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Sheltering an Animal’s Perspective
by Gregory M. Simpson
My first and all-time favorite cat was my constant companion for over half my adult life and was so attached to me that she would ride peacefully in my lap while traveling by car. Generally, traveling with animals presents more challenges and traveling with cats presents its own special set. My boss retired recently and asked for recommendations on how to best travel with her two cats by car from Connecticut to Florida to visit friends and then on to her new home in Arizona.
My first suggestion for her car travel was to have her veterinarian implant microchips in both cats so that they could be tracked in a national computer database should the unfortunate happen and a cat become missing. Never leave cats (or dogs) alone in a parked vehicle. Even with windows open on a hot day, the temperature can shoot up to over 100 degrees within minutes.
The next advice was for her to secure the AAA listing of pet welcome hotel accommodations. Once she planned out her daily car trek, she should check with the hotel to assure that her room opened onto a hallway and not to the outdoors, in order to provide an added measure of safety. Once in the hotel room, she could post a "Do Not Disturb" sign, adding "Cats Inside." Bring up-to-date rabies certificates, in case someone asks.
While driving with two cats, two large cat carriers facing each other in the back seat would be ideal, with water (bottled or tap water from home is best), dry food, and a small litter box in each. This way each cat would have its own space, but also feel secure seeing its fellow cat in the adjoining cage. Depending on the cats, one could consider placing two in one larger carrier, although this approach may be limited by the size of the car back seat and the strength of the person to carry the carrier.
Other precautions include having each cat wear an expandable collar with I.D. tag at all times, which lists each cat’s name and a contact phone number. For maximum protection while exercising a traveling cat, have him or her securely fastened in a harness which goes around the neck and around the body. Cats are not secure in just a collar alone, as that is an escape just waiting to happen.
If a cat is an anxious traveler, consult a veterinarian for medication beforehand. One may also spray Feliway © in the cat carrier, car, and hotel room. Feliway reproduces the properties normally produced when a cat deposits its facial pheromones in the environment. It has been demonstrated to calm cats during travel, moving to a new home, and other stressful times.
If traveling by airline, book space in the passenger cabin well in advance of your flight, as according to the U.S. Department of Transportation there are half a million companion animals that fly each year. Only certain airlines allow companion animals to travel in a regulation size carrier under the seat in front of you (for a fee), unless you want to pay full passenger fare for a second seat. The pet carrier counts as one carry-on bag. There is a limit on the numbers of animals such as cats that are allowed in the passenger cabin per flight. The alternative is having a companion animal transported with the luggage which I personally would never do. Most airlines will not allow companion animals to travel as cargo in temperatures below 20 degrees or above 85 degrees. Further, some airlines restrict the number of short-nosed animals such as Persian cats, which have shorter nasal passages that make breathing difficult at higher altitudes.
If you do choose to transport your cat (or dog) in the luggage compartment, purchase a USDA approved shipping crate large enough for your companion animal to stand, sit and turn around comfortably. Write the words "LIVE ANIMAL" on the sides and top of the crate. Book direct flights if possible, as this will limit the chance your companion animal is left on the tarmac during extreme weather, or worse yet, ending up in a different city than you do. It will also limit the amount of handling by baggage handlers. If you freeze a small bowl of water the night before your trip, it won’t spill during loading and will melt by the time it’s needed.
Remember, your cat is most comforted by being with you. Talk with your cat to comfort your companion. As a sensitive creature, your cat will pick up on your mood. And enjoy your trip!
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