Every cat has had to travel in transport at least once in its life - in a car, on a train, on a bus or on a plane. Such trips should be planned and prepared in advance, since cats do not like change; they are nervous about crowds of unfamiliar people and new smells. But the owner is forced to leave for a long time or transport the pet to a veterinary clinic, to an exhibition or mating. The pet must travel with the owner. To reduce the stress of the trip, the owner must know how to transport mustachioed tabby dogs in a car correctly.
Transport equipment and accessories
The modern market for pet products is so extensive that you can find everything you need for almost any situation. Traveling with cats in a car has long been a part of some people’s lives, so experts have come up with and developed many devices to facilitate the process of transporting an animal.
Cat in the car
Note! It is not recommended to carry a cat in a car in your arms. This can be resorted to only if the animal is already familiar with the interior of the car, has become accustomed to it, and the trip promises to be short.
When traveling in a car, you need to purchase a special cat harness and keep it on throughout the entire journey. A leash is attached to the harness, the other end of which is tied to some object in the cabin. This is a necessary safety measure. The cat should be able to sit comfortably on the seat, but should not be allowed to move freely around the car.
Such devices are suitable for cats that can behave calmly in a car. But still, the best and safest accessory for transporting cats is a carrier bag. This is a special “container” that allows the cat to move around calmly in it, but at the same time eliminates the possibility of the animal escaping.
The carrying bag must meet the following requirements:
- The presence of holes that allow air to pass through (this can be a mesh wall or grille).
- The size of the container should correspond to the size of the cat - the animal should not be cramped.
- The presence of special holes for securing the leash.
- Stable bottom.
- Reliable walls and locks.
You should also get a small bed in advance. You should not place the cat directly at the bottom of the container.
A cat can be trained to travel without a carrier
Rules for transporting cats on an airplane: in the cabin and luggage
To make the flight comfortable and safe, you need to start preparing the animal a few days before the trip. It is advisable to introduce the cat to his carrier container, where he will spend several hours.
Sedatives should not be given. When a plane takes off and lands, a pressure drop occurs that affects the animal's cardiovascular system. Substances that are in the blood can only aggravate this, even to the death of the animal.
Many owners place the pet's favorite items, such as his toys, inside the carrier. The cat, feeling the smells familiar to it, is less nervous.
What is important to know when booking
Before booking, you need to check with the airline itself about the rules for transporting cats on the plane. This can be done via a hotline, at a ticket sales point, or on the carrier’s official website or ticket sales aggregators. You need to know a number of formalities:
- are there any restrictions on the transportation of animals;
- what conditions will the cat be in during the flight?
- what are the carrying requirements?
- how much does this service cost?
It is worth finding out how many animals can be on the plane at the same time. Some companies limit their number. The owner must obtain permission from the carrier to transport his pet. If the animal is transported in the luggage compartment, permission is obtained after purchasing the ticket, if in the cabin of the aircraft - before the ticket is purchased.
Useful material: choosing a scratching post for a cat.
If you plan to fly internationally, you need to find out the transportation rules in force in another country. Sometimes quarantine is imposed on the import of any animals. Such measures are used in special cases and are quite rare, but to avoid unpleasant situations at the airport, it is better to discuss this in advance.
Having learned all the nuances, it is required to notify the airline at least 36 hours before departure that the passenger will have his pet with him.
How to take a cat on board an airplane
Some carriers allow this, others, on the contrary, prohibit this. You need to find out these subtleties in advance, when booking a ticket, with the company itself. According to current regulations, only an adult and legally capable passenger can transport an animal in the cabin.
It is imperative that the cat is in a carrier, which must also meet certain requirements. The animal must weigh no more than 8 kg, which automatically deprives large breeds, such as Maine Coons, of this opportunity.
Cost of transporting a cat on an airplane
Transporting cats on an airplane is in most cases free of charge. Many owners want to take them to the salon. In this case, you need to pay for a boarding pass and register the cat as “special cargo.”
The average cost of transportation is about 4,000 on domestic flights and approximately 5,000 rubles on international flights. In this case, the airline must receive advance warning from the animal owner.
Typically, such passengers will receive more comfortable seats on board if they are not occupied by passengers with children or people with special needs.
Is it possible to transport a cat unaccompanied?
This option is provided by most airlines. In this case, the cat moves in a special compartment with an optimal climate without being accompanied by its owner. To use this service you will need to provide a number of documents:
- copy of the owner's passport;
- veterinary passport of the animal;
- veterinary certificate;
The cost of the flight is paid twice; to calculate the exact amount, the weight of the carrier along with the animal, as well as its dimensions, are taken into account.
Receiving cats after a flight
After arriving at your destination, you can pick up your pet at a special place, which is located near the baggage claim point. You can find out the specific location at the check-in counter or an airport employee.
Usually animals are given out after luggage. They are transported on special carts. If there is a transfer to another plane, the animal will be transported by the airline services to the new flight.
