Category: Feline Behavior

Dezi in harness

Service Cats: Kitten/Cat Proofing Your Home Pt. 2

Published on by Service Cats U.S.19 Comments

MeOW Welcome to Service Cats and Everything Feline on Furidays. We’re runnin’ on our 3rd no sleep day and adrenenline cuz of early meownin’ ‘pointments. But, we didn’t want to skip postin’ today, cuz our current topic is very ‘purrtant, and we hope lots of kitties find their new furevers befur the end of the month. Anyways, as always you can ketch up or re-read any of the posts in this series by clickin’ on Training Tips and Everything Feline from our menu above. And you can submit your questions or suggest topics fur us to cover by leaving a comment on this posty or sendin’ us a purrivate email via our Contact page, also in our menu bar above. Purrlease ‘member when askin’ behavioral questions to be as specific as pawsible and use any examples you feel best describes the behavior you’re askin’ ‘bout. Alrighty then, let me turn on me’s human speakin’ and spellin’ voice and get this posty started.

 

Dezi laying in cat tree in new harness

 

 

 

 

The followin’ post will be written in human English fur reader and translator ease. Our Service Cat posts aren’t intended to be an all inclusive Trainin’ Manual but rather Tips, Tricks and Techniques used/developed by mommy A thru her many years of animal trainin’, cats in purrticular. And to offur insight into your questions about Everything Feline. Always remember, Training is all ‘bout Repetition and Rewards.

 

Raena sits in tiger kitty holster cat harness

 

Last week we started a mini-series on Kitten/Cat Proofing your home. Most of these tips are also good for puppy/dog proofing as well. You can read Pt. 1 here. Cats are curious by nature, and that can spell trouble if we get into something we’re not supposed too. Like two legged children, we rely on you, our human to make sure our home and surroundings are safe for us. We started inside the house since we think it’s important for kitties to live inside. It’s just too dangerous for kitty to be outside roaming the streets.

 

Dezi lays on shower bench

 

 

 

 

The Bathroom and Laundry room:

 

     Let’s take a look at the safety issues in the Bathroom/Laundry room. Now, we know that not all laundry rooms are in the bathroom, but clumping them together just seems natural. After all what other 2 rooms are designed for cleaning something dirty? Anyways, whether you have a vanity or just a sink, be prepared to find kitty lounging about the porcelain on those really hot days of summer. Mommy prefers cleaning with steam, but she also makes a homemade all purpose cleaner using 1/2 cup of Vinegar, 1 Tbsp. of Dawn dish detergent and water in a 16 oz. spray bottle. Mommy’s also used this same concoction to mop the floors, clean mirrors and windows. It’s a great all natural and safe cleaner. If you use bleach or other harsh chemicals for cleaning, be sure to store them out of kitty’s reach and rinse all surfaces thoroughly after cleaning. Remember, kitty will walk across most surfaces and then lick their paws.

 

     Keep the toilet seat down, especially if you have or plan on adopting small kittens. Did you know one can actually drown in as little as 1 inch of water? So please keep that toilet seat in the downward position. We don’t recommend using those leave in toilet bowl cleaners just in case you or perhaps company forgets and leaves the toilet seat up. Accidents happen and it only takes one time to turn your life upside down.

     Most laundry rooms have a small shelf up high for storing dangerous chemicals. Always keep washing machine and dryer doors closed and check and double check before turning them on. It’s a good idea to have a vent cover over the dryer exhaust vent outside to keep small animals and cats from trying to crawl in that way. If you don’t have a dryer but have the vent, it should be covered from the inside too. The exhaust vent isn’t meant to be a kitty/doggy door. 

 

     You should also store human soaps, shampoos and conditioners closed and out of kitty’s reach. Altho’ most of these won’t kill kitty, they could result in sickness or other long term health diseases. If you’re a bath taker, never leave kitty/woofy unattended with a full tub of water. Do Not use human bubble baths, bath oils or bombs when bathing kitty/doggy. Please be careful when using products like hair spray, deodorants, perfumes, hair dyes, lotions, toothpaste and other hygiene and grooming products. Never use them directly on kitty/woofy and be careful they don’t get caught in 2nd hand sprays or applications. Only use toothpastes and shampoos specifically made for kitty/woofy.

