Pet Travel Tips From a Patch Editor's Cat - Healdsburg, CA Patch

Alors, c'est Michelle.

Editor Julie Pendray (JP) is busy this week, so she has asked me to write this column. In fact, if it goes well, I might become a regular! There's no payment yet, except perhaps salmon treats.

So, I'm named Michelle now (formerly Aspen as seen at the cage in the window of Sonoma Home.) JP says it has to be pronounced Mee-chelle as in The Beatles' song..."Michelle ma belle, sont des mots qui vont tres bien ensemble."

She was practising her rusty high school French with a friend, when she turned and looked at me and said, "Michelle, ma belle? Comment ca va?" and it stuck. So, goodbye Aspen, hello me.

What do I know about travel? Not much except going in the car from a local Sonoma farm?where I was born?to a foster home, via Pets Lifeline, to Sonoma Home and then home with the editor. Let the adventure begin!

JP and I were going to settle in nicely until the spring, but a family birthday awaits us in San Diego. I get to see my new adopted family! So, we're hitting the road for Thanksgiving!

We thought there might be others like us out there, so JP asked me to write these tips. Here goes:

• Make sure your pet is healthy like I am to make the journey and be comfortable.
• Get her used to the car before the trip by driving her around as often as you can. (You might see me in Sonoma this week!)
• Ensure she has a micro-chip identification and a tag with your name and phone number on it. Carry a photo of her.
• Make sure her vaccinations are up to date. (I have to get my 4-month-old rabies shot when I get back. Yuk!)
• Use a pet carrier, so your kitty is safe and not distracting the driver. Put a seat belt around it in case of an accident?you don't want her thrown around the car.
• Remember a litter tray in the carrier.
• Bring toys. Don't give them all at once. Cats love surprises!
• Let us outside to stretch along the way. You know how we cats love to stretch. You can use a harness and leash to keep us safe while we "do our thing."? Note to self: bring baggies!
• You might find some natural calming drops made for your cat or dog (ew - did I say that "d" word) so they can relax along the way. Some pet stores have them or search online.
• Dander? Who has dander? If anyone in the car is allergic to cats, consider an antihistamine for the human and try a pet spray that might reduce the irritant of shedding.
• Before the trip, brush your cat or dog to reduce shedding.

Then take a deep breath, relax, have fun.

Bon voyage et bon courage.

P.S. We got our supplies at The Granary in Sonoma.

How's that for my first column?

JP says to remind you to leave your own tips in the comments. (Editors love it when readers comment. Don't tell her I told you that.)

Michelle xx

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Source: http://healdsburg.patch.com/articles/pet-travel-tips-from-a-patch-editors-cat

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