What happens to a cat when it suddenly travels?
Transporting dogs in a car over long distances
An unsuspecting cat who is suddenly thrust first into a carrier and then into a car is inevitably faced with extreme stress. Therefore, owners should know in advance how cats cope with the road in the car.
A cat caught by surprise is not ready for such a test, which can negatively affect its emotional state. Especially when it comes to adults and elderly animals. It is easier for young people to adapt to changes than for adults.
Against this background, the cat may lose its appetite. Being in a prolonged state of fear will make her intimidated, nervous, perhaps even aggressive. Those who have ever carried cats in a car are well aware of the problems with the toilet: the cat may shit in the car or start burping.
To avoid such problems, owners should think in advance about how to prepare their cat for traveling by car.
Getting used to the harness, carrier and car
First, let's answer a possible objection: - Why teach - waste time? After all, you can just take the cat, put it in the carrier and go.
The fact is that a sudden change of environment will cause extreme stress! Outwardly, it is expressed in different ways: the pet can either become quiet or behave violently. But the devastating effects of stress can affect both the psyche and overall health!
Therefore, kittens should be accustomed to the necessary “attributes,” and this is easy to do while they are small. After all, in the future there will still be trips, at least to a veterinarian. And even more so if regularly - to dachas, on vacation, to exhibitions, etc.
If it didn’t work out in advance, you’ll have to instill new skills now. It’s just that, as in any business, gradualness is needed here.
TO THE HARNESS...
It will be useful for securing the cat in the back seat (if you can’t train it to carry it). And it is necessary for safety! You never know why an animal can get scared, rush out of place and injure you, and even run away?!
By the way, the traffic rules do not impose any special requirements for transporting animals, but the main condition is that the pet should not interfere with the driver and thereby endanger everyone. That's why strict order is needed on the way!
And when walking during stops, you can’t do without a leash and a reliable harness. But not in the form of a collar, like here in the photo! After all, if a cat backs away in fear, then it will easily pull its head out of it and... remember the name!
To get used to the “equipment” this way: first put it on at home for 10 minutes, then attach a leash and just walk around the apartment, and only then, starting from 2-3 minutes, go out into the yard on the grass.
Over the course of 2-3 weeks, regularly increase the duration of walks until complete adaptation. Over time, be around more people more often, also close to the highway, to familiarize the animal with the smell, noise and sight of cars.
TO CARRY...
We act in the same way - observing moderation and gradualness!
First, place a new, spacious and reliable container in a visible place. The cat will get to know him, then begin to go inside and even sleep there. Then the time will come to take the house and the cat outside, not forgetting to visit crowded places and take public transport.
On the advice of a veterinarian, you can take a course of sedative drops. On the day of departure, do not feed him (he may get motion sickness and vomit on the way), but give him something to drink and give, for example, 15 drops of “Kot Bayun”. Place a medical diaper secured with tape and a favorite toy on the bottom of the cage.
On the way, at stops, take him out for a walk (especially if he screams or feels unwell), give him some water (the hotter it is in the cabin, the more often!) and feed him delicious food. And also sit next to you, calm you down, keep an eye on you.
Do not use boxes and bags, but only spacious houses with excellent ventilation:
Attention! Do not allow the animal to overheat in the cabin, especially long-haired animals. Signs will be: rapid breathing with an open mouth; increased body temperature; apathy; vomit. Then run your wet hands over the cat's fur. Ventilate the interior. Do not place the carrier near the stove in winter. In summer, do not leave it in the sun in a closed car... even for 5 minutes!
TO BEING IN THE CAR
For the first time, it will probably be enough to let him sniff the entire interior of the salon? Here in the photo: the “correct” - tightly grasping - harness.
Next time, you can start the engine so that the animal gets used to its sound and vibration. And then take a short ride and see the reaction of the little passenger. And so - repeatedly, including by bus, until he finally gets used to it and is “ripe” for traveling long distances.
How long will it take? It’s different for everyone: up to several weeks and even months.
How to prepare your cat for a trip
How to transport a cat on a train: Russian Railways rules
Preparatory activities should begin no later than two months before the planned trip. The first stage is vaccination. It must be preceded by treatment for worms (10 days before vaccination).
3-4 weeks after the first vaccination, the animal is given a second vaccination. After this, you must wait for the incubation period (quarantine), which lasts about two weeks. During this time, the cat should develop and strengthen its immunity.
Only after these procedures can you organize a long trip by car.
You need to accustom your cat to the car from childhood
What and how to feed your pet while traveling
The cat's food during the trip should be calculated based on the duration of the intended trip. For example, if you are expecting a move that will take no more than 5-7 hours, then you don’t have to feed the animal in the car to avoid unpleasant situations with motion sickness.