 

Raena lays on shower bench

 

 

 

     The bathroom probably has the fewest electric outlets and the most hanging cords in the house. Blow dryers, curling/straight irons, shavers, toothbrushes, and other small appliances can all be shock hazards. Make sure all cords are properly stored and unplugged. Remember, kittens get into everything, and even older cats are curious about new surroundings and things. Keep trash cans covered or under the sink if possible. Bathrooms that come with windows, usually have very small ones, none the less, keep them closed or at least keep an eye on kitty so he/she doesn’t try to get out of it or fall out by accident.

 

     One last thing before we leave the bathroom as we have personal experience with this one. Any over the toilet storage/shelving units should be anchored to the wall or have a sturdy base that allows it to be a stand alone product. Choose non glass items to display on the shelves. You never know when kitty’s curiosity might get the best of him/her and the unit including all it’s contents come crashing to the floor.

 

Raena close up of eyes-blooper

Can you believe it? Mommy cut half mine’s face off and

got all that goopy stuff in mine’s eyes. Just one of the many bloopers we have.

 

 

 

Well, fur the smallest rooms in the house, they sure do have a lot of dangers. MOL Anyways, we’ve got just a few more rooms befur we’re finished. So, get your questions and topic suggestions in now. And don’t furget, you can ketch un on any post on this series by clickin’ the links on our Training Tips and Everything Feline page from the menu above. We’re gonna be joinin’ Comedy Plus fur Feline Furiday and the Cuddlywumps fur Pet Photo Fails and Bloopers. And do we ever have bloopers. ‘Course, we wouldn’t x’pect anythin’ else with mommy behind the camera. MOL  We plan on sleepin’ soon and we’re not settin’ any alarms. So, we’ll be ‘round to visit just as soon as we can.

 

Till the next time…………………………………………………..Be Blest!!! 

 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses 

 

Deztinee and RaenaBelle             

Raena in her harness

Service Cats: How To Deal With An Attack By An Unleashed Animal

Published on by Service Cats U.S.30 Comments

MeOW Welcome to Service Cats and Everything Feline on Furidays. Mommy’s still workin’ on gettin’ those forms put together fur everypawdy from last weeks posty. She’s tryin’ to figger out how bestest to save them so everypawdy can save/download and make changes to them to fit your unique circumstances. Anyways, we’ll let ya’ll know when we get them done. It was really nice to know a lot of you already have plans in place fur your furry family members should anythin’ happen to you. Let’s get the business stuffs outta the way and get on with today’s posty. Remember, you can always ketch up on any post you may have missed or want to read again, by clickin’ the links on our Training Tips and Everything Feline page. And you can submit your own questions or topic suggestions by commenting on our posts or sendin’ us a purrivate e-mail via our Contact page. Purr the new GDPR, we have a new purrivacy banner on that page. But, let me tell ya’, we respect each and every one of you and would never, and me means never ever sell your infurmation to anypawdy.

 

Raena posing in her harness on the small cat perch

 

 

 

 

The followin’ post will be written in human English fur reader and translator ease. Our Service Cat posts aren’t intended to be an all inclusive Trainin’ Manual but rather Tips, Tricks and Techniques used/developed by mommy A thru her many years of animal trainin’, cats in purrticular. And to offur insight into your questions about Everything Feline. Always remember, Training is all ‘bout Repetition and Rewards.

Dezi in harness

 

 

 

Today’s post will be more relevant for dogs than cats, but with more and more cats becoming the pet of choice with people we expect things to change. We were asked a while back, “How do you handle when your cat/dog is attacked by another that’s off leash/free roaming?” “Is there a way to avoid a confrontation?” Obviously, the best way to avoid a confrontation, is for everybody to obey the laws and keep their cat or dog leashed and under their control while out in public; whether on a walk, hanging in the yard or park, or anywhere else peeps and animals gather. Unfortunately, there’s always some idiot that doesn’t want to comply. And yes, we truly mean Idiot. We also find that when it comes to leashing, cat peeps are among the worst. It’s really embarrassing for us; so cat peeps listen up…If you take kitty out into public, be sure to harness and leash us before putting us into our carrier or stroller. The law applies to kitties and woofies the same. We’ve already posted harness and leash Training Tips and Techniques here and here, so we won’t go thru that again.

