Cat carriers should be made part of your living space

By Mary Hayashi

The Buddy Beat

I like to believe all my felines have two houses each. The obvious first choice is the home I share with them. The second, not so obvious abode, is the cat carrier.

The cat carrier should feel like home to them so when your feline has to be transported, all of the trauma is eliminated.

My cats associate the concept of play with their carriers. This is easy to accomplish if a carrier is always kept in plain view. They accept the carrier as a normal piece of household furniture. They jump on it and play in it, sometimes several at a time, making a silly game.

If I move the carrier, they give chase and want to know where I am moving it to. For them, the cat carrier is an everyday part of their world. They have no reason to fear it, even when they have to leave the house in it. They don’t understand they are leaving the house because part of my home (and theirs) is always with them.

Going for a car ride has become a safe adventure for them. If you only give your feline a car ride for purposes of going to the veterinarian, your cat may not be as calm. Try to plan a trip to the local pet store. Our animals are always welcome there if they are properly contained or restrained (harness and lead).

If you leave the carrier door open so your cat can go in and out unassisted, this makes for a great game in a multi-cat household. Do not be surprised if you find one cat in the carrier and another dangling upside down, taunting the cat that crawled inside.

If you place a cozy bed or towel in the carrier, you can create a warm place for your feline to nap. If your cat is initially afraid of the carrier, try removing the door. Sometimes this makes going in more inviting and a less threatening place. A few toys placed inside can also assist in drawing the feline in to investigate.

Once your cat is comfortable with the carrier, you will save yourself the hassle of running around chasing the cat when you must travel with the animal. Besides making the cat comfortable, keeping the carrier in the house at all times could be a safety factor that could save your animal’s life in the event of an emergency. If you have to exit the home quickly in the event of a disaster, you can do so.

Your life and your feline’s will be much calmer when your cat treats the carrier as an extension of your home.

AdoptablesVelvet is a 6-month-old, long-coated female with exquisite fur. She is super friendly and advances to the door of her room whenever anyone looks in. She invites people into her room to play with her and her sister, Satin. She also loves other felines. What is their story? Both were left behind at an animal hospital. Who could leave such outgoing felines behind?Satin is a 6-month-old short-haired girl that is spayed. It is hard to believe these two are related except for color and disposition. They would be wonderful family felines. These two are constantly together, so the Buddy Foundation is committed to finding them a home together.Nite is a 4-month-old kitten. Today#146;s theme is black felines. This energetic guy loves everyone, including kittens, cats, dogs and people. Valerie Valentine PhotosWe will be taking photos of your family (two-legged and four-legged) with our heart, Valerie Valentine, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11. A festive backdrop will be provided, as well as treats for all. The cost is $7.We will also have a complete lunch for purchase, including hot dogs, beverage, chips and dessert. If you cannot attend, we can send your valentine a Valentine#146;s Day card for a donation. Just provide complete informationBuddy#146;s BirthdayReserve Thursday, Feb. 23, from 5-8 p.m. at Morretti#146;s in Mount Prospect. The theme is #147;Follow the Yellow Brick Road.#148; You can dress in theme. More details to follow!Ÿ Contact The Buddy Foundation at (847) 290-5806; visit us at 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights; or online at thebuddyfoundation.org. 36482432Nite