Staten Island Pets: For all things furry out on the island!

Car Sick Kitty
Relieve your cat’s carsickness with these simple travel solutions
by Robin Honig

While most dogs love to travel, you probably won’t ever see a cat poking her little head out of a car window. Pookie Uncomfortably tight quarters combined with loud noises and stop-and-go motion typically make for a very frightened cat. Even short trips can end with a queasy kitty and a stinky car. But with the right preparation and a good treatment plan in place, travel can be trauma-free for both the cat and her owner.

• Don’t Fill Her Up. Take away food for at least three hours before travel. An empty tummy will make her less likely to throw up. Water, however, is okay and might help calm the stomach.
• Handle with Care. Drive carefully! Remember, getting there faster won’t make for a vomit-free trip. Take it easy around corners and up hills, and go a little slower than usual.
• Stay Close. Like humans, carsickness in cats is often worse in the back seat where the motion of the car is more extreme. Put the carrier in the front seat next to you. (It will also be easier to check on kitty at stop signs and traffic lights.)
• Be Vocal. Leaving the safety of home is often stressful for cats. Since vomiting can be brought on by extreme agitation, the sound of your voice can help calm her down.
• Give Her a View. Don’t block the carrier opening. Cats are less likely to get sick if they can see beyond the cage and watch the passing scenery.
• Make it Breezy. Be sure to open your car windows. Fresh air usually eases nausea. (Always keep the carrier safely locked so that kitty can’t escape.)
• Keep it Cool. Check the cage frequently to make sure it hasn’t overheated. Turning on the air conditioner, even with the windows open, can help keep temperatures low.
• Pop a Pill. If all else fails, try a holistic remedy for anxiety (Serene-Um, Pet Calm and Rescue Remedy are good choices) or a pet-dose of Dramamine. For extreme cases, your vet may give you prescription. Remember , never give your cat any kind of medication without talking to a doctor first.