Cat travel will surely become a sour event if you do not follow certain precautions, whatever be the mode of your travel. Be sure to meet the vet before starting on the journey. Also, consider the steps and tips for cat travel that we are going to discuss here in detail. This will make your travel much easier.
If your cat is not experienced enough for a long journey, make many small trips for a few days before your long travel. Due to this, your cat will learn that traveling is not a nasty thing and it will learn to keep its cool. To avoid the fear of a new place, you can give it the Bach Flower Essence rescue remedy. If your cat is visibly distressed, add a few drops of this essence in your cat's water for a few days. If you want to test the effectiveness of this essence on your cat, you can give an oral dose to your cat and take her for a small ride. If your cat is comfortable with the travel after the dose, you can make sure that the essence works on your cat travel.
Spray Feliway inside your cat carrier and the car twenty minutes before you start the journey. This would make the journey easier for your cat and you too. When you travel, you should keep your cat in the carrier with its harness on. Your cat might not want the litter box while traveling. Although you can give it water, it is not advisable to give food as it may create travel sickness for your cat.
When you travel, you should make your cat stretch occasionally, as your cat might want to be inside the carrier for a long time. Move your cat out of the carrier for around 20 minutes. You should try to make your cat use the litter box. She may not need it, yet still do try. It is better to spray Feliway in the rooms that you are going to stay in. You should not make the cat travel without Feliway or Feliway diffuser.
It is better to keep your cat in the carrier whenever you go out of your living place. Keep the 'do not disturb' sign board on the door when you go out. When you know that you would be out for the entire day, you should keep the cat in the bathroom and close the door. Put a notice up that says that your cat is inside.
Always bring a cardboard scratch pad or a scratching post when you travel with your cat. Your cat would normally scratch stuff such as bedspreads and curtains. The scratch pad would also let your cat stretch. Spend time with your cat in the morning and evening regularly. This would relieve the stress from both you and your cat. Do not keep your radio on at a very high volume. Your cat will get frightened.
Try to understand your cat's music sense. Try to play music of different genre like rock, heavy metal, country or reggae. Your cat might feel calm when you play country music. Try to offer her the same whenever you find some time.
You can use sedatives when you travel with your cat for easy cat travel. However, you should consult your vet about the dosage. You should keep in mind that different cats require different doses of sedatives. You can use Rescue Remedy for your cat while you are on a plane. Many airline carriers do not allow pets to be sedated while flying.