Let's talk in general about transporting cats, trips to the clinic, to the country, to the sea or to relatives in a neighboring city.
I propose to divide the article into several parts:
- In the first part we will talk about fears and stress and their effect on the body.
- In the second we will learn how to prepare the animal.
- What you need to take with you on the road.
- In conclusion, a few words about the necessary vaccinations and the preparation of accompanying documents.
What happens to a cat when it suddenly travels?
How are animals usually transported? In most cases, the cat is simply picked up and forced into a carrier, then taken to an unfamiliar place. Sometimes the journey takes several days.
What happens in this case? Imagine, a cat lived in an apartment for several years, saw the world around him from a window or balcony, and there are so many new things here. New smells, sounds, strangers, transport, screams, barking...
An animal from a familiar environment suddenly finds itself in another world, and everything unidentified causes fear. When there is danger, a natural mechanism is triggered: run away or defend yourself.
When a cat cannot escape, it freezes and practically does not react to others. If you have been to clinics where there is an inpatient facility, you most likely noticed how calmly the animals left for treatment behave. They can easily give an injection or connect a system, that is, an IV, or carry out other necessary manipulations.
Yes, of course, they feel bad about it and already agree to everything. But if you compare a sick animal at home and in a clinic, these are two big differences.
In her apartment, a sick cat will defend herself to the last, sometimes the whole family has to hold her for a routine examination. And when it comes to complex manipulations, it becomes completely difficult.
Why am I making such a long digression and telling you different stories about the clinic and IVs? To draw your attention to some points.
It may seem to you that the animal bravely endures the trip, sits calmly in the carrier and does not even meow. This may be true, but most often the cat is under severe stress, it freezes and does not make any sounds. We see calm outside, but what is happening inside is not noticeable.
And inside the whole body is preparing to fight with all its strength or run as fast as possible. Adrenaline is produced, blood supply to the brain and muscles improves, sense organs are sharpened, more oxygen is supplied, and reserves are used.
An hour or two passes, but the causes of stress do not disappear - we continue the journey, we can still hear the noise of the crowd, foreign smells, and changes in temperature.
Exhaustion sets in, the body cannot constantly be in constant mobilization. In such situations, the cat may begin to make loud noises, scratch the carrier, urinate, and lick itself nonstop. Or he will completely stop reacting to what is happening.
Prolonged or severe stress can lead to serious complications. Neurosis, decreased immunity, exacerbation of chronic diseases, allergies and other disorders are often observed.
It has been noticed that after a trip, a cat more often suffers from infectious diseases, digestive disorders, autoimmune pathologies appear, and chronic ones worsen.
Is it necessary to microchip an animal?
Microchipping is not necessary for traveling within Russia. But without it you won’t be able to travel abroad. The best age for the procedure is 11-12 months, but it is safe to put a chip on an adult animal.
Information is entered into the Russian database automatically. Entry into foreign countries should be controlled through the Animalface website. This database is combined with the international search engine Petmaxx. If your pet's chip cannot be checked at the border, you will not be allowed into the country with it.
Rabies vaccination must be done after microchipping or simultaneously with it. If the cat has been vaccinated before, the procedure will have to be repeated.
How to prepare a cat for a trip?
You need to start with a comprehensive vaccination, if you have not done so already. For example, if your cat is not vaccinated, then you need to treat it for worms, wait 10 days and get the first vaccination. Then you wait 21-28 days and do a revaccination (repeat), everything is approximately according to the standard scheme.
And again you wait 10-14 days for immunity to develop after the second vaccine, but now you can go outside.
It is more convenient to carry out the first outings in a carrier, so that the cat gets to know the unusual surroundings, hears the sounds of the street, and smells. Leave for 3-5 minutes and go home. Let the cat out in a familiar environment, see that she has calmed down - give her a treat and praise her. The point of such small trips outside is to make it clear that it is not scary or dangerous.
A common mistake is to calm and pet an animal on the street when it is in an excited state. This will only reinforce the wrong reaction. I’m nervous - the owner praises me, which means it’s good. You need to praise and give treats in a calm state. In the future, when the street becomes a familiar place, then the desired behavior can be reinforced there too.
The next day, take a longer walk. I think you understand the principle: daily, in doses, accustom the animal to an unfamiliar environment. Then you can take a walk on a harness and go to places with large crowds of people. A little later, take public transport a stop or two.