 

Raena goes for a walk outside

Raena in “Heel” position

 

 

 

Heel Training:

 

You should also Train kitty or woofie to Heel beside you when anyone or any animal approaches. This will help you maintain control over your own animal without looking like prey to the approaching animal. Heel means that your kitty/woofie sits calmly at your side. To Train your kitty/woofie to Heel, call them to your side and ask them to sit and stay. Remember to Reward them every time they succeed. If possible incorporate another cat/dog in the training and have kitty/woofie Heel while the other animal approaches. The only time you should allow your kitty/doggy to meet and greet another animal in public is when they are both leashed and under control of their handler. You know your animal and know the warning signs of aggression. If both animals are leashed, it is much easier to separate them before an attack can occur.


Dog walking clip art animated

 

Unleashed woofie doesn’t “look” aggressive, but you can’t be sure.

 

 

Steps to take when out and being approached by unknown animal:

 

So, you’ve done everything right. You’re out for a nice stroll with kitty/doggy and see an unleashed animal in the distance coming your way, what do you do now? Tighten your leash hold to make sure your pet is completely under your control. If kitty or woofie is small enough to pick up, do so. The best way to avoid conflict is not to be there. Don’t make yourself prey. Turn away from the approaching animal and go another way. However, Do Not Run, you immediately become prey when you run. If avoiding the animal isn’t an option, Heel kitty/woofie and evaluate the situation. You may have to use that pepper spray you’re carrying. In this situation, and this situation only, we recommend carrying a spray bottle or squirt gun to use to startle the advancing animal. If the animal is actually accompanied by a human, yell out to them to get their animal under control. Be prepared for “Idiot” to say something like, “He won’t bite, he’s just being friendly/wants to play.” Keep your animal under control and get your pepper spray/water bottle/squirt gun ready. You are obeying the law and have the legal right to defend/protect yourself, your animal and anyone else in the vicinity. Now is a good time to take a photo of the approaching animal and any human that may be associated with him/her. The photo will help you find the animal and it’s owner in the future if need be. Remember to stay calm. We animals feed off our handlers’ emotions. If you’re feeling stressed, we’re going to get stressed; if you’re calm, we’ll stay calm.

 

Long haired cat walking clip art

 

 

 

If you’re at the VET’s office or a Pet store or some other animal friendly place and feel threatened by another animal, ask the owner of said animal to tighten their leash and control of their animal. You may also want to ask the staff to speak with the owner of said animal. If at the VET’s office you can ask to wait in a room so that you and Fluffy/Fido can be separated from the “aggressor” and Idiot. You can also leave and return later when hopefully that particular animal is gone. Remember, the best way to avoid conflict/attacks is not to be there. 

 

Angry cat face clip art

Attack is immanent.

 

 

 

 

The Confrontation and what to do:

 

You’ve done everything you could to avoid this confrontation, but the unleashed animal attacks anyways. If the animal isn’t accompanied by a human, we suggest not waiting to find out, and assume the approaching animal is dangerous. We suggest spraying the animal before it gets close enough to attack in the first place. If “Idiot” refuses to get their animal under control tell them you will spray their animal if he/she comes any closer, and follow thru. Do Not put your hands or face between the animals. Use your pepper spray/squirt gun/water spray bottle to break up the fight. Yell, stomp your feet and/or clap your hands to try to startle the animals. Hopefully, onlookers will come to help. If you plan to be in a secluded area, you should always have a second person with you to help in the event of an attack. Sometimes no matter what you do, an attack is immanent. As soon as the attack is over and the animals have been separated, check Fluffy/Fido for injuries and get to your VET. Remember to take photos of both animals and any injuries. Be sure to get at least one good clear photo of the attacking animal. Report the attack to the authorities and locate the owner of the attacking animal. Legally, they are responsible for any damages due to their negligence (ie; not keeping their animal leashed, confined and/or under their control). 

 

Raena's adorable face close up while sitting in stroller

I’s leashed up with mine’s harness on and all legal.

 

 

 

The Legalities:

 

Attacks are never fun and can be avoided more often than not when we all follow the law. But remember, as long as your animal is leashed and under your control, the law is on your side. While you could care less during an attack, the end result is that the unleashed animal’s owner is liable financially for any damages suffered due to the attack. They are liable for any VET bills, doctor’s bills, lost wages, and other damages depending on your local government’s laws. Make Them Pay. Sometimes the only way “Idiots” learn is when it costs them. We will also add that while the thought of hurting any animal makes mommy cringe, she says to use anything at your disposal to stop an attack, such as a cane, stick, flashlight or whatever else you might have on hand. Again, legally, you’re in the right. While that knowledge won’t help your conscience, you don’t want your fur baby to be mortally injured. Mommy says when it comes to protecting us, she’s a momma lioness and would kill to keep us safe. 

