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20 June 1999 Issue
Traveling With Kitty

STAYING IN MOTELS
by [email protected] 

When packing your bags for your trip, remember to pack one for Kitty. It is
important for him to have his food & water dishes, as well as litterbox and filler
-- the same ones he uses at home. The familiar will help him orient himself in
an unfamiliar place. These items also carry his own signature scent -- very
reassuring for a kitty away from home. He will also need his regular food rations
& a bottle of water. (The water from other areas can taste very different.) Don't
forget a few special food treats & toys, including a fishing pole cat toy. When
traveling with a pet, it is always a good idea to pack some paper towels & a
general-purpose cleaner. For litterbox clean-up remember to bring sealable
plastic bags & a scoop.

Once you arrive at your lodging for the night & have brought in your luggage as
well as Kitty in his carrier, don't let him out until you have set up his litterbox.
(He may feel the need to use it soon after exiting his crate.) Next, set out his
food & water & include something particularly delicious to help him feel good
about his temporary "home away from home". He may not eat until later in the
night or even the next morning, but his sense of well-being will be reinforced
just by having it available.

Be considerate of the housekeeping services in the motel. Your cat's stay there
may determine how welcome or unwelcome other companion pets will be at this
establishment in the future. If your cat sleeps with you, take along a used sheet
or a favorite blanket for him from home. This will help to settle him as well as to
keep his fur off the motel's bedding. Place a towel or mat under the food & water
bowls & pour the used litter into a plastic bag & seal it. Remember that the
management is able to access all the unoccupied rooms, so if you leave your
room, put out the "Do Not Disturb" sign. It might also be wise to put Kitty in the
carrier while you are gone -- just in case. Before you check out the next morning,
don't forget to leave a generous tip for the maids. They will appreciate your
thoughtfulness & it will help to compensate them for any extra clean-up.

The most challenging part of the motel stay will undoubtedly be "lights out"time.
You may be exhausted after a day's journey, but your cat has spent many
boring hours almost motionless in his carrier. He may be ready to party! This
is where the fishing pole toy comes in handy. While you are resting in a
comfortable chair or on your bed, you can give Kitty some aerobic exercise. In
fact, you will want to keep him moving until he is ready to "drop". If you are
successful, you will all get a good night's sleep. If you are not, you will have to
resort to locking your rambunctious kitty in the bathroom for the night. Don't feel
guilty. After all, he can sleep the next day but you have to drive.

*Pets Welcome Map
http://www.malteseonly.com/petswelcome.html

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