Cat's are man's new best friend!
"Pet cats are the
most popular companion animal in the United States, outnumbering dogs by
some 15 million." -CATalyst Council
Many studies and statistics show that cats receive far lower grades for health care than dogs in veterinary practices. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, cats receive only about half the health care that dogs receive. One commonly expressed reasons for limited veterinary check ups for cats is stress. A trip to your veterinarian can be nerve-racking, not only for your cat but for you as well! Here are some helpful tips for cat owners to provide a more enjoyable experience for their traveling feline friends.
1. Make your cat travel-savvy. Get your cat used to traveling. Start them at a young age for your best results.
2. Make the carrier your cat’s “home away from home.” Make it a comfortable resting, feeding or play location. Keep the transport carrier out and accessible in the home, not just when you’re taking your cat somewhere.
3. Let them play “peek-a-boo.” Let your cat have a hiding place in the carrier by placing a towel or blanket from your home inside the carrier, and drape another one over part of the carrier. Using a familiar blanket or towel from home can also provide your cat some comfort while at the veterinary office.
4. Mix it up. Think about it – would you be happy getting in the car if every car trip meant a trip to the doctor’s office? Mix in some fun trips, or maybe asocial visit to the veterinary office just to get a treat or two.
5. Travel light. If you don’t feed your cat prior to travel, you’ll make it less likely to get motion sickness. Plus, if it’s a little bit hungry, your cat might be more interested in the treats your vet has to offer, and it could make the visit more pleasant for your cat.
Watch this great video to learn helpful hints about making your cat and their carrier friends, not foes!