When the journey takes a day or more, it will be necessary to prepare rations for the four-legged passenger. It is recommended, if possible, to take with you on the road the food that the cat is accustomed to. But these should not be strong-smelling or perishable products. The ideal option would be dry or wet food. Feeding regimen: small portions of food several times a day (up to 4 feedings).
Note! In addition to food, the cat should have constant access to fresh water. Especially when it comes to traveling in hot summer weather.
Accompanying documents
It is clear that you will not need documents to travel to the country or on another short trip. However, when moving long distances, you will have to worry about having special documents.
You need to have a veterinary passport with you, which indicates that the animal has all the necessary up-to-date vaccinations. Vet. a passport, unlike a pedigree, can be obtained without any problems at the nearest veterinary clinic. Even outbred domestic cats should have it and it is done at any age.
If you are planning a long trip that involves traveling abroad, you will need more documents. Each country requires its own list of required documents and you need to get acquainted with them individually. When traveling abroad, you may need to have a chip, a certificate of absence of rabies, a health certificate (international standard), an import declaration and some other documents.
Frequently traveling cats are not afraid in the car
If your cat gets sick in the car
Some cats get carsick. Signs that this is happening to your pet include:
- drooling and constant licking of the mouth;
- vomit;
- the cat breathes through its mouth.
2-3 hours before the start of the trip, do not feed the cat so that it has nothing to vomit. But if this does happen, you should always have a large amount of wet wipes ready to clean the interior.
In addition, you can use cat tablets against motion sickness, which are sold in veterinary pharmacies.
Possible problems during the trip
If the owner is thinking about how to transport a cat in a car without a carrier, then he should familiarize himself with the list of problems that may arise during the trip.
How to get a cat to eat if he refuses to eat
Cats tend to be afraid of unfamiliar surroundings. Therefore, even a calm and balanced animal can forget about exemplary behavior and scratch the owner’s hands and exposed parts of the body not out of malice, but out of fear.
Often there are problems with the toilet. You should take care in advance about the availability of a tray, bag, filler and, of course, be patient, especially when it comes to traveling with a kitten. Pets accustomed to walking can be periodically taken outside to do their business.
Note! Wondering how to transport a cat in a car over long distances, some owners decide to sedate it with sedatives for the duration of the trip. This is a good way for owners of lively cats.
Recommendation for using sedatives for cats on the road
It should be remembered that when choosing a sedative for your furry friend, you need to take many factors into account. You should put the well-being and individual characteristics of the animal first and only then focus on ease of use. Drugs containing chemicals can cause allergies in a cat, so they should be given with caution after making sure your pet is healthy. Products containing components of plant origin are more preferable. However, they can also cause side effects. Therefore, it is worth starting to give them gradually, in small dosages. And, only after making sure that the cat is in good health, continue the course of taking this type of sedative for cats on the road. Often, the effect of homeopathic remedies begins after 1-2 weeks of use.
Contraindications to the use of sedatives
Do not forget that any remedy, even homeopathic, has a number of contraindications. Therefore, it is still worth giving certain medications, as mentioned above, after consulting a veterinarian. In addition, the use of sedatives during pregnancy, feeding kittens, and under the age of one year will be absolutely prohibited. Contraindications for health reasons include: renal or genitourinary pathologies, problems with blood pressure and vision, periods of illness of the animal. Also, under no circumstances should you give such a popular valerian to cats. Along with catnip, it causes narcotic intoxication and harms the health of the animal.
Handy sedatives: how else to help your four-legged friend
Don’t forget that your furry pet, although it sometimes behaves willfully and excessively mannered, depends on warmth and affection. Especially in a stressful situation, when everything familiar is replaced by the unknown and dangerous. Simple stroking and tickling behind the ear will reassure the animal. Warm words of support, spoken in a cat’s native voice, will be a powerful help in the fight against nervous tension. And it doesn’t matter that the meaning of the words will be incomprehensible to the cat - the intonation with which they are spoken, the emotional message, is much more important. After all, only the owner knows how to caress and cheer up his furry friend. And, of course, do not forget about calmness - the animal will intuitively convey the state of its owner. It may be worth taking care not only of a sedative for your cat on the road, but also in case of stress and poor emotional well-being while traveling, purchase a human sedative. Have a pleasant journey and good mood along the entire journey to both the owner and his furry pet!
Calming for cats on the road: reviews
When choosing a sedative for a cat, many owners are prejudiced against drug reviews on the Internet and do not pay attention to them. There are two sides of the coin: on the one hand, each animal is individual and it is difficult to say in advance what will suit it best. On the other hand, there are drugs with a majority of positive votes, and accordingly, trust in them may initially become higher. In general, reviews about sedatives of herbal origin are good, the owners are satisfied with the results. As for products containing chemicals, the best alternative to choosing a drug, according to reviews, would be a personal consultation with a veterinarian who can accurately calculate the dosage and answer any questions that concern you. It should be remembered that each animal is individual and has a number of distinctive character traits.
