#Middlebury #Cats
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I have three rescue cats. They’re the only family I’ve got. I’m planning to relocate to a rural area that is several days’ drive away. I’ll be driving a pickup truck. I feel that making my cats travel with me wouldn’t be humane. Is there an agency available that could humanely and safely transport my cats? – Karl in Avon, New York
DEAR KARL: I can totally relate! Years ago, I moved across the country with a very nervous cat in a carrier next to me on the bench seat of my pickup truck. Even though I made sure he had water, food and anxiety meds prescribed by the veterinarian, it was a stressful trip for him, and he did not eat or even poop for the whole two-day trip. Once I reached our new home, he returned to his usual snuggly self.
Traveling with all three cats is possible with planning and may be the least stressful option for them. If you have an extended-cab pickup, make room in the back seat for three cat carriers. Put a litter pan on the floor and cover with plastic wrap while traveling; at rest stops, open one carrier at a time and let one cat out to use the litter pan and to snuggle with you (don’t open the vehicle doors while you do this). Look for pet-friendly hotels that will let you keep the cats in the room.
Airline cargo transport can quickly transport pets across long distances. But there is a risk of death for pets traveling in airline cargo. Another option is private pet transport. If you choose this service, make sure they are insured and bonded, and that they will stay in contact with you throughout the trip.
Do you have a safe travel tip for carrying pets across country? Send it to ask@pawscorner.com.
© 2020 King Features Synd. Inc.
You must be logged in to post a comment.