the inside of your car with a cat pheromone spray, available at most pet stores.
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Take your cat on a few short, five to ten minute trips in the car before going on a big trip.
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Keep your cat in her carrier at all times. Place the carrier on the floor of the car, or buckle the carrier in to a seat.
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Talk to your cat in a calm voice to soothe her as you drive.
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Stop frequently on long trips to give food and water to your cat, and allow her to use her litterbox.
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Ask your veterinarian about a prescription drug that can calm your cat during travel if she continues to show signs of anxiety.
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References
- Photo Credit cat image by tnk333 from Fotolia.com
