Traveling with elderly cats is always a challenging task but the one we all love to tackle. Knowing your elderly cat’s mood is the first step you might want to take before getting ready to travel with your feline friend.
Several people do not think much about the feline before traveling. They only think about the adventures and fun they can do at the destination(s). However, getting your elderly cat ready for the trip should be the priority.
I’ll tell you some tips I always use while traveling with my senior cat. I hope these tips help you as well.
1) Prioritize Their Favorite Foods Over New Items
You might think your cat is a bit older now and will not need much to eat during a flight or trip, but that is not true. Cats love to eat if they are healthy. Buying their favorite treats for a long journey might be the best option to keep their mood light and happy.
You can also check this blog post on CatFoodPoint.com to know more about some decent cat foods. There is a small trick in feeding their favorite food.
Try not to give them their favorite food one or two weeks before the trip. It will be helpful to surprise them with their favorite treats when they travel. So, whenever you feel they are nervous or angry, stop your car and give them those treats to calm down.
2) Normal Carrier Might Not Work This Time
We all love having comfortable seats while traveling, so your elderly cat must have the same level of comfort you want for yourself. A comfortable carrier is one of the most important things while traveling with your feline.
You can save some money on the carrier, but get ready to invest in a comfortable mat or blanket to put inside the carrier. You can also go on Google and search for comfortable carriers for senior cats.
Senior cats need more space and a decent area with good airflow to spend their time. Elderly cats do not prefer jumping around like young ones, but they love to scratch nails and play fun games. Buy a large carrier if you want to put these types of things with your cat. A comfortable carrier helps keep your cat calm.
3) Prepare in Advance
Even if you are ready for this new adventure, getting your feline friend ready is a primary task. Prepare your senior cat for every new journey (short or long).
Even if your cat does not like traveling or spending hours in a carrier, training your cat to stay calm and satisfied during a trip is a good option. You can start by driving your senior cat to the nearest market or neighborhood once or twice a month. It will help your feline friend to stay fit and entertained on your next trips.
4) Don’t Forget Your Cat’s Litter Box
Elderly cats need as many bathroom breaks as elderly people.
These cats often utilize each pit stop in the best possible way. So, you might not want to forget a litter box (even if traveling with younger cats).
Consider bringing all its bathroom accessories with you to be prepared for every type of situation. For instance, it can pee on any spot (which is unlikely) but still, take no chances.
5) Use Natural Sedatives
Using natural sedatives is one of the best ways to save your cat’s nerves. These sedatives help to keep your cat calmer during travel. Chamomile and Catnip tea are the safest for elderly cats.
You might want to be extra careful while selecting a sedative because some of them are too strong and can cause dangerous health issues. Avoid medicaments and go natural.
6) Prioritize Soft Food
Keep an eye on the food you are giving to your senior cat. Add only those foods to the diet that are soft enough for its teeth. This tip can also help you and your feline friend, even if you are not traveling. These types of food are not expensive, and you can afford them without adjusting your budget.
7) Do Not Overfeed Your Elderly Cat Right Before the Journey Starts
Even if you are feeding your favorite food, feeding right before the trip starts is a big no. Soft foods help your senior cat in digesting whatever it takes easily. So, you might need to take a lot of pit stops than you calculated.
Wrapping Up
I hope these tips can make your journey a little less complex. Always prioritize keeping your senior cat’s priorities before anyone. Avoid feeding it right before the journey starts, and be prepared for any situation.
