Scratchings-and-Sniffings

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Scratchings-and-Sniffings


Moving with a Pet

Posted: 21 Jul 2009 09:29 AM PDT

Dr.-Larry-with-Miles Someone we know is moving. I won't spill the beans but we'll do a podcast on the subject this week. The podcast is going to focus on stress relief but there is a lot more to a safe move with a pet than stress relief. The actual physical part of the move can present several dangers and it's best to plan ahead and be prepared. After all, being prepared is one of the best stress preventers of all.

We moved more times than I'd care to remember. And we made some long distance moves too. There is no getting around it, moving is right up there with divorce, loss of a job and a death in the family, as far as fun goes.
 
It may all be worth it in the end and a new place and a new life is exciting, too. We have never been happier as we are now, here in new Mexico, but I'll tell you, it was years in the planning and I don't want to think about all the work. My next move will be in a pine box.
 
[the rest of this post will have some comments from Yvonne - in red; cause Wabby is the cat we're talking about - stay tuned for the full story!]
 
When you have a pet you have to plan for them. They can't move themselves and there are some common sense precautions you'll need to follow. Why? Moving is the most common cause of a lost pet there is. Just think about it. Are the doors ever closed during the actual physical move?Cats-with-sense-of-humor
 
Make sure you have a new pet ID tag on your pet's collar. If you've changed phone numbers make sure the ID tag is updated. Make sure you have a sturdy pet carrier too. if you are traveling by car or plane you'll want to make sure you have a good one. The carrier is also indispensable for moving day, too. If you keep them in the carrier they aren't going to bolt out the open door. This is especially appropriate for cats. [Wabby 'tolerates' her carrier, but this is such good advice, I'm getting it out now, so she can make 'friends' with it.]
 
In fact, put the cat in the carrier in a secure place in the house. The bathroom or the basement are good places. Out of the hustle and bustle should be the ideal place for the cat. They are probably hiding, anyway.
 
You may want to get the cat accustomed to a harness, too. These can be especially useful for cross-country car trips. I don't know how many people have lost a cat at an interstate rest stop because they just had to let them out for some fresh air. Buy the shoulder harness in advance and get the cat used to it. Put it on them and let them walk around for a few days. Try attaching a six foot leash to the harness and let the cat drag it around under your watchful eye. [Excellent advice! I would not have thought of this, but I'm going to try it out. I'll report back...]
 
Pandora Once they get used to the presence of the harness and leash, do a trial run outside. You can teach a cat to walk on a lead if you are patient. Be mindful that it's not like walking a dog. Don't try to get them to heel. Cats don't heel. They kind of go where they want to go. If you want them to go somewhere YOU want them to go, you'll have to pick them up and carry them. The main thing is they won't head East on I 90 when you are headed West, if they are on a harness while out of the carrier.
 
Speaking of carriers, cats and cars, it's a great idea to do some trial runs around neighborhood with the cat in the carrier, in the car. Some don't like it much, but if they've gotten accustomed to the carrier as a refuge from the chaos of packing and loading they'll be more likely to see it as a secure place.
 
It goes without saying that you have to make sure that your pet is comfortable in the car. You may be just fine up in the front seat but if the pet carrier is in the back in the sun it can be downright hot. With cats I like to put a towel on the carrier to provide some shade and security. Just make sure it's cool under there. And never leave them in a parked car! Of course.
 
You should plan to stop every few hours for a water and potty break and a leg stretch. This will make the trip that much more comfortable for you, too. Rest stops on the interstates have areas for pets to do their business and take a walk. Make reservations at pet friendly hotels along the way. I don't think you should plan on more than 500 miles a day. That's probably eight hours, if you take frequent breaks. [Frequent breaks for me, too! Wabby and I suffer from TWB: teeny, weeny bladder Syndrome.]
 
In the weeks before you move, visit your veterinarian to make sure your pet is in good health and up on his or her vaccinations. Indoor cats and dogs get exposed to other critters and various viruses during a move. The stress makes them all the more vulnerable. Ask for a copy of your pet's health records, too. These will be invaluable for your new veterinarian. if you know who that is, your current vet can send the records for you. [Goes without saying - but, glad Dr. Larry reminded me, and you, that the vet visit is very, very important.]
 
There's no getting around it, moving is a pain in the patootie. A little planning goes a long way. We'll talk about some other stress relievers for cats in particular, later this week. [Stay tuned - podcast to follow on the weekend.]

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