If your job requires traveling a lot or you simply want to take a break and go somewhere, it might not be as easy if you have a cat pet with you. And not because of the certain regulations that forbid it but simply because certain cats are not comfortable in a car or any kind of transport vehicle, and tend to get really nervous and anxious. Saying this, the whole traveling trip can turn into quite a mess, and that is why you will need to figure things out before going.
There are two options – you can either leave your cat with someone else for those few days or figure out the ways to make your cat calmer during the trip. Leaving your cat might be fine but some cats develop separation anxiety, and it can be even worse than if you took your cat along with you. On the other hand, there are ways to make your cat feel more pleasant while on the ride with some being simply a matter of practice while the others involving certain medication and sedatives. Let’s have a look at what you can do if you decide to take your cat along with you!
Source: CAT CARE WORLD
Tips On How To Calm Your Cat When Travelling
- First and foremost, your best bet is to make your cat adjust to the travel atmosphere. If you are going by car invest time in practicing your cat that car ride isn’t anything to fear off and that it can be actually pretty pleasant. Do multiple car rides with your cat in a carrier (and a thin blanket over it) and give your cat a good reward each time you are done. This method of positive reinforcement should in terms release your cat of any travel stress or anxiety.
- On the other hand, you can go and use some of the natural remedies for cat stress during traveling. Spraying your car with Feliway spray, for example, a few hours before the trip should release the calming pheromones and make your cat feel more secure. Be sure to do it at least sometime before it is time to go as if you do it by the time your cat is in the car she might already be nervous and it will not work.
- Last but not least people frequently ask about use of cat sedative for travel. And it is true that in some cases these might be the only effective option. Still, you should consult with your vet in what cases and which sedatives should you use. One of the most common cat sedatives is Diphenhydramine that is contained in a drug that even we humans use called Benadryl. It is quite effective, and a quarter of a dose for a human being should be more than enough. Along with that, Gabapentin works as a great depressant and can calm your cat for the time being usually inducing sleep. SARIs is also one of the most effective options out there but be careful as this one is known to cause nausea and it should not be given to any cat with a heart condition. Last but not least is the OTC Phenobarbital depression that should do the job as well – still be sure to once again consult with your vet before anything else. Depending on the type of cat sedative for travel you go for you can expect that your cat will at least be calmer or simply fall into sleep. If you can’t give the pill on its own, disguise it in something your cat loves, and if your dosage is right and the vet agreed on it, you shouldn’t be afraid of any possible side effects.
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Summary
Chances are if you are traveling a lot you don’t want to leave your cat alone, and you would want your pet to accompany you. If your cat develops anxiety or easily gets stressed about traveling either apply some try to get her used through practice or give her some of the safe sedatives after consulting with your vet. In the end, you want to make the trip as pleasant as possible for both of you!
