“My cat hates the car ride!”

I hear this complaint a lot from clients who dread traveling with their feline friends. It’s not surprising, really. Traveling is stressful for many cats. It rarely correlates with anything positive for them. When considering the only time cats typically leave their territory (home) is to go the veterinarian, the groomer, or moving to a new home, it’s easy to understand why some cats can feel overwhelmed. Fortunately there are things you can do to help your cat have more positive experiences.

Desensitize your cat to the sight of its carrier.

• Leave the cat carrier visible and accessible all the time, or at least 1-2 weeks before planning to travel with your cat. Sprinkle catnip and treats inside to entice kitty.

Be prepared for accidents.

• Line the bottom of the carrier with a puppy potty pad, cotton towel, paper towels or another absorbent material. Bring along paper towels and a plastic bag to dispose of waste.

Withhold food if your cat vomits during travel.

• Feeling queasy is a side-effect of stress. Avoid feeding breakfast to your cat on grooming day. It’s better to be a little hungry than have an upset tummy.

Use a pheromone product designed to calm cats.

• 15 minutes before traveling, spray the inside of the carrier and the inside of the car withFeliway. Many of my clients report exceptional results with this product.

Utilize safe flower essences to relieve anxiety.

• Several days before the appointment, addRescue Remedy for Pets to your cat’s drinking water. An hour before leaving home, place 2-4 drops on your cat’s ear tips, nose or paw pads.

Keep travel adventures spaced apart.

• Veterinarian visits should take place at least 2 weeks apart from grooming sessions. If your cat is experiencing health issues or is taking antibiotics, please let me know so we can determine the safest grooming options.

Your cat reacts to your stress level, too.

• When you are nervous about having to load the cat in its carrier and driving with it in the car, your cat will sense your energy and respond in kind. Think paw-sitively‼

Cats will experience various levels of stress as long as they are out of their home environment.

• Bring your cat to the facility as close to the predetermined appointment time as possible. Early arrivals will have to wait to begin their grooming adding unnecessary stress.

Grooming sessions take place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the stylist suite located inside Stonebriar Veterinary Centre. I work by appointment so the kitties can arrive at their scheduled time and go home immediately after their grooming. This is one more way to help keep stress to a minimum. I also play meditative music softly in the background. If permitted, all cats are offered catnip and treats after grooming to solidify a positive finish to their beauty treatment. Of course, lots of praise and reassurance are constants. I love my groom kitties!!

To schedule a grooming session for your cat, please check availability by viewing my Calendar. Choose at least 2 date & time preferences and email your request along with Profiles for you and your cat. I will confirm the reservation within 48 hours.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Purrs,