Many cats become apprehensive or frightened during a car ride to visit the vet. Encountering a new environment and having to succumb to it without being able to escape or hide except in the corner of their carriers, cats may suffer from anxiety and stress. Some might incessantly howl, cry or meow while others might say nothing but hunker down with fear written all over their faces.
Several remedies are available for cats to make their trip to the vet less upsetting and less stressful. Cat owners can choose between herbal remedies, such as Bach Rescue Remedy, administered as liquid drops, pheromone products, such as Comfort Zone with Feliway, sprayed inside the carrier, or prescription sedation medications. The first two options are available in pet stores nationwide or on Internet sites.
Another and also cheaper way to make a car ride more pleasurable for a cat is sprinkling some catnip into the carrier. If the cat usually responds to catnip, sniffing the catnip will distract the cat by having either a thrilling or comforting effect.
A less invasive means to reduce a cat’s uneasiness during a car ride is playing a music disc with the sounds of singing birds. The cat will get engrossed in listening to the birds’ twitters and will forget all its trouble.
Note: The book “The Richest Dog In Town” by Bruny Hudson, a collection of humorous stories featuring Hobo Hudson, a small terrier mix, is now available at amazon.com. To order, click here.
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