TRAVELLING WITH YOUR CAT

Whether you are headed to the grocery store or headed to another country there are a number of ways that your pet can join you on your journeys that are both safe and comfortable.

Traveling with your pet - whether short or long distances - requires forethought and planning. The best thing you can do prior to traveling with an animal is to see your veterinarian. She can decide whether your pet will be able to withstand the strain of a car trip and what kinds of precautions you will need to take before heading off into the great blue yonder. An unhappy pet makes for a miserable trip, and an unsafe pet may bring heartbreak.

Riding shotgun
We've all seen the dummies on television. They crash into walls, lose limbs, and generally convince you that wearing seat belts saves lives. Did you ever think this might apply to your pet as well?

Riding unrestrained in a car or truck is as dangerous for your pet as it is for you. Think about it: Your four-legged friend has far less ability to keep himself upright in a careening vehicle than you do. In an accident, Rover is likely to go straight through the windshield, and the chances of him surviving impact upon landing are slim.

No carrot cake for Rover
Another option for restraining a cat or dog inside a vehicle is a carrier, which has the added bonus of portability. These sturdy, well-ventilated carriers can be a comfort zone for your pet if you get him used to it by taking him on frequent trips at first. And in a carrier, he can't (out of sheer boredom) eat the carrot cake you've left on the dash or otherwise destroy the interior of the Chevy. When choosing a carrier, keep in mind that it should:

• Allow your pet to sit, stand, or lie down comfortably

• Have no interior protrusions that may injure the animal

• Be well-ventilated, with exterior rims to keep other objects from blocking air flow

• Be equipped with handles or grips for secure transport

• Leaving an animal inside the car requires attention to temperature: If it's too cold for you, it's probably too cold for your four-legged pal. And the temperature in the interior of a car can be lethal - even in winter - with temperatures rising extremely quickly to 150 to 200 degrees. And if you're on a long car trip, you must stop every two hours for Rover's roaming pleasure. He is just as cramped in the car as you are, and a quick walk will do both of you some good. When you do stop, be sure to give your pet water - he gets just as thirsty as you do.

Once you're there
The car ride ends, but the trip may have just begun. Once you arrive at your destination, you'll need to find lodging. Pet-friendly hotels and motels do exist, though you may have to do a little searching to find them. (See "Finding Pet-Friendly Lodging," below.) Some questions to consider before you make reservations:

• Will other pets be staying there at the same time? If so, what kinds of animals?

• Will there be fees or deposits for my pet? Are the fees per pet or per room? Daily or one time only? Is the deposit refundable?

• Will I be limited to a certain type of room?

• Are there restrictions on where I can walk my pet?

• Do they offer special services for pets? (Some five-star hotels may.)

• Expecting the unexpected