Keep in mind that adaptation may take several months, so if you are thinking about how to transport a cat over a long distance, then prepare for this in advance.
The influence of the season on the meaning of the sign “the cat sat on the car”
Cats can be found on the street in both heat and cold, but the meaning of the superstition changes depending on the time of year:
- Spring. There is an opinion that in the spring a cat on a car means possible malfunctions; it is worth checking the condition of the car and protecting yourself from danger;
- Autumn. If a cat climbs onto a car in the fall, it means it feels the impending cold. The weather will soon change, leading to a general cooling;
- Winter. A cat in winter climbs onto a car and licks its tail - to a snowstorm and blizzard;
- Summer. In the summer, a cat in a car brings good luck. The exception is black cats; according to signs, they are considered a harbinger of trouble at any time of the year.
Necessary items on the road
You need a durable cat carrier with a door that closes securely. If you are planning a flight, then I recommend that you check with the airline about the carrying requirements.
It is clear that you need a drinking bowl, clean water, food, a harness and a tray. Without the usual tray, there may be problems with the toilet on the road or in a new place.
I recommend wearing a small collar with a tag containing your contact information. Yes, it’s better to get used to a collar in advance, too, not everyone likes it.
Take your “favorite” medications, perhaps your pet has chronic diseases and needs certain medications, you can also take an emergency first aid kit.
Yes, they also often ask me what kind of anesthesia to give so that the cat sleeps the whole way. Unfortunately, there are no safe and effective drugs to immobilize and calm animals. Some people use “Cat Bayun”, “Novopassit”, but the results are different; for some it helps, in most cases it doesn’t.
Do not harm the driver and passengers
It is not advisable to carry a cat in your arms. She may be frightened by a sharp shock or loud noise and scratch or bite a person. Animals should not be allowed to move around the vehicle on their own. There have been many described cases in which a cat “walking on its own” while driving threw itself at the driver’s feet or head. If an animal gets under the pedals, the consequences can be extremely unpleasant not only for him, but also for the driver and passengers, including oncoming and passing cars.
Accompanying documents
In this chapter I will describe the most necessary things that are required almost everywhere when traveling with animals. But when you decide to travel to another country, check the requirements for transporting cats of that country. They are similar in most countries, but may have their own characteristics.
The first thing that must be done is a vaccination against rabies, with a mark and seal of the state veterinarian in the passport. It is important that the vaccine is given no earlier than 30 days before departure and no later than one year.
There must be a veterinary passport, issued with notes on preventive treatments for your animal.
Then, a few days before departure, you need to go to a state veterinary hospital, where you will be issued an F-1 veterinary certificate. In it, the veterinarian will record your data and indicate the route to follow.
At customs, the certificate will be replaced with an international certificate for entry into another state.
In addition, the animal must be microchipped in advance; basic information about the cat and owner will be recorded on it. In most countries this is a mandatory requirement.
Special rules apply when transporting by rail; for some time they required the purchase of a compartment or SV. The rules change periodically, so check this point in advance.
Basic rules of transportation
At the legislative level, there are still no clear requirements regarding the transportation of animals in a car. Therefore, every car owner and at the same time the owner of a furry pet must take care of the safety of the trip on their own. It would be a good idea to take the phone numbers of a veterinarian or a person experienced in long-distance travel with animals so that you can get timely advice.
The main rule when transporting a cat is to purchase a well-ventilated carrier for the trip, which will be securely secured in the car. It is important to place it not in the trunk or near the rear window so that the animal does not suffer from heatstroke.
Basic recommendations and rules of transportation:
Just in case, you should buy your animal a leash.
- Prepare your cat in advance for the trip, especially if he has never ridden in public transport.
- Ensure comfort while traveling by providing everything you need: water;
- food;
- toys;
- tray, etc.
