Amid all the activity, it’s important that we consider our pets. The holidays can be stressful for pets, with all the additional comings and goings and changes in the daily routine.

If you are having company over, consider designating a “safe spot” for your pet. A room where he is comfortable that is in the quietest part of the house.

If your dog is truly not comfortable with a lot of strangers coming into the home, it might be wise to put him in a boarding kennel for the evening. This will eliminate the chance of him becoming overwhelmed and possibly deciding that you need to be protected from your guests. If he is sociable, he can come out and greet people, but make sure he always has a place to get away from everything. Even the friendliest of pets can become stressed by a holiday party.

Holiday by Rail Johanna Kriesel Buy this Print Now from Art.com

If you are traveling and decide to take your pet with you, make sure that you arrange it in your travel plans. Airplanes have pet restrictions and often require advance notice of pets that will be on board. Be sure you know the pet policies of any hotels you plan on staying at. Some hotels have a size restriction, some limit pets to certain rooms, and those rooms could be booked. Don’t wait too long before making reservations.

If you will be traveling with your pet, make sure to have a packing list for him that includes a crate and his food, water, dishes, leashes and collars, and maybe a couple of toys. Get the pet used to the carrier well in advance of travel, as well as used to car rides, especially if you will be driving to your destination. If your pet is prone to car sickness, it might be better to make arrangements to have someone care for him at home or to board him. Crates can be a lifesaver while traveling with pets. If you stop for gas or food or anything else, you don’t want the pet jumping out of the car when a door opens. A pet who is stressed from the travel and in an unfamiliar area can quickly become scared and run off.

The holiday season is a very busy time of year for boarding kennels and pet sitters. Many are booked up months in advance, so it is important that you make arrangements with them as early as possible. Before leaving your pet, make a list of contact phone numbers where you can be reached while you are away, as well as veterinary contact information and instructions as to what should be done in a veterinary emergency. Make sure you have enough food and any medication he might need for him for the duration of his stay, plus a little extra.

With all of the holiday meals, you might want to let your pet enjoy some of the food. If you do, it’s important that you just give him a small piece of these treats and make sure he still eats his regular diet. Too much holiday food can be very difficult on your pets digestive system, making him sick.

All of the decorations put up for the holidays make for a number of additional hazards for your pet. Garlands and ornaments are sometimes mistaken for toys. Every year around the holidays, we hear of pets who ate ornaments. Hang them high enough that the pet can’t reach them, or limit them to a room that can be off limits to your pet.

Also plants, such as Christmas trees and poinsettias are toxic to pets. Take extra care to prevent curious animals from nibbling on them. Put them in inaccessible locations, use baby gates or scat mats to prevent access, and don’t leave your pet unsupervised with the plants.

Often people think that pets would make for a great holiday gift. In actuality, they don’t. One reason why they don’t is that if they are going to be a surprise, then it is impossible for the recipient to be a part of the selection process, in which case the pet might be incompatible with his new owners. If you want to give a pet as a holiday gift, it is better to give an IOU, with perhaps some pet care items, and then let the individual choose the pet he truly wants.

The holiday season is not the best time of year to acquire pets. All of the traveling and activities make it very difficult for a new pet and his owner to set up a much needed routine and to bond correctly. The stress of going to a new home on the pet is compounded by the stress of the holidays. Again, it is best to wait until the holidays are over so that your new pet can settle into a quiet and loving home when you have time to attend to his needs during the adjustment period.

By Liz Shulman

Liz Shulman has over 20 years experience with animals, and 10 years with dogs. Learn more about dogs at http://www.corgipower.com/

Copyright 2009 Fine Pet Care.com. All Rights Reserved.

You would think that choosing a pet travel carrier would be a relatively simple matter — until you begin to shop around a bit online and learn about all the different types and models that are available. With all of the various features and different design elements, it is easy to become confused! Added to this situation is the fact that, as a pet owner, you want to choose only those pet travel carriers which will enhance your pets traveling experience and contribute to their security, comfort and health.

