Seven Helpful Tips for Transporting Cats

Transporting a cat from point A to point B isn’t always a walk in the park. Many felines are hesitant to leave their territory, especially if they know they’re going to the veterinarian’s office. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be a struggle. These are some of the best ways to transport your cat to make the process as smooth as possible:

• Buy the right-sized carrier: Cat carriers come in all different sizes for a reason—felines need plenty of space to operate if they’re going to be comfortable during their car ride. The carrier should be large enough for the cat to move around and big enough to hold a small water or food bowl.
• Leave the carrier open at home: One of the best ways to transport your cat actually starts before transportation begins. Keeping the carrier door open at home allows cats to get a little more comfortable with it before their journey. If this is done often enough, cats may even come to think of their carrier as a second home.
• Place a blanket in the carrier: Putting a blanket inside the cat’s carrier won’t just make the carrier more comfortable, it’ll actually make the cat more willing to go inside. Cats love their own smell, so they’ll be attracted to the carrier if their favorite blanket is ready for them inside.
• Calmly place the cat in the carrier: Even if a cat likes spending time in their carrier, getting them to go inside before a trip can be a struggle. Be as calm as possible when placing the cat in the carrier, and never rush to force them inside. Forcing a cat to do anything can make the whole ordeal a lot worse.
• Secure the carrier in the backseat: A carrier that’s slipping and sliding around the car will only make the cat more nervous. One of our best tips for cat transporting is to buckle the carrier in to ensure there’s as little movement as possible during the trip.
• Be careful while carrying: The no-movement tip continues once it’s time to carry the cat into the vet’s office. Hold the carrier firmly but gently to prevent the cat from sliding around inside. Again, more movement leads to more stress.
• Keep the carrier covered at the vet: Cats are naturally curious and will likely want to see what’s going on once they’re in the waiting room. But seeing other cats can be stressful and cause panicking. Placing a blanket or sheet on top of the carrier blocks the cat’s view and keeps them calm.

Visit Kingstowne Cat Clinic for comprehensive cat care

Now that you know these tips for cat transporting, it’s time to choose the right vet for your furry friend. For that, look no further than Kingstowne Cat Clinic. We specialize in felines, so there’s no worry about your cat interacting with frightening dogs. Whether you need to schedule cat boarding, a simple wellness exam or a routine surgery, be sure to choose our office.

Categorised in: Cat Tips

This post was written by Writer