- veterinary passport;
Get to know the carrier
It is advisable to purchase a transport box or bag before your pet arrives at home. The kitten will quickly get used to the new house, and it will be easier to teach it any tricks. An adult pet will need a little more time to get used to the box. If you are planning a trip with your cat, you need to place a portable house in advance in your pet’s favorite place so that he gets to know it. It is advisable to leave the animal alone in a closed room and give it the opportunity to sniff an unfamiliar object. You can introduce a new product by putting your hand with a toy in the carrier and luring the cat with movements. At the same time, you should speak to him in kind words. Don’t be upset if your pet doesn’t want to come into contact with the carrier and stays away. This is natural, because animals always treat everything incomprehensible with caution. It may take more than one day for the cat to understand that the new home is completely safe. After this, the little hunter will begin to examine the strange box with great interest, and will experiment with the purpose of the house - what is the best way to adapt it. It is advisable to place the carrier in the place where the cat spends most of its time, for example, near the bed or near the sofa.
Carrying arrangement
The bag can be made of plastic or thick fabric. Hard carriers are the most convenient because you can put a container of water and other personal items for the animal inside. A fabric bag also has advantages; it is convenient to carry on your shoulder. But this option is suitable for traveling short distances (to a veterinary hospital, for a walk, and so on). For long trips, you should carefully arrange the box so that the adult pet can stand at full height and move minimally. It will be good to place the cat’s own rug in the cage, then he will calmly settle down and will not be aware of upcoming trips or flights.
The basic rules for using the carrier are as follows:
Everything about cat carriers: selection, training, use
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Which carrier to choose, how to accustom a cat to a carrier, and how to make sure that the cat is not afraid of traveling?
Choosing a carrier
With all the variety of proposals, the best choice was and remains a strong plastic carrier with access from two sides - a door at the front and a removable part at the top. The removable upper part allows you to use the lower part of the carrier as a home bed, but that’s not the point. If your cat is scared or in pain when visiting the veterinarian, the doctor can examine him without taking him out of the carrier, but simply by removing the top part.
Another advantage of this carrier: you don’t have to push your shy cat into it or shake it out through the only door. Simply remove the top of the carrier and voila, you can carefully place your cat inside or gently take him out.
Photo: frankieleon/CC
Do not buy fabric carriers with a zipper flap and a mesh “window”: a frightened or dissatisfied cat will easily push the zipper or tear the mesh! In addition, such carriers, as a rule, cannot be disassembled into two parts. It will be difficult to push a reluctant cat into it, and it will be even more difficult to get a frightened cat huddled in the far end of the carrier. Any trip is stressful for a cat. And incorrect carrying should not aggravate this stress! In a durable carrier, the cat feels more confident.
Setting up the carrier
Cats do not like innovation and change. You can't just throw your cat into the carrier you just bought. The cat must get used to it and become accustomed to it.
If you understand that you will need a carrier sooner or later (and you will need it!), then buy it in advance. Place the carrier in a secluded place - preferably where the cat spends a lot of time. Place soft bedding on the bottom. Play with your cat near the carrier: let her learn to go into it herself for a toy or treat. Be patient, and soon the carrier will become a “house” for the cat, where she enters on her own and in which she feels comfortable.
Sudden and urgent
What to do if you urgently need to take your cat to the veterinarian, and she didn’t have time to “make friends” with the carrier? Act calmly and confidently! — Place the carrier on the floor in a room where the cat has nowhere to hide, and close the door. - Moving slowly and without fuss, lure the cat into the carrier with a toy or treat.
Photo: Robert Cause-Baker/CC
If the cat does not want to go into the carrier, remove the top of the carrier, confidently and gently pick the cat up and place him in the carrier. Speak kindly to your cat, stroke it and do not be nervous under any circumstances - cats feel our emotions and are easily infected by excitement or anxiety. It’s good if you put bedding inside the carrier with a smell familiar to the cat. It’s even better if half an hour before you spray calming pheromones in the house - they are sold in pet stores and help control the emotional state of cats.
Carrying in a car
If you travel by car, secure the carrier with a seat belt. Some cats love to stare around from their carrier, but many are frightened by the sight of an unfamiliar space. If your cat is nervous, cover the carrier with a blanket or towel and let him calm down. Drive the car smoothly, avoid sudden movements, and carefully drive over uneven roads.
Homecoming
When you return from a trip, and even more so from a veterinary clinic, wash the carrier to remove “foreign” and foreign odors from it. Then put the bedding with a familiar smell back into the carrier and put the carrier in its original place - where the cat is used to seeing it. There is no need to hide the carrier in a closet, on a balcony or mezzanine and take it out only when necessary. The carrier should become a familiar place for the cat to spend time, evoking pleasant and comfortable associations.
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