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should I drug my cats2007-11-25 12:25:49

I am moving across the country and will be driving with my two cats. Would it be better to give them a sedative (gravol) before travelling?

Answers:

Hi there.if you have a week to a few weeks before your trip the best solution is to begin a treat reward inside the travel crates before you place it into the car so begin feeding your cats now until you leave for your trip inside the crate fulltime. If kitties will not go into the crate begin by feeding them in front/around of the crate then gradually move the food dish it into the crate.eventually when they are okay with eating in the crate gently close the door, but open it immediately while the kitties are eating to help them acclimate to this. After they appear to be okay with eating inside the crate (sometimes it will happen within a couple days) you can begin with the next step.

First take them in the car (with crates and food dish) and sit quietly with them and the crate door opened and offer them delicious treats inside the crates, which rewards them for accepting the new environment. Do this several times throughout the day and when they are showing signs of being more comfortable then you can move onto the next step. Just start the car (no driving) and offer rewarding treats again in the crate/bed still with door opened and also closed. After a few times then start the car and move it back and forth in that little area again offer treats in the crates with door opened and closed (by the way, chicken baby food is usually is an excellent treat just make sure this is Gerbers "2nd" NOT 3rd as the ingredients Onion and Garlic are toxic to kitty). Again, when the kitties shows sign of comfort then try a drive around the block once then several times gradually with the crate door closed this time. Make sure they can see you when you travel as they find comfort with their owner's familiar face and can easily hear your voice as well. If you don't have anyone traveling with you then place crates on the front passenger seat and floor so you can occasionally put your fingers through the holes to comfort them with your touch too.