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Cats/Cat Behaviour when Travelling

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Expert: - 3/2/2009


Question
Hi
I have an 11 year old cat and he is very nervous when travelling he pees and poos in the cat carrier.  I am about to move house and was wondering if you knew why he would be soo nervous and if there was a way to make him calm. He also pees when i try to give him worming paste.  This behaviour started when he was attacked (not sure if by a dog or by ppl in the neighbourhood) when he was younger as since then i cant bathe him, hold him or take him travelling.  Before he was attacked he was perfect in the bath and car (we have moved around a lot) ?? Please help ??

Answer
Hi Kristy,

Some cats lose control of their bowels and also urinate when they are scared. You seem to have one like this. You can try to change his behavior but it will take time on your part to do this. You need to get him acclimated to the carrier first. try just putting him there and see how he is. If he is nervous talk to him gently. You can give him some treats while in the carrier. Next move the carrier around the house. If he cries set it down and calm him down. Give him a treat. You want him to associate the carrier with good things. If he seems calm enough after a while of staying in the carrier take him to the car. Start the engine and just sit there with it. Again a treat for him. If he gets nervous take him back into the house. Next is a short drive, even if it is just backing up and down the driveway. You want to end up with him being in the carrier ready for the move.

This will take some time to accomplish. If you do not have the time ask your vet for tranquilizers for him. And don't feed him the night before. This will also work.

You can use the treats to train him back to his old behavior. But that is going to take time and patience on your part. You might want to work on that when you get to your new home. And wait till he is settled in. Good luck.


Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

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I have an A.A.S.

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