 

Dezi rests her head over the edge of the stroller while outside

Me’s obeyin’ the leash laws and purrtectin’ me’s self by bein’

strapped into me’s stroller.

 

 

 

Well we hope this has helped a bit. We truly wish everypawdy obeyed the laws so there weren’t any attacks in the furst place. An animal who has been attacked can offen become fearful or aggressive themselves. We have written Tips fur helping kitty/doggy with fear/aggression here and here. Be sure to get your questions or topic suggestions in by leaving a comment or sendin’ us an e-mail. And don’t furget to check out the other topics we’ve already covered on our Training Tips and Everything Feline page in our menu. We’re also joinin’ the Feline Furiday blog hop. 

 

Till the next time………………………………………….Be Blest!!! 

 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses 

 

Deztinee and RaenaBelle     

Raena's adorable face close up while sitting in stroller

Service Cats: How to Keep Kitty’s Name off the Bite List at the VET

Published on by Service Cats U.S.24 Comments

MeOW  Welcome to Service Cats and Everything Feline on Furidays. We’ve got a great topic today so stay tuned. And ‘member you can leave your questions or topic suggestions in the comments below or send us a purrivate email via our Contact page. And as always, you can get caught up on any post you may have missed by clickin’ the links on our Training Tips and Everything Feline page from our menu. Remember, we’re no longer listing names per reader request. There is no dumb question. Mommy says no one purrson knows everything about everything. We all have to start somewhere. By the way, you’ll notice a little different structure today. Let us know ifin ya’ like it.

 

 

Dezi laying in cat tree in new harness

 

 

 

The followin’ post will be written in human English fur reader and translator ease. Our Service Cat posts aren’t intended to be an all inclusive Trainin’ Manual but rather Tips, Tricks and Techniques used/developed by mommy A thru her many years of animal trainin’, cats in purrticular. And to offur insight into your questions about Everything Feline. Always remember, Training is all ‘bout Repetition and Rewards.

     One of the questions we get asked most is about taking kitty out in public and making sure kitty’s comfortable and calm. Whether it be to the VET or on an adventure, people want to know that kitty isn’t stressed out. We discussed preparations for taking kitty to the VET last week. If you missed it, you can read it here. Today, we’re going to follow up a bit on that topic. The question is, “Kitty appears/is calm during the initial VET visit and suddenly ‘goes nuts’ and bites when the VET/tech with metal mesh gloves takes his/her temperature. What caused this and can we stop it from happening in the future? ” Another question that goes along with this is: “How can I keep kitty calm during the exam itself? The VET and techs are concerned about bites and scratches and want to sedate kitty or wear gloves or other protective gear when handling kitty.” 

 

 Dezi sits in stroller

 

 

 

Feeding off the Energy:

 

     Let’s take a look at the first question. You’ve done everything right and kitty is nice and calm. Even the waiting room didn’t stress kitty out. So why then is kitty suddenly going “nuts” and biting? Remember, we always stress that kitty will feed off the emotions of those around him/her, so it’s really important that you remain calm and thinking positive thoughts. But, it’s also important for the VET’s staff to not only be professional but calm. If a kitty has never shown any signs of biting, then no one should be wearing metal mesh gloves during any part of the exam. Quite frankly we were appalled when we read the question. Mommy wouldn’t let anyone near us wearing such armor gloves. We suspect this kitty reacted to the tentative touch of the tech who most likely was also feeling a bit apprehensive. There was no initial signs that the gloves would be needed and should never have been worn. VET appointments are rarely fun, but mommy likes to keep them as stress free as possible, so that we remain calm each time we have to be in the office. All it takes is one bad experience to cause kitty to react poorly and stress at all future appointments. And YES, it is possible to change the behavior of a kitty who does have a history of biting, scratching or fighting with a VET/tech. It just takes a little time and patience and the cooperation of your VET and their staff.

