ArcaMax

A friend told me that melatonin can be crushed and put into her food to calm her and that she may then allow me to pick her up. Please help us figure out a way to accomplish our Florida mission!

- Grace, Rockville Centre, New York

Dear Grace,

Start getting Zoey ready for the trip now so you can learn what works. I advise only trying melatonin (or valerian root) after talking to your vet about proper dosage because an overdose can cause unpleasant and sometimes serious side effects for your cat. You also can try putting a feline pheromone collar on Zoey to see if that calms her down. If neither works, your vet may recommend something stronger for the trip.

Next, I recommend getting a two-door top-loading kennel. It is much easier to put a cat into a kennel through the top door than the side door. I don't recommend Zoey and Jack be in the same kennel. Traveling can be stressful, and I don't want them to get irritated and fight with each other. So, get two kennels and leave them both in a low-traffic area with the side door open and a small blanket inside for the next few weeks. Spray the blanket with feline pheromones.

If that doesn't draw Zoey and Jack to the kennels to take a nap, then try rubbing some catnip on the blanket or adding a toy, treat or food bowl in each kennel to get them used to these spaces.

When the time comes, if Zoey doesn't go to the kennel on her own, sedate her, depending on what you and your vet have determined will work, drop a large towel over her, pick her up quickly and place her in the kennel via the top door.

It may take you a few weeks to find the right combination of things that will work.

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(Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to cathy@petpundit.com. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal.)

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