Cats in Cars: How to Travel with a Cat

By Emily Thompson

Cats in Cars is a detailed, thorough guide that will address all your questions and concerns about traveling with cats. Written with practical know-how and a love for all things feline, the author takes you step-by-step through every aspect of planning a journey with your kitty and how to prevent or overcome common problems. This book is invaluable even if you’re only planning on short car rides to the veterinarian and would provide a wealth of information to a new cat-owner as well as the seasoned cat-lover. From cat carriers to pet-friendly hotels, this book covers it all!
This book will arm you with crucial knowledge about your cat’s mentality and how to work with their natural resistance to change.
It will provide safety tips and the rules of the road when traveling with your cat, how to prevent escapes and runaways, and wise insights into leash-training even the most reluctant cat.
You will read about how to choose the best carrier to suit your needs, how to make your cat comfortable with the carrier and the entire driving experience.
You will learn how to prepare for your trip, how to calm down a stressed out cat, and what to do if something goes wrong.
If you’re taking a longer trip, this book will guide you through the best practices for making the journey happy for both you and your cat.
You’re sure to discover something you hadn’t thought of, such as the varying rules about crossing borders with pets and what to expect if you take a train, plane, or choose to board your cat.
What Readers are Saying about Cats in Cars
Janice in Ontario says:
I love cats and I thought I had researched a lot about cat ownership before I adopted them...but I learned so much I didn’t know from Emily Thompson’s cat care book series! I just finished Cats in Cars and it gave me hope that I can train my fur-babies to be calm during a car ride to the vet, and not flee when they see the sight of the cat carrier. My biggest fear when it comes to my cats is that if there’s an emergency in my building, like a fire, I won’t be able to get them into their carriers fast enough.
After reading Emily’s book I’ve got lots of ideas about how to make the cat carriers a friendly and inviting place. I can’t wait to read more of her books for the treasures of information that I never heard before! Finding out more about how my kitties think and how to make them happy and live as safely as possible in great health is worth a lot to me.
I can tell Emily really loves cats and knows all their idiosyncrasies. Her writing is as fun as it is informative, and makes for fabulous leisure reading. I’d recommend it to every cat owner or especially to anyone considering getting their first kitty. You won’t be disappointed in this book!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Emily Thompson
• Release date: Sep 1, 2015
• ISBN: 9780994861030

Emily Thompson

Emily Thompson is an author and artist, from northern California. Although she adores Steampunk and all things Victoriana, she also writes occasional Sci-fi and fantasy. After studying film and animation in university, she changed to a Japanese language focus and studied abroad in Tokyo for a year. She received a degree in Japanese and later spent nearly another two years in Japan, teaching English and writing. She now lives in Silicon Valley and spends most of her time writing in coffee shops, painting, and playing far too many video games. Her favorite books include: Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern Likeness by Tana French The Neverending Story by Michael Ende The Thin Man by Dashiell Hammett War For the Oaks by Emma Bull

Book preview

The opinions expressed in this book are my own. They may differ from those of other cat professionals, including behaviourists and veterinarians, among others. I encourage you to use your best judgement and do what feels right for you when implementing the strategies suggested in this book. I cannot be held responsible for anything that should occur to you or your pet resulting from the use of the techniques or products mentioned in this book.

When working with cats, in any capacity, please remember that although you see your cat as a loving companion, he or she is still an animal and may be capable of things you wouldn’t believe. A cat may react aggressively when afraid or in pain. Caution and common sense are required when working with any animal. Do not put yourself, others, or your cat in a position that may cause harm.

The information contained in this book should not and does not replace the services of a licensed veterinarian. Your cat’s relationship with his or her veterinarian is just as important as your relationship with your own doctor. Consult with your veterinarian before giving your cat any new treatments – including any herbal remedies, food not directly intended for feline consumption, or most importantly, medications. Don’t take chances!

Now, on to what you’re here for…

Contents

Disclaimer

About this Book

About Cats and Traveling

An Introduction

Cats and Their Territory

Cats Hate Change

Safety First

Rules of the Road

Preventing Escapes and Runaways

Leash Training

Pre-Trip Planning

Choosing Carrier Style and Size

Making the Carrier Feel Comfy and Cozy

Making the Carrier Feel Safe and Secure

Preventing Accidents in the Carrier

Training with Mini-Trips

Reducing Stress

Don’t Get Caught Unprepared

Don’t Drink and Drive

Making Conversation

Serenading Your Cat

Feeling the Breeze in Her Fur

Calming Kitty Down

Sedatives and Tranquilizers

Arriving at Your Destination

Preparing for the Unexpected

Motion Sickness

Sudden Illness or Injury

Preventing Fleas

At the Border

Long Car Trips – Over Six Hours in Duration

Providing Food and Water

Bathroom Breaks – Using the Litter Box

Getting Some Exercise

Pet-Friendly Hotels

Alternative Options

Traveling by Air or Train

Boarding Your Cat

Hiring a Cat Sitter

Shipping Your Cat

Conclusion

About the Author

About This Book

I’m sure you’ve heard the horror stories – traveling with a cat can be a nightmare! The good news is: it doesn’t need to be.

Whether you plan to travel with your cat once a year, once a month, or more, whether you go across the country, a few hours away, or just down the road, this book contains everything you need to know to make a road trip much easier for you and your cat.

In this book, you’ll find many suggestions and techniques that will help to reduce the stress of traveling for everyone in the vehicle. I endeavor to not only provide these tips, but to show you why these techniques are helpful from your cat’s perspective. You will see how a tiny modification can make a huge difference for your cat!

Training a cat often involves a great deal of trial and error. I hope that you will take these tips and suggestions, tweak them, and make them your own. Keep in mind while reading this book that every cat is a unique individual and what works for one might not work for another. You know your cat better than anyone else – use the tips that feel right for you.

With a little patience and this book in hand, you and your cat