 

 Dezi and Raena stare intently out the door from the liberty cat tree

You can see the purple calming collar  in the foto.

 

 

 

 

Calming Options:

 

      We don’t have Feline only VETs in our parts, but, you might look into them in your area. Obviously, an office that caters to cats should be better equipped in knowing how to deal with them. Another option, is an office that has separate waiting rooms to help keep kitty calm. A lot of people have great success with calming sprays and plug ins. It might help every kitty/doggy if your VET had them in the rooms and waiting area. You might suggest them to your VET or gift them to your favorite VET’s office. Don’t forget, you can also spray kitty’s carrier and the towel or clothing inside kitty’s carrier as well. You might also want to look into a calming collar. They’re fairly inexpensive and can be used only when needed. While in the waiting room, you should speak calmly to kitty and remember to praise them and let them know how proud you are of their great attitude and calm demeanor. And yes, do this even if kitty is hissing or cowering in their carrier. Remember, the idea is to calm or keep kitty calm so the appointment goes off without any problems. And don’t leave kitty unattended at any time. We even go to the bathroom with mommy when all the time necessary.

 

 

Dezi sits on exam table at vet office

 

 

 

The Exam:

 

     During the appointment mommy makes sure to remain in our line of sight at all times. She stays calm and blows us kisses and slow blinks. When she has to hold us down for tests, injections, etc., she makes sure to calmly and quietly praise us for our good behavior. Yes, it’s usually the techs’ job to hold kitty, but mommy knows that we stay calmer when she does it. We know mommy’s touch and can feel the love radiating down thru her hands instead of apprehension from someone who doesn’t really know what to expect from us or how we’ll behave/react to certain touches, pokes and prods. At no time does mommy let us out of her sight. The office policy may be, no owners in the back, but if you’re a calming effect on kitty, exceptions will be made. If not, you may want to look for another VET. Mommy’s policy is: If they can’t do “it” in front of her, then they probably shouldn’t be doing it all. She’s seen perfectly calm kitties suddenly get written up in their file as ferocious/biter after a trip to the back for a blood draw or weigh in. And, she’s seen some pretty incompetent techs trying to find veins or restrain kitty. So she completely understands how a kitty can become stressed and lash out. That being said, if you can’t remain calm, you need to work on it and pray for a great office.

 

Raena in stroller at Petco looking at birds

 

 

 

Working Together:

 

     Mommy says more often than not, kitty will react the way people are expecting. Tech wears bite glove, kitty bites. Guess they got what they were expecting. So, if the VET/tech comes in the room clad in armor, kitty’s probably going to act out. Kitty is feeling everyone’s stress and reacting in kind. Our VET and his staff have a lot of shortcoming’s, but, they usually enter the room calmly and completely ignore kitty. We either start sniffing him or mommy presents us to him/her and then the exam begins. Unfortunately you can’t change a VETs personality or actions, but you can suggest ways they can deal with your kitty that will make kitty more comfortable. After all, you know your kitty better than anyone else. Remember, this is a relationship. Kitty can’t speak, so the VET is looking to you for cues on what is and is not normal with kitty. A good VET is going to want to make the visit as stress free as possible. Nobody wants to get bit or scratched.  

 

 Dezi lays atop the liberty cat tree in calming collar

 

 

 

Well, we’re gonna wrap it up fur today. We’ve covered a lot of infurmation, and we do hope it helps. Sometimes Training is as much about Training the human on how to behave as it is kitty. Always remember, calm is good and Training is best achieved with Repetition and Rewards. Teaching kitty to remain calm at the VET is just as important as Training kitty to use a litter box or where to scratch. Don’t furget to leave your questions or topic suggestions in the comments or send us an email via our Contact page. And, you can ketch up on any post in this series by clickin’ the links on our Training Tips and Everything Feline page. Join us here each Furiday to learn more about the mysterious feline in your life and what makes us tic. MOL We’re also joinin’ Comedy Plus fur Feline Furiday.

 

Don’t furget to let us know ifin ya’ like the new outline with sections??.

 

 

Till the next time………………………………………………….Be Blest!!!

