Added: 06/23/2007 |
Tips On Helping Your Cats Travel Experiences Be Pleasant And SafeSo many hotels and villas nowadays are allowing pets to accompany their owners on their vacations. This works out wonderful for those of us who would rather take our beloved friends with us instead of boarding them while we are away. Traveling with your pet can be tricky at times and safety is a primary concern as well as comfort for you and your pet. Cats travel a little differently than dogs do, so knowing the best ways and the safest ways to travel with your cats should be a priority.
The first thing you should do is find a good quality, reliable and sturdy cat carrier for use on your cats travels. A type made of plastic that is rigid with fittings made of metal will work the most efficiently and can be cleaned easily. If you and your cat are going to be traveling on an airplane then you need to inquire with the specific airline about pet regulations and specification of your cats’ carrier size and needs.
It is safest when you are traveling in a car with your cat, that it remain within the carrier the entire trip. This way there is no risk of danger from them escaping when a door is opened or jumping on you or clawing you while you are driving which could result in an accident.
Place a nice, comfortable fleece throw or pet padding made of fleece inside their carrier for softness. This will make your cats travel more relaxed and less stressful. You should always be sure to keep plenty of baby wipes, small garbage bags and extra bedding materials in the trunk while traveling with your cat in case of an unexpected accident they may have inside their carrier. These will come in handy for a quick and easy clean up.
It will work the best for you and your cats travel id they have a stomach that is empty and have not been fed for at least six hours before the beginning of your trip. This will cut down the risk of vomiting, nausea and diarrhea that could occur if they get anxious or nervous while riding. Keep water for them out at all times though to prevent them from becoming dehydrated. Bring a small cooler if traveling by car to hold bottled water for you and your cat and a small bowl for them to drink out of when you take a small break from the road. This will help you and your cat travel more healthy.
Make sure your cat has on a brightly colored collar with a tag that give their information and your contact information as well, in case something does happen and they are lost while traveling.
Some of the airlines today will let 1or 2 small pets in the cabin per flight when traveling. Carriers made of canvas and Sherpa that can be handled easily and stowed underneath the airplane seat comfortably work the best to ensure the best for your cats travel experience and yours.
If your cats travel has to be in the cargo area of the airplane, for an extra measure of safety place duct tape around the bottom and the top of the cat carriers door opening joints, this will ensure that while traveling and being moved from areas the door will not inadvertently come open and your cat escape.
Make plans regarding your accommodations ahead of time, this will help you be sure of their pet policies and let them know you are bringing your furry friend along to enjoy the vacation as well. Check the room once inside for any dangers to your cat such as cords that are dangling cords, open doors or windows and anything you think they could get stuck or hurt on.
A great tip when your cats travel is by car with you is to bring along their cleaned litter pan with the litter they normally use at home, this will help them be familiar and avoid any unnecessary accidents on the floors of your room. You should be sure and bring them plenty of their own pet food as well, since changing their diet from the normal could result in diarrhea or vomiting.
The biggest tip to remember is to never, ever leave your cat unattended, no matter what the weather is like inside of your vehicle. This could be life threatening to them.
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