celebratingour 2 0 thyear - The Parklander Magazine

THE JOY OFCar Trips withCATSPET TALKBy Dr. Jerry PicoAnyone that has had the experience of taking their lovable kitty caton a car trip to the veterinary clinic will surely have interesting stories.Just bringing out the crate will probably cause noticeable reactionin your cat. Traveling with your cat on a long road trip is theultimate testament of love for your cat.Your cat’s temperament is a major factor in how the experience will turnout. Some cats do fine, even sunning themselves in the back window,while others “freak out” to the point of soiling themselves. My cat is inthe latter group. He knows something is up as soon as the crate is broughtout. He hides, the difficulty continues as we attempted to place a spreadeaglecat into the crate. He used to howl and pant all the way to ourdestination. I am glad to say that he eventually learned to accept theyearly routine with peaceful resignation.It is highly recommended to always transport your cat in a carrier. A loosecat in the car may jump on your lap or even between car pedals and pose adriving hazard. In addition, there are many stories about cats darting out anopen window or door, never to be found. The carrier must be comfortableand adequate for the size of your cat. Place a clothing item inside with yourscent or a home-scented blanket to help decrease the anxiety level. Lightsedatives are available from your veterinarian. Although not always effective,it is worth a try. Never give your pet human medication without firstconsulting with your veterinarian since some human drugs may be toxic.The best method to place a reluctant cat in a carrier is bottom-first. Werecommend placing the carrier on its back end so that the door faces up.Then hold your cat gently in your arms and place him hind feet first intothe carrier. This procedure might not work with some savvy cats. Youmay also try wrapping your cat loosely in a blanket, burrito-style, beforeplacing in the carrier.It is unlikely your cat will eat, drink, or use the litter box while the car is inmotion. We find that a light meal the night before an early morning tripis sufficient until the next stop in order to prevent car sickness. Offerwater and present the litter box at pit stops, but preferably feed uponarriving at your first overnight stop. Arriving at a hotel or motel mayprove to be a calming experience for your cat. Just be sure your cat doesnot wander under the bed or other hiding place that you might havedifficulty to pull it out of before check-out.Remember to pack patience. Your cat does not understand what ishappening; its safety and comfort area has changed. Constant reassurancewith a soft voice and touch might help. Take short car rides with your catweeks before the trip, then reward with treats upon returning home. Withlove and patience, your cat will realize that home is where ever you are.Dr. Jerry Pico is a graduate of Iowa State University School of VeterinaryMedicine, and is the owner and sole veterinarian of Abacus AnimalHospital in Coral Springs.Pack all necessary pet supplies when planning a long trip. Food, bottledwater, bowls, litter box and litter, paper towels, extra blankets for the carrier,prescribed medication and medical records should all be packed whentraveling with your pet. It is a good idea for your pet to be up to date withvaccines in the event you might need to board your pet during the trip.The best method to place a reluctant cat in a carrier is bottomfirst…holdyour cat gently in your arms and place him hindfeet first into the carrier. This procedure might not work withsome savvy cats. You may also try wrapping your cat loosely ina blanket, burrito-style, before placing in the carrier.the PARKLANDER107