Car Rides With Kitties
Did you know that August 22nd is Take Your Cat To The Vet Day? We know, coming to see us isn’t one of Fluffy’s favorite things to do. One reason for this is that most of our feline patients absolutely hate going for car rides. We are here to help! Read on as a Lakeville, MN vet discusses riding in cars with cats.
Make The Carrier Welcoming
Cats should always travel in carriers. If you let Fluffy roam loose in your vehicle, she could get under your feet, or distract you by climbing on you as you are driving. This can be very dangerous! If your furball tends to bolt for her favorite hiding spot the moment her carrier comes out of the closet, make it comfy for her by adding blankets and toys, and leave it out for her to explore.
Play The Radio
Playing the radio softly can help keep your furry pal calm. Don’t be surprised if Fluffy decides to sing along!
Offer A Smooth Ride
When driving around with your feline buddy, choose routes that don’t have a lot of bumps, frost heaves, or potholes. Also, try to avoid sudden stops and starts.
Never Leave Fluffy Unattended
Never leave your kitty alone in a vehicle, especially in hot weather. In summer, temperatures inside locked vehicles rise very quickly, and can hit deadly levels in just minutes. In winter, cars quickly lose heat when turned off, so your pet may quickly become cold and uncomfortable.
Use Kitty-Calming Products
If Fluffy gets extremely nervous in car rides, ask your vet for tips on using cat-calming products, such as sprays or treats.
Prepare For Shedding
Cats sometimes shed heavily when they are nervous. Give Fluffy a good brushing the day before her trip. You may also want to put a blanket down in the car, to trap some of the loose fur.
Turning The Motor Over
While we can’t offer much assistance on mechanical problems, we can give you some tips on how to get your pet’s motor going again. When you get back home, give your kitty a new toy or a special treat to get her purring again.
Do you need to Make An Appointment for your pet? Please feel free to contact us anytime! As your local Lakeville, MN animal clinic, we are happy to serve all your pet’s veterinary care needs.
