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Can I make my cat comfortable in the car?
When i first got him I used a box that had some holes, he quickly grew to dislike and fear the box. Also he grew out of it, Last year we had to move further away from the vet so now the car ride is 2x-3x longer. I don't want to switch vet as the people there are awesome, but i must do something. This last time i put him in my lap and wrapped my jacket around us both. he mostly kept his head down, with one eye poking out. I know its not safe for me to hold him in my arms when my dad is driving. Like what if we got in an accident. But i don't have the heart to stick him in a caring crate as he would be a lot more fearful. Do you have any idea?
Also it seems the sudden assault of smells scares him more than the visual. Is there anything i can do for that as well?
Asked by
Black Thorne
on Feb 27th 2011
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in Fears & Phobias
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They are so much safer in their carrier than they are loose. Anything can happen. My father in law was on his way back from the groomer and his car was hit at a traffic light. Thank Goodness Daisy was safe in her carrier. It is also safer walking in and waiting in the waiting room so he can not run off and get hurt. I would leave the carrier out and open at home all the time for him to be so used to seeing it that it is not a scary place to be. Mine actually take naps and play in theirs. I have a soft blanket inside. And then on the way to the vet, you can sit in the back seat with the carrier next to you and talk to him. Touch him through the mesh or bars or whatever opening yours has. A moving car is a scary place. Even mine who are all very calm and ok with being at the vet cry all the way there in the car. It is at least a 20 minute drive to mine and I have to go on the highway. It seems to calm them if I let them push their face against my hand and talk to them.
Allie
answered on 2/27/11.
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Leaving the carrier out and open at home, like the other poster said, will help the most. Mine also play and sleep in their carriers. Draping a sheet or towel over the carrier when your kitty is inside will have a calming effect. Pet supply stores sell a spray called Feliway, that mimics their natural phermones. When cats rub on objects, they release chemical signals that let them know that object is "safe." Spray the Feliway inside the carrier an hour or so before the trip. Sprinkle catnip in the carrier for the ride and put a nice soft blanket inside so that he has something to hide under when he gets scared. Best of luck!
Dahlia
answered on 2/27/11.
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