once we get into the car...he flips out. he does really well (for just learning the harness and leash..) but he starts panting and going crazy once he gets inside the car....and then it's non-stop meow-ing. i've never had a pet (including two other cats) who have ever had such a problem with the car...
any suggestions on getting him ok in the car????
2007-01-26 09:58:28 · 11 answers · asked by bestestbakergal 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Hi there!
It sounds like he has anxiety/panic attacks when he is in the car. Believe it or not, this isn't too uncommon with cats. The noise of the car, the new and unfamiliar space and the uncertainty of what's going to happen all contribute to your cat's behavior when he's in the car. There are a few ways you can lessen the traumatic experience for your kitty. Try getting a cat carrier (a plastic one with the metal door that they can see out of it just fine) and placing a few of his favorite toys and a blanket that smells like him inside. Sometimes cats feel more secure and safe when they are confined to a carrier during a car ride. Also, try sitting in the back seat with him (if someone else is able to drive) and talking to him in a soft voice while petting him through the carrier door. If he feels secure in the carrier, you will add to that security by talking to him softly and petting him---it is a sense of comfort in an unfamiliar place. If these suggestions don't work I would suggest talking to your vet about it. Sometimes if cats can't be calmed down by other techniques, a veterinarian will prescribe a mild sedative. It's usually in pill form and you give it to the cat about an hour before the car ride. It will make them drowsy and relaxed, and will wear off (depending on the dosage) between 1-3 hours after it kicks in. Hope this helps, and good luck!! :)
2007-01-26 10:09:07 · answer #1 · answered by presserized 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the terrific way? endurance. a million. enable the cat develop into tender with the harness. provide the cat foodstuff or play with the cat together as its donning the harness. Do it usual and gradually for longer sessions. 2. Take the cat for a walk - interior the residing house or a place that the cat is attentive to approximately. walk around the residing house with the harness and the lead. prepare the kitten the basics which includes once you gently tug on the lead it skill they ought to circulate that way. 3. walk the cat on your backyard, enable it to locate and enable or no longer this is attentive to its secure close to you. 4. and ultimately, take it for its first walk. whether its 2 properties up. The kitten would be frightened of noises which includes passing automobiles and barking canines so save the 1st walk short. warning :) no longer all cats can decide for walks. some are very frightened and bounce at each and every shifting merchandise and a few can strut previous a canines prepare. in the adventure that your cat does not want to stroll or is so afraid - then do no longer take it. it could truthfully develop into an indoor cat.
2016-09-28 00:54:58 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no more car....that is a sign of a cat being car sick. he's meowing in pure pain of his stomach is doing flips.
a few of my cats over the years have had this same issue.
also ditch the leash and all. 1. cats are suppose to be walked like a dog 2. if you need something for home to car for a vet visit, get a cheap cat carrier. Not safe to have a cat running around in a car anyways. Can easily cause you to have an accident and cats don't wear seat belts...no cat will live through a car crash.
2007-01-26 10:04:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get rid of the leash/harness thing. Just because they sell them, doesn't mean they work. Get a small carrier for this little guy. Trick him to get him in it. My cats know when it's time to go to the vet and they hide. He probably won't change. Both my cats hate the car, but sometimes they have to ride.
2007-01-26 10:08:44 · answer #4 · answered by eee_aww 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should just sit with him in the car and dont turn on the engine. Once he is used to the feel of the car then try turning on the motor. You might also want to get some blankets for him or a toy to distract him. You should also have a pet cage to put in your car so that the cat doesnt feel like it is in this huge tin can. They feel better if they are in one of those things.
Hope I could help
-Hamster
2007-01-26 10:04:54 · answer #5 · answered by Hamsters Rock 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Put him in a carrier. And only take him in the car when it's necessary... not just for "fun" since it's obviously stressful for him. Some cats love car rides, others hate it. I have both. I also had a cat that would wet himself if I put him in a carrier, but did FINE if he was just on his harness & leash in the car. One of the cats I have now does okay if she IS in a carrier but freaks out and flattens out onto the floorboard if she's loose. My other cat loves to just lay on my lap (he's the only one I take on unnecessary trips, since he likes it so much).
2007-01-26 10:03:11 · answer #6 · answered by kittikatti69 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The panting makes it sound to me like he is having a panic attack. Have you tried that feline de-stressing air spray? It has worked pretty well for the short term for me. It could be the sound of the car stressing him out or the movement...or any number of things. Another possibility is to try to have him ride in a cat carrier, (your question makes it sound like you have him out on a leash still wile in the car) he might feel more secure.
2007-01-26 10:11:05 · answer #7 · answered by kudzuminionz 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get crate and put their bed or something like a blanket they're familiar with. The crate may give the cat some idea that they OK rather than being in the open in the cab of your car. Our cat did the same thing. We drove accross country and she evenyually calmed down. She didn't really have a choice.
2007-01-26 10:05:02 · answer #8 · answered by Add Man 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try slowly introducing it to the car. Take it over and sit down in the car (even though you may not be going anywhere) for maybe 30 seconds and slowly increase the time as the cat becomes more comfortable.
2007-01-26 10:11:42 · answer #9 · answered by Veneta T 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
UMMM................your cat sounds like a dog and is just acting like a cat should. Why would he like it???? Honestly a leash?? Atleast get a pet carrier ya know. Your poor cat is just too afraid to go out into public with you. You treat it like a dog i guess
2007-01-26 10:13:19 · answer #10 · answered by Gillian 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