Top 10 Tips For Cat Transport

Top 10 Tips For Cat Transport
  1. Choose a cage that can be opened from the top and the side. Do not purchase transparent carriers, bubble backpacks or trolley carriers.
  2. Let your cat get familiar with the cage. Leave it in a living area with a soft blanket and some catnip or toys. If they explore, practice shutting the door briefly then opening it again and rewarding them with a treat.
  3. Prepare the cage 15 minutes before use with calming pheromones (Feliway) or a couple of sprays of diluted lavender scent.
  4. Limit food before a vet visit. This reduces travel sickness and means your pet will be more receptive to a treat offered by your vet.
  5. If you cat is difficult to get into a carrier, give them an anxiety medication prescribed by your vet. Avoid feeling rushed and give yourself plenty of time. Your pet will sense if you are stressed.
  6. Minimise movement. Support the carrier from the bottom and hold it tight into your chest. This helps your cat to feel safe and secure and ensures that she/he is not at eye level of other pets when they arrive at the vet clinic.
  7. Never place your cat in a hot car. Stress + heat = respiratory distress
  8. Secure the cage properly in a car. Use a non-slip mat. The floor behind the passenger seat is the most secure location for a small carrier. Place a pheromone-infused towel over the carrier
  9. To avoid carsickness, drive carefully. Avoid abrupt stops and take turns gently.
  10. When you arrive at the clinic, again, hold the carrier up high and close into your chest. Place it up high on an elevated cat stand if possible.

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About the Author

Dr Genevieve Touzel

BVSc MRCVS CertVetAc(IVAS)

Chief Veterinary Surgeon

At seven years of age, I was overjoyed when my parents introduced a mongrel pup, Marcel-Louis. He became my best friend. Realising how much I wanted to care for him and every other needy animal I could find, I decided to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. There was never any other alternative. I was thrilled to be offered a place at The University of Melbourne Veterinary School. I graduated in 1999 and I embarked on an adventurous journey of all things veterinary. Since then, I have worked as a veterinarian in the United Kingdom and Australia and in Hong Kong since 2016.

I have gained experience in mixed practice and small animal practice, dental, greyhound and equine practice. My work has also included working in emergency and critical care hospitals and charity clinics including the position of Head Veterinary Surgeon at an SPCA branch practice in Hong Kong. I have completed post graduate studies in Emergency and Critical Care. My passion for improving the quality of life in senior pets and practicing holistic medicine inspired me to pursue and acquire a board certification in Veterinary Acupuncture. Since 2021 I have been the Chief Veterinary Surgeon of SKAH and am now very proud to be certified as a Fear-Free Professional.

I live in Sai Kung with my family including Harry, a feisty toe-biting and rat-hunting ginger cat and Flo, a gentle, devoted Hong Kong Mongrel. Outside of work, I love to run the trails with Flo, explore Hong Kong with my family and travel to international conferences to keep up to date with the latest advances in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery.

It is a privilege to be trusted with the care of someone’s beloved animal. After many years, I still love the way medicine evolves. Seeing the difference that preventative health care and treatment makes to the longevity and well-being of my patients is wonderful. It is a team effort. Working with families is also paramount in making a successful care plan. Every animal (and their humans!) are unique.

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