So where do you begin? I think the best place to begin is to think about the kinds of travel that you will need to do with your pet. Will you be traveling for short periods of time, or for hours and hours on end? Will you be going down the street, or to another continent? Will you be traveling on a cruise ship — an airplane — or in an automobile? These are not irrelevant considerations, because different modes of transport can require different types of travel carriers for your pet. If you begin with a consideration of your travel environment, you will be in a much better position to choose an appropriate travel carrier for your pets.

As a general rule, choosing a travel carrier for use in an automobile or airplane environment is a bit more difficult than choosing other types. Pet carriers designed for use in automobiles are generally designed to fit the sizes and dimensions of the interior of particular types of cars — so you must be careful to choose one which is designed to fit safely and snuggly within the interior.

Choosing a pet travel carrier for use on an airline presents special challenges. The best procedure is to contact your preferred airline and determine the specific requirements that your travel carrier must meet before they will accept it on their flight. Be aware of the fact that a pet travel carrier will need to meet certain size and weight requirements before your airline will approve its use.

An important quality of any pet travel carrier is that it should be “humane.” For example, I do not find the models that contain a wire mesh bottom — like a cage — to be particularly humane, as walking on these types of bottoms will certainly not be a comfortable experience for your pet. Another important characteristic of a humane pet travel carrier is that it should provide an adequate amount of room for your pet to move around.

At the very least, your pet should be able to turn around, as well as lay on its side, if it needs to. A humane pet carrier also needs to provide an adequate amount of ventilation as well — and if your pet will be traveling by airplane in a cargo hold, it may need additional protection from cold or hot environmental conditions, as cargo holds may not be air-conditioned or heated.

For long-distance traveling, when your pet must be restrained in a carrier for long periods of time, you should make sure that it is equipped with an adequate supply of food and water — this will be particularly important if the pet carrier will be stored during your trip in a place which will not allow you to constantly monitor the condition of your pet. And because any pet that has eaten or who has ingested liquid will need to relieve themselves, you will also need to make certain that your pet carrier has been properly lined with some sort of absorbent material — particularly if you are using a simple cage that has a bottom panel that is not solid.

Another important aspect of using a pet travel carrier is to make sure that your pet has become properly acclimated to its new home before you begin your travels. Don’t wait until the last minute to try and do this — your pet will need several weeks, at a minimum, to get used to the look, feel, and smell of their new traveling environment. So at least a month or two before you begin your trip, you should introduce your pet to its carrier.

The easiest way to do this is to allow your pet to go in and out of the travel carrier at will, with the door left completely open. If you can encourage your pet to spend the night sleeping in its carrier (again with the door open) so much the better. You can also try to place food and water, as well as its favorite play toys, inside of the pet carrier to encourage it to enter and be comfortable.

Learn more about Pet Travel Carriers

Copyright 2009 Fine Pet Care.com. All Rights Reserved.

Have you ever taken your dog on a camping trip? Have you ever spent a lazy afternoon floating down the river with Fido by your side? How about an overnight hiking and camping trip? I have three dogs that seem to know long before we even start bringing the camping bags out that we are going somewhere. They pace and follow us from room to room as we begin our packing adventure; it definitely is not a quiet moment. I would never think of leaving them behind. Our dogs absolutely love the outdoors!

If you are planning to take your dog on any outdoor adventure, prior planning is essential! Taking your pooch with you is much like taking children, you must prepare for them to insure their safety as well as yours and others.

Here are a few tips:

1. Keep your dog leashed, or if allowed; under voice control at all times! Dogs are asked to be leashed for their own safety as much as for the wildlife and other humans. He should have his id tag on his collar at all times. Be familiar with basic animal first-aid for ticks, scrapes or poison ivy and any other emergencies that may come up.

2. Bring some essentials from home, the unfamiliar scents, people, objects and spaces can make the best of dogs nervous. Comfort him by packing a bag with his favorite things from home: blanket/bed, snacks and toys. Anything that makes him comfortable works well. I have one dog that wants to hold on to his stuffed toy the whole time while traveling in the car, and another one that does much better away from home if he has his tennis ball with him.

3. Pick up after your dog – bring lots of plastic bags and scoop it up just as you would at home. Some campgrounds have banned dogs because of the negligence of a few dog owners.