 

 

 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses 

 

Deztinee and RaenaBelle

 

Dezi on the floor at the vets

Service Cats: 6 Tips To Keep Kitty Stress Free While Going To the VET

Published on by Service Cats U.S.17 Comments

Stop Kitty’s Peeing, Pooping & Throwing Up In The Car/Carrier:

MeOW Welcome to Service Cats and Everything Feline on Furidays. We’ve got a great topic fur ya’ today, so stay tuned. We’re runnin’ really late cuz mommy didn’t get everythin’ edited befur crashin’ last night and she had her regualr monthly doctor’s ‘pointment today. Anyways, fanks fur your patience. Furstly, we thought we needed to meow a minute ‘bout where our Tips, Tricks and Trainin’ Techniques come from. Mommy was asked this past week just where she got her ideas since she had such purrfect and well behaved kitties (we’re choosing to believe the question is genuine). Altho’ mommy thinks we’re purrfect in every way, we’re far from it. Mommy has dealt with most of the issues we write ‘bout purrsonally at one time or another. And, mommy spent years Trainin’ woofies, horses and kitties. She even Trained a pot bellied pig named Cameron. Mommy fostered bottle baby kittens who had to be taught how to be a cat. Mommy’s always had a bond with animals and still spends much of her time studying their behaviors, and tweaks her Tips as needed. And ifin she doesn’t know somethin’, she’ll research till she gets the answers. Altho’ mommy has experience with many animals, she has chosen at this time in her life to focus on kitties. We’re so fankful fur all our new and old furiends and followers and welcome any and all questions or topic suggestions you may have which can be left in the comments or by sendin’ us a purrivate email via our Contact page. Just ‘member to be as specific as pawssible when askin’ behavioral questions. As always, you can ketch up on any post you’ve missed in this series by clickin’ the links on our Training Tips and Everything Feline page from our menu. So, let’s get the “business” outta the way and get on with today’s topic.  

 

 

Raena sits posing in her tiger harness

 

 

 

The followin’ post will be written in human English fur reader and translator ease. Our Service Cat posts aren’t intended to be an all inclusive Trainin’ Manual but rather Tips, Tricks and Techniques used/developed by mommy A thru her many years of animal trainin’, cats in purrticular. And to offur insight into your questions about Everything Feline. Always remember, Training is all ‘bout Repetition and Rewards.

Dezi lays on counter at vet office

 

 

 

     We’ve been asked several questions about how to avoid Stress while transporting kitty to the VET. Some of you have kitties that throw up, poop or pee in their carriers every time they have to make that trip, and you want to know how to stop it. Since most of these kitties never go anywhere else, we’re going to focus on how to make this and other trips successfully. Let me tell you a little story about me’s self. For the first two years of me’s life, me would pee every time mommy took me to Ardmore or the VET. Because me did it at the same spot on our trips (7 miles from home), mommy says it would have been funny if it didn’t mean that me was so stressed and stink up the car so bad. However, me can now make that trip and even longer ones without emptying me’s bladder all over the place. So, how did mommy get me to stop? 

 

Dezi lays in wheelchair watching Raena inside the stroller

Step 1.

     First up, we recommend leaving the carrier/stroller out at all times. Put a towel, blanket, or a previously worn unwashed shirt in the carrier. This will allow kitty/doggy to get used to their transport and even find it comforting. Place the carrier in a quiet spot and give treats or extra loving when kitty/doggy enters or uses the carrier as a bed or hideaway. Place a favorite toy or a little catnip/silvervine in the carrier to entice kitty into using the carrier. Play interactive games that incorporate the carrier. You might also use one of the facial pheromone calming sprays to spray the inside of the carrier. Remember to refresh the scent often. In other words, make the carrier a fun place for kitty to hang out. 

 

Dezi looks over her shoulder while in the stroller outside
Check out the stroller’s tether (black strap) attached to harness.

 

 

 

Step 2. 

     As most of you know, we highly recommend harness training your kitty and tethering them into their carrier/stroller for safety. You can read our Harness Training Tips here. We also recommend withholding food before a trip especially one to the VET. However, you want to make all trips seem uniform, so all preparations should be the same whether you’re going around the block, to the pet store or the VET’s office.

 

Dezi and Lexi inside stroller in the front seat of the car.

 

 

 

Step 3.  

