If your upcoming summer plans include a road trip with your family…and your cat…make sure you are fully prepared in advance to ensure a safe, happy and comfortable adventure!
The celebrated season of summer is nearly upon us! That means afternoons at the swimming pool, backyard barbeques, lazy summer evenings on the front porch, and the anticipation of a summer vacation. If you are planning a get-away with your family and plan to take your cat along for the ride, then there are a few things you might want to do to prepare for the adventure.
If your cat is not accustomed to riding in the car, it is best to allow her to get used to the experience well in advance of your road trip. You can do this by taking her for short car trips, even if it is just around the block.
Leave your travel carrier out at all times so she can come to realize it is not a frightening thing and that it is only used for those undesirable trips to the veterinarian.
Use pheromone sprays on blankets and inside the carrier to alleviate any stress your cat might experience on the journey and make sure you have sufficient absorbent bedding in the carrier just in case of any accidents along the way.
If your cat is susceptible to car sickness, consult with your veterinarian prior to your departure to discuss the use of any prescription or non-prescription medication options.
If you are staying in any hotels along the way, make sure in advance that they are pet friendly. If you are staying with family and friends, be sure to find out from them if it is okay for your cat to stay with them, as well.
Be sure your cat has some sort of identification on her in the event you are separated from her. This may include a tag, a microchip or both.
Finally, it is important to ensure the carrier is fully secured in your vehicle by a seat belt. Otherwise, it can get tossed around or even become a projectile if you are involved in an accident.
This list may seem overwhelming, but it is important. Taking these steps in advance can save you a lot of misery and headaches down the road!
Happy and safe travels!
Source: Kansas Magazine! Summer 2018 issue
Written by Ann Butenas
An internationally-recognized author and writer, Ann began her professional writing career at age 12 and began speaking while in college. She has been published thousands of times over the past three decades in all media forms, was former editor and publisher of KC Metro Woman magazine, and has also hosted three talk radio shows in the Kansas City area.
