Moving Tips To Reduce The Stress On Your Cat
If you are moving to a new home several states away, then you are going through a long distance move. Moving companies are best to assist with these moves, but you still may want to place some of your more precious cargo in your car with you as you drive to meet the movers at your new home. One of these items may be your cat. Home moves are extremely stressful for cats because their territories drastically change. However, the car ride is usually one of the more traumatizing aspects of the entire process. Due to this fact, you should make sure that you do everything in your power to make the car ride a pleasant and less stressful one. Some of the following tips can help you.
Try Short Tips
Cats, just like humans, are susceptible to motion sickness. Most humans have motion sickness issues that are caused by inner ear disturbances and constant fluid movement within the ears. Cats have much more sophisticated balance systems though, and are likely to become ill in the car due to the emotional strain of leaving the home and then moving in the vehicle. This means that the crying, drooling, vomiting, and urinating caused by the motion is typically a reaction to fear. The best way to reduce these issues is to take your cat on small car rides before the day of the actual move. Start two or three weeks beforehand and allow your cat to sit with you quietly in the car. Then try moving the vehicle up and down your driveway. Afterwards, try a ride around the block and then end with a few 30 minute car rides. You should notice your cat's anxiety reducing as he gets used to the rides.
Make sure that each ride, as well as the eventual move, involves the use of a cat carrier. A cat carrier will prevent you from being distracted as you drive. Distracted driving causes accidents that result in over 3,000 deaths a year. Also, a loose cat in a car can easily die in an accident. Consider a carrier with hard sides because these types of carriers typically test well during crash tests. If you can, purchase a strap for the carrier as well that fits into the seatbelt and place the carrier in the back seat.
Think About A Sedative
If your cat does not do well when you attempt short rides before the big move, then think about providing your cat with a sedative that will help him relax while traveling. Your veterinarian can provide an oral sedative like buspirone or alprazolam to help with the anxiety and stress of car travel. If you visit your veterinarian right before your trip, then an injectable drug like diazepam may be administered as well.
If you do not want to give your cat heavy medication, then ask your veterinarian if it is safe to provide your cat with a small dose of Benadryl. Benadryl is an antihistamine that is safe for humans, cats, and dogs. One of the most common side effects of taking Benadryl is drowsiness. This will help to calm your cat during the car ride. However, in rare cases, Benadryl can actually make your pet hyper so make sure to provide your feline with a small dose a week or two before your move to see how the medication will affect him.
If you do decide to provide your cat with an oral medication, try to crush it up into your cat's food. Cats rarely take pills willingly and they will likely spit them out if you try to provide the medication whole.
For more information or moving tips, contact a company like Frank and Sons Moving and Storage Inc. Agent for Wheaton World Wide Moving.