I originally wrote this post several years ago. But after yesterday's car and ferry trip from Powell River to Bellingham, I thought it would be a good one to share again for all my cat lovers.

I was really afraid when it was time to move my cat Stick Tail from Pomona to Bellingham. But the flight on Alaska Airlines, including a transfer in Seattle, went without a hitch (Flying with My Cat). Stick moved in with Mom and adjusted almost immediately to his new surroundings. Now they are inseparable (Stick on the Job).

The next challenge was taking Mom and Stick north to Powell River by car and ferry (Driving with My Cat). I was afraid Stick would try to escape, so I started out using his carry case. He voiced his complaint quite vociferously. I shouldn't have worried, he's such a fraidy cat.

The last leg was up the lake to our float cabin (Stick on a Float). The boat ride's his least favourite part, too noisy and bouncy. The up side is he has a blast exploring the cabin and float structure, and once he even got over to the sheer rock wall (Hole in the Wall Mountain Cat).

Now, the trips to and from Bellingham are pretty commonplace. Stick doesn't have to ride in the carrier and there's no need to use a relaxer any more (he really hated the taste anyway). In the back seat of the car he has his blanket (crocheted by Mom, of course), litter box and water dish -- a home on wheels. But where does he choose to sit? On top of the carrier - go figure.

Stick still gets car sick, but we are prepared. We carry towels and baggies to take care of the mess. Cats are like humans, they can get car sick too. After he has cleared his stomach, the rest of the trip is pretty enjoyable for Stick.

Here are some things I've learned while traveling with my cat:

1. Purchase a carrier that gives your cat plenty of room.
2. At home, open the carrier for non-threatening exploration.
3. At home, put some catnip in the carrier to make it attractive.
4. Put your cat in the carrier for short periods of time.
5. Take your cat on several short practice drives.
6. Research airline and border crossing requirements.
7. Carry your cat's original rabies immunization certificate.
8. Get an additional Health Certificate for airline travel.
9. Check with your vet or pet store about anxiety remedies.
10. If you are traveling early, limit or skip your cat's breakfast.
11. Use the carrier for initial car trips and all airline trips.
12. Allow your cat to get out of the car carrier after acclimated.
13. Use a leash or harness if needed to hold or catch your cat.
14. Have a passenger hold your cat for about 20 minutes.
15. Have a towel handy for car sickness or shedding hair.
16. For long trips, have water and litter available.
17. After arrival, hold your cat for about 20 minutes.
18. Close bedroom doors before releasing your cat.
19. Take your cat's own dishes, toys and litter box, if possible.
20. Remember, cats are more adaptable than you may expect.

Happy traveling, cat and all! -- Margy

Wayne and I have a cat named Stick Tail. When we moved north to Canada, my 92 year-young mom came to live near us.

When that happened, Stick flew from California to move in and start his new job to keep her company at her new home in Washington State.

Now Mom and Stick frequently drive north to visit us at our home in Powell River. They ride comfortably for seven hours including two ferry rides. When they get here, we all take a boat ride to the float cabin for some "together" time.

No matter where they are, Mom and Stick are together, morning, noon and night. I think it's been good for both of them, don't you? -- Margy

Brody, Bro for short, is our good friend John's Labrador Retriever. He's a black Lab with lots of character. If you've read any of my husband's Coastal BC Stories books, you know who Bro is. He's a central character in many of the stories. That's because John is the other central character, and everywhere (and I mean EVERYWHERE) John goes, Bro goes.

Wayne and I call Bro our rent-a-dog. It's hard to have a pet of our own, but when John comes to visit, we get to enjoy Bro. The first thing he does is his "crazy man dance." His whole body wiggles and he rubs his head against your leg until he gets all the scritches he wants. Then he calms down, but never strays far from the action.

Bro is getting older and his joints aren't what they used to be, but he still loves a good ride on the back of John's quad through the Powell River back country. He still gets off to hike some of the more difficult trails, but it takes him a little longer. When we meet people on the trail they often say, "Is that Bro? If so, you must be John." You can see who the real star is.

Bro was born on Vancouver Island and somehow ended up at the SPCA. John doesn't go to the island very often, but they had a black Lab and Powell River didn't. Labrador Retrievers are loving, affectionate and patient dogs. They are intelligent, loyal, and playful. Labs love to play in water, and Bro is no exception. If he is near a lake, river or puddle, you will find him splashing around and looking for critters like snakes, fish and frogs. He is tireless in his quest for critters. Bro is a gentle giant with a huge heart. He is dearly loved by John, his parents and of course Wayne and me. If you have a home that can accommodate the needs of a big dog, consider a Labrador Retriever. -- Margy