Cat Behaviour when Travelling

Question
Hi
I have an 11 year old cat and he is very nervous when travelling he pees and poos in the cat carrier.  I am about to move house and was wondering if you knew why he would be soo nervous and if there was a way to make him calm. He also pees when i try to give him worming paste.  This behaviour started when he was attacked (not sure if by a dog or by ppl in the neighbourhood) when he was younger as since then i cant bathe him, hold him or take him travelling.  Before he was attacked he was perfect in the bath and car (we have moved around a lot) ?? Please help ??

Answer
Hi Kristy,

Some cats lose control of their bowels and also urinate when they are scared. You seem to have one like this. You can try to change his behavior but it will take time on your part to do this. You need to get him acclimated to the carrier first. try just putting him there and see how he is. If he is nervous talk to him gently. You can give him some treats while in the carrier. Next move the carrier around the house. If he cries set it down and calm him down. Give him a treat. You want him to associate the carrier with good things. If he seems calm enough after a while of staying in the carrier take him to the car. Start the engine and just sit there with it. Again a treat for him. If he gets nervous take him back into the house. Next is a short drive, even if it is just backing up and down the driveway. You want to end up with him being in the carrier ready for the move.

This will take some time to accomplish. If you do not have the time ask your vet for tranquilizers for him. And don't feed him the night before. This will also work.

You can use the treats to train him back to his old behavior. But that is going to take time and patience on your part. You might want to work on that when you get to your new home. And wait till he is settled in. Good luck.


Ciao, Karen