How do I carry my cat ?

29 June 2023

Do you need to transport your cat and want it to go as smoothly as possible? How can you ensure your companion’s well-being during the journey ? Here are a few practical tips to help you transport your cat safely and comfortably.

The bag is lighter, the cage is stronger…what should you choose?

When making your choice, it’s essential to take into account your cat’s specific needs during the journey. There are a few points to consider:

Aggressive cats need easy handling without too much restraint or interaction.
Fearful cats will need to feel hidden.
Anxious cats will need to be able to breathe easily and will require a cage that is easy to open and clean.
Bold and confident cats will travel well in any container.

Please note that airlines require IATA (International Air Transport Association) approved cages, designed to offer your cat maximum protection and safety during air travel. These cages must meet certain specifications, such as the appropriate size for the animal’s size, optimum ventilation, secure locks and solid, resistant materials. Remember to find out about these requirements before choosing the transport container for your cat.

Learning to travel in a cage

It’s a good idea to prepare your cat for transport by gradually getting her used to the cage. Here are the steps to follow:

a) Start by introducing the cage without the roof.
b) Then leave the cage open, offering rewards to encourage your cat to enter.
c) Once your cat is comfortable, install the top of the cage while offering rewards.
d) Finally, give a final reward and close the cage door.

Comfort and well-being during transport

Note that excessive meowing and rapid breathing can be signs of stress in cats during transport. A cat that is panting may be hot, but it may also be under severe stress. Releasing faeces or urine into the carrier can also be signs of stress, so it’s important never to punish them.

To help reduce your cat’s stress during transport, you can cover the cage with a cloth, taking care not to obstruct it completely. This can create a more reassuring environment and offer your cat some privacy. However, make sure you leave enough ventilation to ensure air circulation.

There are natural solutions to soothe your cat during transport, such as pheromones or complementary foods.

Food and hydration

The need to feed your cat during transport depends on the length of the journey. Some cats may refuse to eat during transport, but it is essential to offer them sufficient water, especially in hot weather.

By following these few recommendations, you can help make your cat’s journey more comfortable and less stressful. Don’t forget to remain attentive to your cat’s well-being, and don’t hesitate to ask your vet for advice if necessary.

You can find these tips and many other tutorials on our YouTube channel.

Carrying my cat

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The importance of diet for skin and coat quality in dogs and cats

The skin is the body's largest organ, representing between 12% and 24% of the animal's weight, and its surface area in a dog weighing around thirty kilograms is close to one square meter. It's hardly surprising, then, that the quality and quantity of the dog's diet can have an impact on this organ, and in the event of a deficiency can lead to problems that go far beyond a simple visual appearance.

Key nutrients for healthy skin and coat

Among the macro-nutrients, proteins play a crucial role. They provide amino acids, including sulphur amino acids, which are essential for the structure of the skin and coat. These are the main components of collagen, which gives the skin its suppleness and resistance, and of keratin, which plays a part in the effectiveness of the skin barrier. Lipids are also important; they make up the bulk of cell membranes and, in the skin, contribute significantly to the effectiveness of the cutaneous barrier. Among lipids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help maintain healthy skin, modulate inflammatory mechanisms and promote a shiny, soft coat. Vitamins and minerals are also involved. Vitamin A is necessary for cell renewal, as is vitamin D, which also plays a part in the skin's natural defences. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, while B vitamins and biotin are essential co-factors in the synthesis of various skin elements such as ceramides, keratin and collagen. Among the minerals, zinc is involved in synthesis, protection against free radicals and immune defence mechanisms.

Disorders linked to inadequate nutrition

Inadequate or poor-quality food can lead to skin problems in our pets. A deficiency in essential fatty acids leads to dry, flaky skin, a dull coat and brittle hair. When it's the vitamins and minerals that are in short supply, synthesis is affected, the skin barrier can be less effective and the breeding ground for infections and inflammations that can lead to itching. On the other hand, these nutritional benefits can be used to compensate for individual sensitivities and improve the quality of the skin and coat in the event of dermatological disorders or diseases.

Conclusion

The quality of a dog's skin and the beauty of its coat are directly influenced by the quality of its diet. However, some dogs and cats have increased needs, and it is therefore necessary to provide them with greater quantities of useful nutrients. This is particularly true in the case of certain dermatological disorders, to help compensate for imbalances and accompany the medical treatments prescribed by your vet.