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My Pet World: What to do with a biting, reluctant feline

Cathy M. Rosenthal, Tribune Content Agency on

Every pet owner must determine what will work best for them and their pets, since each circumstance will be different. I have moved sixteen times as an adult. Since I have always had pets, I think nothing of driving my pets across the country as you do. There are plenty of hotels that allow pets, so it's just a matter of planning ahead. But not everyone feels equipped for a three-day drive with their pets, not even me on some of my moves.

Once I felt overwhelmed at the thought of driving my three-month-old baby and three cats from Indianapolis to Philadelphia, so I booked all of us on a nonstop flight. It snowed on the day of the flight (in March) and the flight got canceled; one of the downsides of traveling by plane with a pet. A family member ended up driving my cats (in snowy weather, no less) to my new home in Pennsylvania while I caught a later flight and prepared for their arrival. I also have flown my cats on long-distance moves (Denver to Washington, DC, for example) because I had a toddler in tow and knew it would be easier to manage everything better if I kept our travel to one day.

So, these considerations should be made on a case-by-case basis. But like you, I prefer driving with my pets.

Dear Cathy,

In a recent column, you suggested using carpet runners to transition (a dog) from carpeting to the floor. There is another, less expensive option. To provide better traction, we use old yoga mats. They're lightweight and can be switched around where needed. They also can be cleaned easily.

Love your weekly articles in the Arizona Daily Star. I am using a pheromone diffuser you suggested for cats, which has worked great.

— Lynda, Tucson, Arizona

 

Dear Lynda,

That's a great tip! Used yoga mats are an excellent option for providing traction to dogs who slide around or are unsteady on smooth surface floors. Garage sales might be a good place to find some. Thanks for sharing your idea.

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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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