Take your Cat on the Road

Anyone who has every tried to get a cat into a car knows this is no easy feat. It is possible, however, to make the experience go smoothly for everyone involved.

First, select a high-quality crate that is comfortable, safe and secure (for car trips, this means a soft-sided carte, for air-travel, a fiberglass crate with a metal door is best) and make sure your destination has pet-friendly accommodations (AAA's book, Traveling With Your Pet, is a good resource). Next, allow the cat to get acclimated to the crate at home, on its own terms (try putting a treat or a litter box inside - this will spark curiosity).

Before heading out on a big road trip, take the cat on a few short trips to get it used to the idea of being in car, and if you're traveling by plane, talk to the airline about rules and regulations, and be sure to get a health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination from your vet. Also, keep each leg of the trip as short as possible (about seven hours max) and let it out of the crate periodically, for stretching and "bathroom" breaks.

Concerned about motion sickness? Speak with your vet - he or she may recommend anti-nausea meds to help the cat cope. Finally, double check that the cat is wearing its ID tags before heading out.

Article by Dr. Jeff Werber, DVM