Purring Cats

Long car rides are rarely the best part of a trip, especially if you have a poorly trained cat running around the back seat, whining, getting sick, and seeking attention. This is why it is so important to train your cat if you are planning to take them in the car for any extended period of time.

The first step to training is the most obvious one. Everyone will need to purchase a pet carrier. This, unfortunately, is more easily said than done. When purchasing a carrier make absolutely sure that it is the right size and fit for your cat; if you purchase something the wrong size or fit you will have a very miserable and even more poorly behaved furry traveling companion on your hands.

Most cats really do not enjoy having to spend time in their carriers, so the way you present it to the cat will make a big difference in their overall attitude. When you bring the carrier home, let the cat get used to it being around. Leave it somewhere where the cat will encounter it for a few days.

Once your cat gets used to the carrier it is a good idea to try and make it a fun experience. Try putting cat toys and snacks into the carrier to see if they might coax the kitty in. If it doesn’t work immediately, don’t panic; give the cat a few more days to warm up to the idea. Do not ever try to force the cat into the carrier.

Once the cat gets used to going into the carrier on her own, lying down, playing with toys, and has established the space as her own, you can start getting her used to the idea of the closed space. Do not close and lock the cat into crate immediately, just let her see what it is like to have the door slightly ajar. This is a step best maneuvered slowly while letting the cat get comfortable with the idea. When she is comfortable you can start closing and locking the door, but leave the crate in the same spot in the house while you do that.  The next comfort level is to pick up the cat while she is in the crate and carry her around d the house. Try this exercise a few times every day for 5 days.

The preparations for the car ride should last for about a week. When you finally are ready to get kitty into the car you will have to remember that even though she is comfortable with the crate, the car is a new experience. There are noises that will frighten her and no matter how comfortable she is in her crate, she will have to get used to the car as well. Some things that will help her along will include keeping music on to help her relax, talking to her, keeping her beside you, and making your first drive in a quite area with little other traffic.  If the cat gets very upset you should stop the car and assure her that everything is okay.

Treats and toys will also make the drive go by smoothly and can reassure the cat that you are pleased with them. Never use negative reinforcement when training the cat to enjoy the crate and the car. If you make it a pleasant experience the cat will want to go back, if the cat is afraid traveling will be very difficult. Patience is absolutely essential in making training and pleasant experience for both you and your cat.