Mary Allen
Transport basket there, the cat went – does that sound familiar to you? If so, these 10 tips for the stress-free transport of your cat can definitely help you.
Many cats panic just looking at their carrier. They flee and can only be caught under stress and put into the transport box. But there is another way! With a little patience and consistency, you can make the transport box palatable to your cat and make transporting it in the car as stress-free as possible. Here are 10 pieces of advice to keep in mind:
Before We Start
The choice of transport box is crucial: it must be large enough for the cat to stand up and turn around in it. Boxes that open upwards are convenient for cats and vets alike: the doctor can reach the cat more easily, and the cat perceives lifting out from above as less of a threat than reaching in from the front.
Use Before Optics
Despite their elegant appearance, half-round wicker baskets are less recommended, as they can usually only be opened towards the front, and taking the cat out can be stressful. On top of that, they are also much more difficult to clean than plastic transport boxes.
Scent Trail
The transport box should not smell like conspecifics – many cats with their fine sense of smell find this annoying. Pheromone sprays from the pet supply store can also help to make the cat feel more comfortable. To do this, simply spray the box, the blankets inside, and, if necessary, your hands with the spray before you start transporting it.
Lights Off, Silence On
Darkness conveys safety and security: place a blanket over the basket as a privacy screen. This can calm agitated cats. Important: Air circulation should continue to be guaranteed.
Everyday Cat Life
So that the transport box does not become public enemy number one, you should get your cat used to it early on and associate many positive experiences with it. Offer your cat the box as an extra place to sleep and reward your cat whenever it visits the box. However, always start this training with a new box and not with the one that the cat has already associated with bad experiences.
Mindfulness
Never try to move your cat into the carrier under stress or time pressure. It’s bound to go wrong and a cat doesn’t forget anything that easily! Schedule the appointment with the vet so that you have enough time and waiting times are short. Stay relaxed before, during, and after transport – your cat will thank you.
Pit Stop
Secure the box in the car so that the cat is not jolted through every time you brake. Avoid transporting in the closed trunk. Breaks are essential on long tours. Offer your cat fresh water and some food regularly. However, be careful not to let her escape you!
Snooze Sound
Loud music while driving can also stress cats. It is better to switch to quiet classics or special animal sound systems if you want to calm your cat with sounds. Even if it should be clear: Never leave your cat alone in the car in summer, no matter how short your errand route may be.
The Before-The-Before Pill
In consultation with the veterinarian, small bundles of nerves can be given a sedative that makes them slightly drowsy and relieves the stress of transport. Such means must be administered in good time, usually one hour before the start of the transport. They should be the last resort when cats get too worked up in their panic.
The Day After
When you get home, give your cat time to acclimatize. Keep her separate from her fellows for the time being until she has picked up the group scent again. Otherwise, their roommates may perceive them as “alien” and respond aggressively—another negative experience that’s easily avoidable.