How to calm a cat during a short car ride?
I have a cat who is 10 years old and a indoor/outdoor type cat. We are planning on taking him to the vet, which is a fairly short ride, but last time he was absolutely crazy. We don’t have a carrier or anything. I usually just hold him and pet him until we get there while he meows like mad. Is there a way to make it a bit easier on him? Having catnip, toys or a blanket? It really sad seeing get so anxious but we have to take him to the vet for his own health.
You should put him in a box or a basket with blankets or towels in side and cover him up with one so that wait he has a less chance of scratching or biting you. Put his favorite toy or treat in the box with him if he tries to get out hold the blanket down on the sides of him dont push him down you may hurt him if he is clam dont hold him down as tight keep the blanket over him untill you get into the doctors office because the waiting room may stress him out.
November 22nd, 2012 at 10:16 pm
Cat Carrier, cover it with a blanket, may help!
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November 22nd, 2012 at 10:50 pm
You should put him in a box or a basket with blankets or towels in side and cover him up with one so that wait he has a less chance of scratching or biting you. Put his favorite toy or treat in the box with him if he tries to get out hold the blanket down on the sides of him dont push him down you may hurt him if he is clam dont hold him down as tight keep the blanket over him untill you get into the doctors office because the waiting room may stress him out.
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November 22nd, 2012 at 11:05 pm
My oldest cat is essentially mute, until her trip to the vet. Then I know she is in strong voice.
Two others go stereo, and the vet has actually heard them from the parking lot.
But as soon as I get home and let them out of the carriers, they often go right back into them. So go figure.
You really want a carrier, in fact most vet practices require one. Or at least put the cat in a pillow case with their head sticking out. A top opening carrier may be most convenient.
Feliway sprayed inside a carrier has been reported to have a calming effect on a trip to the vet.
But, often you just have to feel sorry for the cat, but realize it is for his best interests. One of my cats loses bowel and bladder control on the trip, even if it is only five minutes. And for that, I feel real bad.
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November 22nd, 2012 at 11:38 pm
Definitely put him in a crate, with comfy blankets in side. Also put a blanket over the crate to make it dark. Your cat should calm down a bit.
PANDA
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I used to just hold my cats in car rides, and I started putting them in crates and it’s so much better.
November 23rd, 2012 at 12:03 am
if you don’t have a pet carrier then try holding him really close to you and keep him from seeing out the windows, maybe while stroking him. if you have a van or something like that put him in the very back with toys, catnip, blankets etc.. and i also suggest putting something up on the windows to where he cant see out of them. I highly suggest getting a pet carrier!!
Hope this helps!!
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November 23rd, 2012 at 12:22 am
I have learned over being a cat owner for 11 years that cats LOVE boxes. Whenever we go out I put Tiger in a box with a blanket over. Make sure that he doesn’t see where he is going so put him inside the box at home. With the lid facing the side to make sure that’s where his head is so he can breathe. Put him on the floor in front of your feet. "Passenger side" Don’t make him get out. He will meow.. Just ignore him. If doesn’t work. Put him on your lap while driving and ignore him or make him go around your car by himself. After a while not paying attention to him he will slowly shut up. Or put him on the ledge in front of you since he cant fit on the back. If you are in a van.. Trunk should do the thing with your middle chairs down. This might seem cruel to you but once you’ve gotten home put a blanket in the bathroom with water and his little box and leave him there about an hour and a half just so he calms down.
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Ever since Tiger loves boxes! & doesn’t mind. He is now turning 9 July 29 in 3 days. Thank you! Hope I helped xox
November 23rd, 2012 at 12:50 am
wrap him in a towel so he feels secure and speak calmly
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November 23rd, 2012 at 12:58 am
Investing in a cat carrier is a great idea. Cat’s like to hide when they’re scared so this will make him feel safe. Put something soft inside like a towel or a blanket and make sure the car is a comfortable temperature. Repeatedly tell your cat that he’s okay in a soft voice. If you’re not driving hold the carrier in your lap. If you are driving place him in the back on the floor where he’ll be safest. Make sure the carrier can’t tip over. Try to drive gently so he doesn’t get car sick. Avoid pot holes if possible and stop softly.
NEVER have your cat loose in the car. He could crawl under your feet and the petals putting you, him and others in danger. Also if your cat is loose and heaven forbid you got into a crash (even just a fender bender) he would have nothing to protect him.
When you get home be sure to give him some treats and praise him for being brave!
My cat Lily used to meow and meow in the car whenever we’d take her to the vet. One day (while my mom was driving) I decided to hold her carrier up to the window so she could see out and she instantly stopped! I guess she just wanted to see where she was going! Loll From then on as long she could see out the window she was fine the whole ride there and back.
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Owner of two cats, one who is now 17-years-old! <3
November 23rd, 2012 at 1:39 am
The best thing to do is get a carrier or find a crate for the cat. Put in a small blanket and a cat toy. Most cats still whine and make noise during car rides. (They seem to know where they are going during that car ride)
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November 23rd, 2012 at 1:50 am
considering his age there is simply no way. Most behaviors of cats can not be controlled as they grow older. And for a 10 year old cat it’s almost impossible. It’s really nice that you care about it though.
A carrier will help in some aspects I think. If you put a worn t-shirt of you on the carrier it will possibly calm your cat at some level. Good luck
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November 23rd, 2012 at 2:19 am
I have the SAME PROBLEM its so annoying isn’t it!!!? My cat can’t shut up for the entire car ride she will meow constantly and hardly ever stop and would climb all over the car [just the inside of it of course], just get a cage it would help and I don’t know if your comfortable about this or not but I’m just throwing suggestions here, probably sedate your cat would also help but ONLY if its for road trips across the state or something because it helped with mine because other than that I see no other solution.
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