4. Dog manners – your dog should at least have acquired basic training – such as not jumping on people, coming when called and not barking at strangers – even weird strangers, which you are bound to encounter at some time.

5. Plan ahead for everything. Even though no one ever wants to think about having an accident on the road, it does happen. Have a plan (for your dogs) in case of a flat tire, a serious accident, or any other emergency that could happen while you are out. I suggest that you use a dog seat belt; or better yet, have them travel in a carrier. Your dog(s) are depending on you to help them if you can.

6.Keep him hydrated. Dogs and heat do not go well together. Be sure to carry plenty of water, and water him often. We have found out that the backpacks that carry water (sold at bicycle shops) work very well for us. You will have to train your dog to drink from the reservoir, which does not take much if they are thirsty!

7. Learn about your surroundings and prepare for it. Make sure you are aware of the dangerous wildlife, treacherous plants, weather conditions, and any other challenges that you may encounter. If you do not know what you are doing, you might inadvertently be putting yourself and your dog in danger. Use common sense, if your dog is long haired and gets hot easily; do not take him to the desert. He would be much happier going somewhere cooler.

8. If you are renting a canoe, or using an outdoor guide, please abide by all of the rules and take responsibility for your pets. Most businesses expect you to be a responsible dog owner, and they are giving you the privilege to use their services. If your dog is trying an adventure for the first time, please let the owner of the company know, they may be able to help you and your dog feel more comfortable.

9. Camping? Find a dog-friendly campground – do lots of research. Make sure that if pets are allowed, what are the size limits. Are there any restrictions? Do they have a dog run? Are you required to bring and show your dog’s rabies certification? Once there; do not leave her alone in the tent, keep her in sight at all times, and refer to section 4-dog manners. Nothing is more annoying to campers than a dog left barking all day and night.

10. Note that some businesses will ask that you show proof of vaccinations, it is always a good idea to carry a copy of them with you at all times. This is also a good idea in case you have an emergency and you have to take your dog to the local veterinarian. If your dog has special medications, always bring them with you.

11. Last, but not least…if your dog is especially excited, our suggestion is to take them somewhere to let them get some excessive energy released before reaching your final destination. Even a nice stroll in a park will do them good, (and you too!) Your dog will be much more welcomed if he or she is in a calm state of mind.

And most of all….have a great time! Dogs love the outdoors, love exercise and love being with you. Take some lessons from them and enjoy every minute you have with them.

About The Author: The authors of Campingpet Adventure Club are avid pet lovers and adventure travelers. The Price’s travel often in their pop-up trailer and tent with 3 large dogs (Buddy, Rusty and Fred) and take them hiking, camping and any outdoor adventure that will accept their dogs! They have stayed in campgrounds, public lands, state, Federal Parks, and cabins.
They own a membership club for people who like adventure travel with their pets. Subscribe at http://www.campingpet.com.

Written by: Debbie Price

Copyright 2009 Fine Pet Care.com. All Rights Reserved.

In the U.S. alone, more than 30 million people each year take their pets with them while camping. Yet, when we first started RV-ing with our dogs, we were unable to find much written on the subject. Sure, there were the occasional articles in magazines that reminded us to use pet ID tags, bring plenty of water, and take their favorite toy. But in terms of providing genuine support or bottom–line information, there was nothing out there. Since it was something that we felt was badly needed, we decided to write this article.

While there are numerous issues to consider while camping with dogs, these are some of the most important.
1. Make Sure that Your Dog Can’t Get Lost
It’s one thing if your dog gets free in your neighborhood. It’s another when you’re at a rest stop, nine hundred miles from home. Either train your dog to come when called or make absolutely sure that they’re on a leash at all times.

2. Get All of their Vaccinations Up to Date
If your dog gets into an altercation with another animal (or a person), the central issue will become their rabies shots. If you stay at a campground that has a demanding pet policy, you’ll need to verify your dog’s vaccination records. If you cross into Canada, you’ll have to confirm that your dogs have had their shots. You get the idea.

