While cats generally strut about with the independent air of a wealthy aristocrat, turns out they’re sensitive too. Unlike dogs who can hop in a car with the wagging tail of a joyful child, cats more often need the protection and structure of a carrier. And when that carrier is most often associated with trips to the vet, it’s not always a welcome sight for your pet. To help you make the preamble and journey less stressful, here is a list of easy cat car carrier tips.
Acclimatize
When cat carriers are mostly used for one thing - the vet, or a noisy car ride - cats can get wigged out by their very presence. Acclimatize your cat to its carrier, and help give it a more positive association. Leave the carrier out in a well used space with its door open, put in a blanket, and occasionally put its food and water bowls inside. Find out more.
Scent-sitize
Cats have been said to have 14 times the sense of smell as humans. Imagine then the plastic, metal, dirt, dust, and any lingering odors a cat carrier may have picked up from the vet, the car, basement, or garage. Be sure your carrier is clean (with unscented products, especially after trips to the vet), and place items your cat has used inside to help make it smell like home. Find out more.
Prep properly for a ride
A few simple tips can make a driving experience better for your cat. Make sure to feed it an hour before leaving to avoid nausea, be sure to have one of its toys and a towel inside the carrier for comfort, and cover the door with a towel to prevent agitation from movement. Check it out.
Getting Your Cat into the Carrier
A few tips can help get your cat safely inside its carrier, especially if agitated. Pick your cat up, holding onto his/her back feet with one hand, while the other holds his/her chest, and place him/her into the carrier backward so he/she can’t see where he/she is going. If he/she struggles, wrap him/her in a thick towel to avoid scratching, then cover the carrier with a towel, and let him/her settle in for a few minutes before moving. Learn more.
Hazelview hopes this list gives you some useful cat carrier tips to help keep your cat safe and happy this summer. For more information about Hazelview Properties in your city, please visit our website.