How does your cat feel about leaving the house?  If he/she is like most cats, this is not a cause for great joy and merriment!  Cats are very much home-bodies, and are motivated by a great desire to remain in their territory. Your cat may love you dearly, but would prefer to love you in his/her own territory.  Here are a few ways we have found to make leaving the house a more positive experience for most cats.

1.  Spray the car and the cat carrier with Feilway Spray.  Feilway is a synthetic form of the pheromone that cats produce in their lip glands.  This is the "everything's ok" scent, and is very self comforting to most cats.  Spray a small amount into the carrier and the car where the carrier will sit, about 10 minutes before travel time.  Never spray Feilway near anyone's face.   I have never had the same results from the generic forms of this product, so I would recommend sticking with the brand name "Feilway", not products that say they "contains Feilway pheromone".  Amazon.com has the most competitive prices on Feilway spray.

2.  Apply Rescue Remedy to the kitty.  Rescue Remedy is a Bach Flower remedy that is composed of 5 flower essences all aimed at acute stress and anxiety reduction.  Rub 4 drops into the ear flaps and the top of the kitty's head 20 minutes before travel and  then again right before placing your cat in his/her carrier.  This can be applied again as needed.  This product is over the counter, and we have it at both our clinics as well.  If you want to apply it to the skin as we do, avoid getting the Rescue Remedy that says "for pets" on the label.  That formulation is made specifically to give by mouth, and you will have a very greasy kitty if you rub it onto them!

3.  Place a "pee-pee" pad, or a piece of one, in the bottom of your cat's carrier.  In case of accidents, the absorbent pads will soak up urine and help prevent your pet from becoming saturated. 

4.  If you are traveling to a new home across country, it is also a good idea to travel with water from home.  Drinking water tastes different depending on what part of the country you are in, so bringing water that has the "home" taste that can be mixed with the new water, can be very helpful.

These little tricks will not work for every pet, but we see enough positive response that it is worth trying.  Trips to the veterinarian, a new home, vacation, or the groomer can be made happier!

Dr. Maria Berger