How to Travel with Your Cat

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Planning a spring break getaway?  If you plan on bringing your feline friend along for the ride, here are a few tips to help you travel safely and comfortably.

How to Travel Safely:

By Car:
Keep your cat in a carrier.  It probably isn't surprising that cats aren't comfortable traveling in cars.  Since cats like confined places like a carrier, they will actually feel safer and more comfortable.  Your driving safety also won't be impaired, and you'll be able to drive comfortably knowing that your cat is safe and secure.  For added safety, use a seat belt to secure your carrier so that it doesn't bounce around and hurt your pet.  

If you're planning a long road trip, be sure to plan plenty of rest stops so that your cat has room to exercise and go to the bathroom.  Before you let your pet out, be sure that your cat has a collar, id tag, and leash.  

Never leave your pet alone in the car!  Even in the spring, cars can reach up to 116 degrees in just an hour.  The temperatures are even more drastic in the summer.  This is a year-round hazard.

By Plane:
If you plan on flying with your pet, you'll need to check with the airline to find out if your pet can travel in the cabin with you.  Most airlines will allow you to take your cat in the cabin for an additional fee.  Make sure that your pet has ID and a leash, so that you can keep your pet safe and secure while the carrier is being checked by security.  You can also request special screenings that won't require you to take your cat out of the carrier.

If you can't travel with your pet, we offer feline-only boarding services.  This ensures that your cat has a safe and enjoyable experience while you are away. You can relax and rest assured that your feline family member is in safe hands.  Contact one of our offices directly to learn more about our boarding services.

The Cat Hospital

877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic

718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital

718-782-8387

Don’t forget to connect with us on social media!

Facebook - Twitter - YouTube - Pinterest

Memorial Day Weekend Travel Tips for Pets

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Are you planning a Memorial Day weekend road trip?  Here are a few safety tips to help make traveling with your pets a breeze!

Road Trip Tips:

• Update Identification - Make sure that your pet is wearing secure and up-to-date ID tags when traveling.  This will ensure that in the unfortunate event your pet does run off while you are traveling, they can be safely returned to you.
• Make Frequent Stops - Make sure that you stop frequently on a long road trip.  This will provide your pet with plenty of opportunities to go to the bathroom and to stretch their legs!  Just make sure that they are always on a leash and wearing a collar.
• Stay Hydrated - Provide your pet with fresh water at each rest stop.  Since traveling can sometimes be tough on your pets stomach, provide them well small amounts of water - like an ice cube.
• Never Leave Your Pet Unattended - Never leave your pet alone in a parked car, no matter what the weather is like outside.  On hot days cars can become a furnace very quickly.
• Keep Pets Secure Inside - While your pet might like to stick his or her head out of the window, it's important that you keep your pet in a crate or with a harness attached to the seat buckle.  When they stick their heads out of the window, they can be injured by flying objects.

Read more about how you can celebrate a pet-friendly Memorial Day here.  You can also contact our office if you have any questions about your pet's health.  Our experienced veterinarians are here to help you with all of your pet health care needs.

Don't forget to follow us on social media for more pet care tips!

Facebook – Twitter – YouTube - Pintrest

Planning a Cat-Friendly Road Trip

 THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Whether you are planning a road trip or a vet visit, there are ways to make car travel stress-free for you and your cat.  Create a safe and comfortable car ride by keeping these travel tips in mind.

Cat Car Travel Tips:

• Use a Pet Carrier – Always use a pet carrier that is big enough for your cat to stand up, turn around, and lie down in comfortably.  You can also help your cat feel comfortable in the carrier by placing toys or catnip inside.
• Create a Sense of Familiarity – Cats can be very protective of their territory.  Making the car part of your cat’s territory is a great way to help him or her feel comfortable on trips. 
• Use Positive Reinforcement – Use food, playtime, or catnip as a means of positive reinforcement whenever your cat spends time in the car.  When they associate the car with good, happy things, they are more likely to be a better travel companion.
• Stop for Bathroom Breaks – If you are traveling a long distance, stop for bathroom breaks.  Harness trained cats can walk at rest areas along the way.

Read this article for more tips on how to help keep road trips comfortable for you and your cat.  You can also contact Bregman Vet Group with any questions you have about traveling with your pet.  We even offer feline-only boarding!

Don't forget to follow us on social media:

Facebook – Twitter – YouTube - Pintrest