3. Make Your Dogs Easy to Identify
If your dog does get lost (unfortunately, it happens all the time), the ability to easily identify them will become critical. For permanent identification purposes, consider tattoos or microchips. At a minimum, make sure they wear tags that show their name, your current phone number, and the date of their last rabies vaccination.

4. Clean Up After Your Dog
The biggest complaint about dogs has nothing to do with their bark, their bite, or their behavior. If you pick up after your dog, you’ll be helping dog owners everywhere.

5. Learn How to Provide First Aid to Your Dog
If a medical crisis occurs while at home, you drive to your local veterinarian. But if you’re heading down a dark highway in a strange town, it will seem like a bad dream. Although there are ways to get help while on the road, it always takes more time. In the meantime, your ability to provide competent first aid could save your dog’s life.

6. Involve Your Dog in Everything You Do
If you really want your dogs to have a good time, include them in your activities. Take them with you on long walks. Buy a cheap plastic wading pool and let them play in the water. Throw a ball. Cook them up a hamburger. If you do stuff like that, they’ll do cartwheels the next time you decide to take them camping.

7. Call the Campgrounds Before You Go
Even if a park claims they’re pet–friendly, always call ahead to confirm their policy regarding your dogs. We’ve arrived at parks (with our two German Shepard dogs) after a long day on the road only to discover that “pet–friendly” meant dogs weighing under 20 pounds.

8. Plan Ahead for the Unexpected
Have a plan (for your dogs) in case of a flat tire, a serious accident, or a fire in your RV. Start with a few extra leashes, a pet carrier, and an extra fire extinguisher. Then have a fire drill to identify potential problems.

9. Learn About Your Camping Environment
The U.S. is a huge country with a vast assortment of dangerous wildlife, treacherous plants, unpredictable weather conditions, and demanding environmental challenges. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you might inadvertently be putting yourself and your dog in danger.

10. Recognize and Respect the Views of Others
While some of us can’t imagine traveling without dogs, others can’t image traveling with them. If you keep your dog under control and clean up after them, you won’t give others much to grumble about.

Happy Camping with Rover!

About The Author: Julee Meltzer. The authors of Camping & RVing with your pets are avid pet lovers and campers. They are authors of a new book, “Camping & Rving with Your Dog”. In addition, they are full-time RVers, who RV in a Class A with 2 large dogs and 3 cats, at last count! Jack and Julee Meltzer have traveled over 100,000 miles with 5 cats and 2 dogs. They have stayed in campgrounds, public lands, state and Federal Parks, and the occasional Walmart parking lot. Subscribe at http://www.petsrv.com and receive by email their free handy checklist “What to Bring When Camping with Your Dog” Contact Julee Meltzer at julee@desertwindspress.com or julee@petsrv.com

Copyright 2009 Fine Pet Care.com. All Rights Reserved.

“While Traveling” Technique

Each day while traveling, you can communicate with your animal friends, sending love, reassurance, and updates (mental postcards) about your trip. You will probably find this is a relaxing moment for yourself. Your animals will appreciate your daily contact.

* Lie on a bed or sit comfortably in a chair or cross legged.

* Take 3 deep breaths, and on each exhalation, imagine any stress you are feeling is flowing out with your breath.

* Breathe normally, and pay attention to your breath, watch it going in and out for a minute or two.

* See, feel, allow, imagine you are in your heart center (a space in the middle of your chest).

* Just be in your heart center and connect with the Unconditional Love that lives there in unlimited quantities.

* See, feel, allow, imagine your animal friend in your heart center with you.

* Say hello to him/her and imagine yourself holding them as if you were actually physically present.

* Imagine stroking or petting or grooming them for as long as you wish.

* Talk to your animal friend, just as if you were with them. Tell them about your day. Tell them how much you love and miss them. Remind them you will be home in ___ (fill in number) of days. Tell them you will “visit” them again tomorrow.

When clients of mine have used these techniques, they have consistently reported success.

Kathy has many birds and a regular helper to take care of them. While visiting Hawaii, her helper called to say that Pidge, a rescued wild pigeon, had stopped eating. Kathy asked me what to do. When birds stop eating they can sicken and die very quickly. I gave Kathy the “While Traveling” instructions, which Kathy immediately began to use. Kathy’s helper saw an immediately change in Pidge the very first time Kathy used the technique: Pidge became more relaxed and began to eat. Everyone was relieved and Kathy was able to enjoy the rest of her trip while “visiting” Pidge daily.

