Transporting your Cat
- Choose a carrier that is secure and safe
- Avoid soft carriers as they can collapse and be difficult to clear
- Avoid backpack-style, as they can cause excessive movement
- The carrier should be large enough for your cat to lie down, but snug enough that your cat does not fall around due to movement
- Carriers with removable tops make examinations at the vet much easier and less stressful
2. Train your cat to accept the carrier
- Rather than storing the carrier away when not in use, leave the carrier in a part of the house your cat likes to spend time in
- Leave the lid off, and put in blankets or pillows your cat has already slept on
- Consider using sprays such as Feliway or Pet Remedy to make the space more appealing
- With time, your cat will hopefully start to associate the carrier as a safe space
3. Travel Safely!
- Limit food and treats for a few hours before travelling to reduce nausea
- Cover the carrier with a blanket or towel
- If driving, secure the basket in the footwell of the car to reduce movement
- Make sure the car is not too hot and there is plenty of ventilation
- If walking, use a buggy or stroller, to reduce the “swinging” movement caused by walking
4. Return home gently
- Don’t overwhelm your cat on its return
- If you have other animals in the house, keep them separate initially to see their response
- Animals can smell “strange” after being at the vet, and some cats my react aggressively towards their housemates if they have been away
- Consider keeping your pets separate for a day or two until the cat who has been away smells “normal” again
5. Consider medication if needed
- If your cat suffers from travel sickness, there are medications available that can reduce this
- Sometimes even after doing everything right, cats can still be very scared and stressed when coming to the vet. In these cases, we can offer Pre-Visit Pharmaceuticals (PVPs) to help reduced your cat’s stress levels
- Talk to your vet for more information if you think medication may be appropriate for your cat
For more tips and information, visit: Cats Protection or International Cat Care