     Take kitty for a drive. It doesn’t have to be far, but you want kitty to get used to going out without ending up at the VET. Remember, you want the carrier to be a fun and comforting place. Speak softly and calmly to kitty while you’re out. Keep your emotions and thoughts in check. Always remember, animals feed off your energy. If you’re stressed and expecting the trip to go badly, kitty/doggy will pick up on that and most assuredly leave a little surprise for you in their carrier. Remember me’s first 2 years? Every time mommy saw the mile marker where me first peed, she would get nervous and start watching me to see if me was going to let loose and flood the car. MOL She had started carrying piddle pads and would put one in her lap underneath me. Me liked to lay in mommy’s lap while we drove down the highway. One day, mommy said enough and decided to Train me to hold it. 

 

 Raena models the new sling carrier

 

 

 

Step 4.  

     Mix things up. What this meant for me, was that mommy put me in a carrier for the last 10 miles of the trip. She chose a small carrier that didn’t allow me room to move around. This step is only temporary, so you don’t need to invest in an expensive carrier, just something small enough to keep kitty from moving around an leaving deposits behind. Kitties are very clean animals. The last thing we want to do is lay in our own pee or poop. If your problem is that kitty is leaving deposits in the carrier, you might want to hold kitty in your lap instead of the carrier. For the first couple of times, you might want to have a piddle pad at the ready. Remember to speak calmly to kitty. Make each outing longer and longer and expose kitty to new and different things. Carry a wand toy/feathers on a stick to help distract kitty from the things going on around them. Keep an eye out for signs that kitty is about the pee/poop/throw up and distract them with the wand toy or feathers on a stick. Obviously this step is much easier with two people, but one can do it in a pinch; after all, mommy has to do it by herself. If she can do it, anybody can. Make stops at the park, pet store or a drive through (ie: bank, fast food, etc.) and reward kitty with treats or extra loving during the trip and after you return home.  

 

Raena looking around at the vets

Step 5.      

     When the time comes for the trip to the VET, don’t let your stress affect kitty. Remember to always keep your own emotions in check. Keep positive thoughts and treat the trip as if it were any other trip kitty’s been on. Be sure to take along some treats or a favorite toy to distract kitty. Wand toys or feathers on a stick work great for this. You can even take a little bag of catnip for kitty to sniff is you have a nip fiend. Any time you see kitty showing signs of stress, wave the wand/feathers/bag of nip to get kitty’s attention. Praise kitty during the visit. No matter what happens at the VET or what kind of news or health updates you may get, keep your thoughts and voice positive until after you return home. Continue to keep an eye out for stress so you can redirect any unwanted behaviors like peeing/pooping/throwing up on the trip. 

 

 Sling Pet Carrier

Sling/over the shoulder pet carrier

 

 

 

Step 6.    

     Once you return home, remove kitty from carrier and give them treats or extra loving along with praise about how much fun the trip was. One thing we didn’t mention earlier, is that mommy likes to put a little nip or silvervine in our carrier/stroller before trips. It’s a ready made distraction that we can’t escape. Once kitty has made 2 trips without the offending behavior being present, you may return to kitty’s normal carrier. Altho’ the smaller carrier may not give kitty room to move around, kitty is okay. Kitties actually like tight spaces, they make us feel safe. We thought you might like to know a few of the things mommy has used as a “tiny” carrier over the years. Mommy has used her purse, an overnight bag, make up bag and shoebox. You might want to look into a sling carrier that would allow kitty to rest over your heart. This type of carrier can be extremely soothing to kitty as they are next to your heart and feeling the warmth of your body. It also encloses all but kitty’s head, so there’s less opportunity for kitty to move around and squat.

 

Dezi lays with arm hanging over edge of the liberty cat tree while Raena bathes on the shelf below her.

Well, we do hope this helps those of you dealing with this purrticular problem. Fankfully, me no longer pees in the car, carrier, stroller or mommy’s lap. Me actually looks forward to trips these days. And, me luvs the new sling carrier mommy got us almost as much as me luvs our new stroller. Ifin there’s somethin’ you feel we’ve left out, or you have further questions on this topic, purrlease say so in the comments below or by sendin’ us a purrivate email via our Contact page. And, as always, you can ketch up on any of the posts in this series by clickin’ Training Tips and Everything Feline from our menu bar above. Befur we go, we wanna link up with Comedy Plus fur Feline Furiday. Join us next week fur another in depth look into the world of cats.

 

Till the next time…………………………………………….Be Blest!!!

 

 

 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses 

 

Deztinee and RaenaBelle