Whenever Elaine went on a 3-day weekend with a friend, her cat, Marie, would ignore her for 24 hours after she returned. I suggested Elaine follow the instructions for “Before You Leave”, telling Marie where she was going and with whom, when she would leave and return, and about Marie’s care while Elaine was gone. When Elaine tried this, for the first time ever, Marie didn’t “scold” Elaine when she returned. Instead the cat greeted Elaine as if she had been gone only a few hours, rubbed against her legs, sat in her lap during the evening, and slept with her in bed that night, all of which was their normal routine.

Annette had been desensitizing Skip, her rescued German Shepard, to get used to the idea that staying at a kennel can be fun and is not abandonment. Still, Skip was having a difficult time with it, and Annette had a trip to take where the dog couldn’t go. I suggested to Annette that she use both the “Before You Leave” and “While Traveling” techniques, which Annette was willing to do. As a result, she now has a dog whose separation anxiety is dramatically reduced and Annette is able to go away whenever she needs to travel.

If you have to be away on a trip, give these methods a try. You may find that not only are your animals feeling better about your being away, but you, yourself, may feel more comfortable with the idea of traveling and leaving your animal family members at home.

Rev. Nedda Wittels, M.A., M.S., is a telepathic Animal Communicator and Shamballa Master/Teacher offering private sessions in telepathic communication and in healing for humans and animals. She also offers Spiritual Empowerment Sessions for people awakening to new consciousness. Nedda teaches workshops in telepathic communication with all species and in Shamballa Multidimensional Healing. She can be reached at 860.651.5771, neddaw@sbcglobal.net, and www.raysofhealinglight.com

Copyright 2009 Fine Pet Care.com. All Rights Reserved.

Does your cat ignore you for the first 24 hours after you return from a trip? Does your dog or bird stop eating while you are gone? Do animals that normally get along begin to fight? Do they start to get upset when your suitcase comes out? Do you worry about them when you have to travel?

It does not take telepathy for our animal friends to notice that a suitcase has been pulled from the closet. They know this means something is about to happen that affects their lives, but they don’t know what to expect each time.

Setting expectations helps reduce stress for everyone. Here’s how to make things easier for yourself and your animals.

“Before You Leave” Technique

While you may not believe that you are telepathic, you can still communicate with your animals about your trip. If you think your animals may have questions, ask an Animal Communicator to help you with this conversation.

The animals are all telepathic, so if you choose to do this yourself, use mental pictures and take the time to fill in details.

1) Be physically present with the animal, sitting down if appropriate.

2) Close your eyes for a moment, take 3 deep breaths, and tell yourself to relax as you exhale.

3) Get the animal’s attention by saying the animal’s name.

4) Just as you would tell a spouse or partner about a trip you are taking, tell your animal friends. Include details and use mental pictures or images to help get the message across.

a) Tell them you are going away and the purpose of your trip.

Animals care about us and want us to take care of ourselves. When you explain why you are taking a trip, you can say:

VACATION: “I’m going to go on a vacation where I cannot take you. I need to rest and relax and have no responsibilities for a short time. Unfortunately, there is no way you can come along.” Hold a picture in your mind of the place you are planning to visit.

BUSINESS: “I have to take a trip for my job. While I’m away, I’ll be working.” Hold a picture in your mind of you at work.

b) Tell them when you are leaving and when you are returning.

Animals understand concepts of time. They know what a day/night cycle is. They also understand human concepts of a week. Animals who live outside understand moon cycles. You might say, “Today is Wednesday. I’m leaving in two days, on Friday morning, and I will be back 4 days after that, on Tuesday evening.”

c) Tell them who is going to take care of them. You can say:

KENNEL: “You will be staying at the same kennel you stayed at last time. Remember what a good time you had?” Have a picture in your mind of what the place looked like, followed by an image of a person at that place whom your animal really liked. (Make sure this person is still working there if you tell them to expect so see that person.) Remind them about the activities there that they like.

