Travel Safety Tips for Cats

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Traveling can sometimes be a daunting experience for pets and their owners with so many things to consider.

Here are a few tips to help ensure the safety and comfort of your pet when traveling. 

1. Before leaving make sure the pet is up to date on all their vaccinations and that you have all current health records with you. (example rabies) 

2. Keep your pet in a carrier while traveling. Make sure that the carrier is large enough to fit a small litter box, food and water. We turn the box sideways for more room. 

3. Place a favorite blanket or towel in the front of the container for pet to sleep on comfortably. Carry extra bedding in case it gets soiled or wet. 

4. If possible secure the container/carrier to the seat. 

5. While traveling on a plane or bus (any vehicle) make sure that your pet always has access to their food and water. 

6. Watch the time.  If traveling a long distance make sure that your car has plenty of fuel by stopping at least every two hours. Keeping your vehicles doors closed, allow your pet to get out of the carrier and stretch for 15 minutes. To keep your pet from escaping, DO NOT open the doors and put pet back in carrier before opening vehicle doors.
 
Many pets have been lost during travel because owners don't adhere to this rule. Our pets have a harness and are on a leash at all times when outdoors. Even at our home they are on leashes. 

7. Maintain their schedule as much as possible allowing extra time for potty breaks in unfamiliar territory (even if it's in their own litter box). 

8. Pack a pet travel bag.  We always include their regular food, water, food bowls, water bowls, pet wipes, paper towels, medications, vaccine papers, toys, treats, blankets, pet bed, litter box, litter scoop, litter and small trash bags. Some prefer to use disposable litter pan liners. If you go that route and your cat has never used one, let them practice with one at home before you travel.  

9. Be sure your cat has a collar with an ID tag with your phone number on it in case you become separated from the pet. 

10. Be prepared for the climate.  Unexpected weather can happen, especially during winter months.  Always have warm bedding and clothing for the pet and be sure to keep their feet dry. 

11. Medications and Flea Treatments.  A few days before your trip, apply flea and tick meds. This allows you to monitor them for any reactions before traveling.  This is especially needed if going to warmer climates where fleas, ticks and mites are prevalent.  

12. Be wary of strangers petting your animal.  To you they might be friendly, but may not be with others.  If startled pets may react differently, than you are accustomed to, in an unusual situation by scratching or biting.  This is another reason why having medical records with you is important. 

Being prepared can relieve unnecessary stress on both you and the pet.  Enjoy your travel time with your pet by maintaining their schedule and adding in some extra TLC.  Bon Voyage!
 

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Arm & Hammer Litter Mat with Scatter Control Review

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Working with rescue animals we are always on the lookout for products that make life a little easier, and aren’t too expensive.   Thankfully one day while I was out shopping for pet food I came across this litter mat that seemed different than the others we have tried.  Yes, Arm & Hammer has come up with a floor mat that really does capture the scatter from your cat's litter box. 

No matter how hard we try any cat owner knows it’s an ongoing thing to keep the area around the litter box free from loose litter.  The A & H mat has been so helpful and that’s why I wanted to tell you about it. 

The mats are neutral in color and made of a rubber type material with hoops and loops on the face side.  Unroll the mat and after a few hours it will flatten out perfectly.  I placed it on a table on the reverse side first before placing it on the correct side on the floor. 

As kitty exits the litter box she/he steps on the mat and excess litter gets caught in the mat and not on the floor.  It doesn't catch all the litter, but it does a good job and is well worth the price. 

These mats come in different shapes and sizes and can be placed on any type of floor. Personally I would like to see some larger sizes that would give more area for the cat to step on before heading off to the carpet. The more time they spend walking across the mat, the less litter they carry off with them. 

Pro’s & Con’s Usage 

Even though some don’t like this about the mat, I like that they are light weight and that makes clean-up simple. Depending on the type of floor you have it may shift because it is lighter, but it still does the job for the most part.  For the record, all of ours do lay flat and don’t slide much if at all. 

Another nice thing about being lightweight is that it’s easy to take with you when traveling, especially if you have to stop at a hotel or are staying at someone’s house.   

This mat works extremely well for older cats, because they are so convenient and easily swapped out for when these seniors miss the box.  I love it for kittens as well, because they think the litter box is a playground.  It helps contain some of that “playfulness” they tend to do on a regular basis while in training. 

For general maintenance, just hold the mat by each end and shake the excess off into the litter box.  Every other day take it outside and give it a good shaking. You can even vacuum it if you like, but make sure it’s not wet. 

Cleaning the product isn’t a problem either.  Wash it in soapy water using a mild detergent and rinse until it is thoroughly clean.  Let it dry and it's ready for use.  

We have both the circular and rectangle shapes, but I still wish the mat was a little larger for multiple litter boxes. 
 

Sizes
 
Half Circle: 23.5 x 14 x 0.3 inches
 
 
 
 
Rectangle: 23 x 13  
 
 
In the end, this is one of those items that I wish I had found years ago.  A good price for the product and it really does work when taken care of properly.  
 
Arm & Hammer Litter Mat
Buy it

 


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Arm & Hammer Litter Mat with Scatter Control Review, Favored Pets, Favored1, Pet Safety, Cats, Pet Rescue, Online Pet Supplies, Litter Mats, Pet Products