When you want to take your cat with you, whether for a short or long journey, you should always take the precaution of installing it properly and ensuring its safety as well as that of the vehicle's passengers. A cat carrier should therefore be chosen with care. What criteria should be taken into account to ensure that this basic equipment is perfectly suited to the cat it is to transport?
How to define the ideal carrier for your cat?
The main characteristics of a carrier worthy of the name are as follows:
- Sufficiently large, but not too large: the size of the carrier should allow the cat to stand upright without bumping its head. However, it is not advisable to choose a cage that is too large, as the cat may not be able to stabilise itself inside. The cat should not slip if the cage moves.
- Perfectly designed so that the cat does not get its paws stuck or risk tearing its claws off.
- Lightweight: so it can be moved more easily by the owner.
- Sturdy: it must be able to withstand claw and tooth damage.
- Equipped with a good ventilation system: in summer, the cat may suffer from high temperatures during a trip. It is therefore important to avoid heatstroke at all costs, which can be dangerous. In addition, as a cat is often stressed during transport, this causes the animal to pant, which requires a greater supply of oxygen.
- Made of rigid plastic: this material is very easy to clean. This is very important because, during a long journey, the cat may accidentally relieve itself in the carrier. It is also a place where the cat is likely to vomit if it suffers from motion sickness. Opting for a cage that can be cleaned from top to bottom limits the risk of bad odours. It also avoids having to take your pet to an unhealthy facility afterward.
- With two openings, one at the front and one at the top: this is essential to facilitate the cat's entry into the box. The openings must be secured so that the animal cannot escape, as this could represent a risk of an accident.
- With very stable straps and handles: for safe transport.
If the equipment meets all these criteria, the animal can travel without stress. However, it is advisable to equip the cage with:
- A non-slip mat or a blanket to limit slipping and optimise your pet's comfort,
- A cushion filled with catnip to de-stress the animal during the journey,
- His favourite toy (or cuddly toy) so that the little feline feels reassured and less alone.
How do you get your cat used to traveling in its carrier?
Once you've bought the perfect carrier, all you can do is hope that your cat doesn't mind getting into it. Some cats don't mind (though admittedly not many do), while others are more resistant to this type of equipment. The simple trip to the vet can be a real ordeal.
The best solution is not to use the carrier on the day of purchase. Instead, place it in plain view at home, leave it open and leave a small jar of catnip, for example, or one or two kibbles inside. You should also consider spraying the cage with a pheromone spray.
The cat is then allowed to discover this new equipment at its own pace, without being forced to enter. This may take a few days, while he gets used to it. You can then start by making him accept that the cage is closed when he is inside. A short walk in the garden may be enough at first to build up his confidence. After a week, it should be possible to put all this cargo in the car.
If nothing can reassure the cat and it goes mad at the idea of getting into this strange box, the owner can simply get his money back and choose another model, such as a bag designed for transporting pets.
Now the kitty is ready to travel. He's got a comfortable, sturdy carrier that's right for his size, but to keep him safe on the road, you need to know where and how to place the carrier. The cat and its equipment must not become projectiles in the event of a collision. The box can be placed on the back seat, provided that it is held securely in place with the safety straps. It should be noted, however, that tests carried out by the Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club (ADAC) have concluded that the cat carrier can be placed on the floor of the car, but only at the rear. If you have any doubts, you can discuss this with your vet.
Getting your cat used to the carrier
Getting the cat into the carrier is often a struggle. Cats often associate the carrier with a visit to the vet, so it's understandable that they don't really enjoy the excursions. This moment will be made easier if your cat associates the carrier with something positive. Leave the carrier open in the cat's usual living space before using it for the first time. The aim is for the carrier to become a hiding place where the cat feels safe. A soft blanket, your cat's favourite toy or some treats can help make the carrier more interesting.
Replace the carrier
When the cat doesn't want to get into the carrier, it's a complicated situation for the owner. The cat quickly runs away under the bed or gets its claws and teeth out. If the cat has already had bad experiences with the carrier, it may be worthwhile to start from scratch and change the carrier. It is often easier to get your cat used to a new carrier that it does not yet associate with negative ideas.
Make the carrier comfortable for your cat
Few cats enjoy lying in an empty carrier. Therefore, it is advisable to make the interior more comfortable for the cat. The most suitable materials are those that will not slip, such as a non-slip blanket or mattress. A pillow filled with catnip can also make your cat feel better.
Don't put the carrier on the car seat as is
Both cats and dogs need to be secured in the car. If you have an accident and the cat is not securely installed, it can be very dangerous. ADAC crash tests with an unrestrained dog dummy have shown that in an impact at 50 km/h, the dog flies through the car with a force of thirty times its weight. To prevent your cat from becoming a projectile and putting its life and the lives of the vehicle's occupants at risk, never simply place the carrier with your cat on a seat, either rear or front, of the car. ADAC crash tests have shown that the safest place for cat carriers is in the footwell behind the front seats. The plastic material of the cage used in the test was found to be too weak to withstand an impact of 50 km/h. The door and lid broke under the weight of the 4 kg cat dummy.
In short: The ideal carrier for your cat
- The carrier has two openings: one at the top and one at the front.
- The carrier is strong and resistant to the cat's claws and teeth.
- The handles and strap are stable.
- The door can be closed tightly and is not likely to open.
- The carrier is easy to clean.
- The carrier is sufficiently ventilated.
- The carrier should be as light as possible.
- There is no risk of the cat getting its claws caught in any part of the carrier or otherwise injuring itself.
إرسال تعليق