Cats like their freedom and don’t normally relish being driven around in a car. Being taken without their permission and subjected to a lot of unusual noises with bumps and jolts, is not a cats idea of fun. On top of which, they end up at this clinical white place with unpleasant smells and an aura of fear, the humans call it the VET. Sharp needles and your mouth being forced open is your only reward.
Therefore, it’s only right that we humans make the whole experience as stress free as possible.
To begin with, cats need to be put into a basket. Most of us will fetch the basket out of storage shortly before we intend to go, this can mean the cat will start to associate the basket with the trip to the vet. You can help avoid this happening by bringing out the basket out at few days ahead of time and placing it somewhere where your cat will see it every day. As cats like to hide in small spaces, they sometimes actually see it as a place of sanctuary, and it can be quite difficult to get them out of it at the other end! Having a basket where you can take the complete top off, for easy access, is certainly useful in these cases.
Cats will show signs of stress in different ways, some will go quite and become reserved, others might yowl for the complete journey. It’s usually the fear of the unknown and the motion of the car can be the sensation that sets them off.
To lessen the effect of this, and any unnecessary movement, make sure you have secured the basket in the car using a seat belt. Try and drive smoothly as well, avoiding any sudden stops or starts or changes in direction. Keep the car well ventilated, with the windows open slightly.
If your cats are car sick, and some do suffer, then it’s possible to get appropriate medication from your vet. Under no circumstance use human medicines to try and treat your cat yourself. If your cat is highly stressed, there is a spray that you can use in the basket and car that gives the area an aroma of calm and tranquility for cats – Feliway. It’s very useful stuff for applying in areas where your cat may be stressed, for instance cats living in homes with other cats, may get stressed and this can be a useful treatment for this, also if you’ve had building works or are thinking of going away on holiday, this can be used to help reduce the level of stress in your cat.
Cat owner and professional artist, Rob Tyrrell, loves to paint pet portraits. If you’re interested in commissioning a pet portrait from your photos visit his site at www.robtyrrell-petportraits.co.uk