STAYING WITH A FRIEND: “You’ll be staying at [insert person's name] home. You’ll get to play with [insert person's and/or animal's name(s)." Fill in more details if you have them.

PET or HOUSE SITTER "[person's name] is going to [stay here] or [come ___ (fill in number) of times a day] to take of you.”

d) Fill in more details about their care while you are gone.

Reassure the animals that they will be fed their normal food, supplements, and medicine.

Tell them what the caretaker will do: groom them, take them for a walk, play with them, clean their cage or litter box, whatever. You can say: “I’ll make sure you have your own food, bed, and toys.”

e) Tell them you will miss them and be sending them love from your heart while you are gone.

Use the “While Traveling” technique described below to communicate with your animal while you are away.

Click here for this technique, which is explained in part II of the article.

Copyright 2009 Fine Pet Care.com. All Rights Reserved.

Luckily for dog owners, these animals travel by air better than cats. If the dog is accustomed to car travel, then air travel shouldn’t be a problem at all. Use the following dog air travel tips for safe and pleasant airplane travel with your best furry friend.

Certify Your Dogs Health before Air Travel

Not only is dog air travel better for your dog if the dog is healthy, but it’s actually the law. Federal law requires that a dog has been certified within 10 days of the trip to be healthy, vaccinated, and free from contagious diseases. This is a very important for any pet travel, large or small.

Avoid Excessive Temperatures

Ensure the safety of your dog during air travel by never flying with your dog while temperatures are over 85 degrees or under 35 degrees, on either end of the flight. Many airliners put “heat embargos” and/or “cold embargos” on dog air travel during the summer and winter months respectively. This means that the airliners prohibit dog air travel during these times. This shouldn’t be seen as a problem, because the airlines do it to prevent disease or death, and guarantee a safe flight for your dog.

Overseas Dog Air Travel May Involve Quarantine

For international dog air travel, keep in mind that some isolated countries, such as New Zealand and England, quarantine animals arriving by air. Before traveling and booking reservations, familiarize yourself with the laws, requirements, and procedures of your particular destination. Unless your flight is non-stop, remember that you may have to deal with regulations in multiple places.

Don’t Tranquilize Your Dog During Air Travel

Although tranquilization may seem like a good idea during canine air travel, it isn’t. Tranquilizers are the leading cause of death or sickness of dogs during air travel. A dog can’t receive immediate or professional medical care during air travel, so unnecessary medications do more harm than good. In fact, many airliners reject tranquilized pets as a safety precaution.

Obedience During Dog Air Travel

Training your dog before airline travel is the best way to ensure a good flight. Unfortunately, even short air travel means hours of separation between owners and their dogs (except for service dogs). Your medium to large size dog will be confined to a shipping crate for the entire flight.

You can help relinquish the strain and discomfort on your dog by preparing him for dog air travel beforehand. Do this by getting your dog used to being inside a travel crate for extended periods of time. Also, make sure your dog works well with strangers, namely in busy, frantic, or uncomfortable environments. This will do wonders for traveling with your large furry companion.

Looking for more information regarding travel with your dog by land or air. Visit us our dog air travel section at largedogbreeds.com for more breed specific information on your large canine companion.

Copyright 2009 Fine Pet Care.com. All Rights Reserved.

First of all your furry feline probably senses that this is going to end up to be another trip to the family vet. Your cat does not want to get prods, pokes and possibly injections to boot. It seems that dogs do not have the problem with traveling in a car. They like to accompany their master on outings in the car. However, travel with a cat can be quite difficult. You cat may be a pure homebody and not like to travel. Here are some ways that your can help your cat cope a little bit better.

You will find that if you have gotten your cat used to traveling at a very young age then they will tolerate the carrier and the travel much easier. You should try taking your cat for short, frequent drives if it is only to the store, a spin around the block or to visit friends. In this way, your cat will not immediately associate a car ride with a trip to the vet. If you have trained your cat to tolerate a harness and leash, then you should try taking him on car rides to check out the nature scene a little farther than your own backyard. When your cat tolerates the shorter trips then you can begin to try longer excursions.

In the situation of spending long periods of time away from your home, you may wish to bring your cat along. This way the feeling of being separated is avoided for both you and your cat. For international travel you may need to check and see if there are any special accommodations needed. These special accommodations may include documents, vaccinations or any other accommodations needed for your cat. In the cases of quarantine, it may be easier for you to leave your cat behind this time. The stress that is involved with quarantine just would be too much unless you were looking to permanently relocate. Before you engage in the travel, have your cat visit the vet for any check ups and shots that your cat may be due for. Also make sure to ask about sedatives. You want to call ahead and make sure that the place of stay permits animals.

A very essential thing to have is a cat collar and identification tag that has the name of your cat, your name and your address and the phone number of not only your home but of the destination. Your cat will also need to have his harness and leash, the usual food that he eats, a bottle of his drinking water, his litter box, his bowls, a bag or two of litter, a scooper, grooming and first-aid supplies, medications, health records, and a few of his favorite toys from home. You should not forget such cleanup supplies as paper towels and spray cleaner. If you line the bottom of the carrier with disposable diapers this will help to soak up any accidents and make cleanup that much easier.

When traveling by vehicle, be safety conscious. Prevent shifting and rocking by placing the carrier in a very secure spot. With out blocking ventilation you may place a towel over the carrier to ease your cat and give him some comfort. Talking in soft calm tones or even soft music playing over the radio can help your cat to relax. At each stop you make on your trip put a leash and harness on your cat and allow him to stretch his legs. Your cat should never be left unattended in your vehicle for any reason. Humidity that can build up in the vehicle can cause your cat to have heatstroke.

For more info on cat health, cat kidney disease or cat disease .

Copyright 2009 Fine Pet Care.com. All Rights Reserved.

When you are going on a vacation or taking your cat out for a length of time you will want to have the cat trained to ride in a car or vehicle so that the cat is not jumping all over and over the seats.

Purchasing a pet carrier will be the first thing that you will want to do. Searching for the right carrier is another thing that you will want to do. Knowing the right size and fit for the cat will be very important to the cat and you. A carrier in which your cat will like and a carrier that easily picked up and put in the car.

The first thing that you will want to do after purchasing the carrier for your cat is. Let the cat get use to the carrier being around. Set the carrier in the cat area for a couple of days and let the cat investigate with it. Do not push the cat into the carrier or your cat will not want to go in the carrier. After that, you will want to play with the cat with the carrier by putting something that the cat loves to play with in the carrier and see if the cat will go in by it. Once you have the cat going in and playing with the item then you will want to start with the rewarding of small treats, for the cat. Allow the cat for a few days to do this, once the cat is comfortable and maybe laying down in the pet carrier, you will want to start with the door, not to close and lock it, by allowing the door be slightly open for a period of time till the cat is comfortable.

Once you are able to have the cat comfortable in the carrier and you may start with closing the door all the way and then locking the door. Leave the carrier in the place for a few days when doing this.

Next, you can pick up the carrier and carry the cat gently around the house, to get the cat to be comfortable in the pet carrier with you walking. You should do this for several times a day for a few days, just so the cat is comfortable.

Now is the big day, to go for the first ride, remember that your cat has not maybe been in the car. Sounds from the car and near by cars and traffic noise will tend to startle your cat. You may want to do the first drive in a quiet area, with your cat next to you. There is music out to play while you are driving, with your cat to help the cat to relax. Talk to your cat to help it relax and assure it that everything is all right. If at anytime the cat does get frighten you will want to stop and help the cat to relax to assure there is nothing wrong. By doing this the cat will want to go back in the carrier the next time.

Remember to take treats with on the drive; this will help the cat to know that they are doing a good job and that you are keeping them safe. When your cat is doing well in the pet carrier as you are moving you can give the cat a treat to let it know they are doing a good behavior. Do not at anytime yell or do anything to startle the cat, as your cat will have a fear of the pet carrier.

Have patience and practice with training the cat for travel. Now you can pack the bags and cats items that you will need and off on the wonderful vacation with you.

About The Author

Burt Cotton http://www.petcarenews.org

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