Going outside during wildfire smoke

[Ever & Holly]

I have a veterinarian appointment for my diabetic cat tomorrow. She has been having excessive hairballs lately so I want to talk to the vet. However, I am worried about taking her outside while the air is polluted. I live in the northeast and right now they air quality it in the unhealthy range (112). I have a carrier that uses mesh fabric for windows and there are covers that can be velcroed over them. Will she be okay for a brief outing to the vet? I know cat's lungs can be extra sensitive than ours so the air quality may affect her more. But I also don't want to ignore her coughing up hairballs everyday and I have time off work tomorrow to take her in

 

[plumsteal]

With the covers over the mesh, she should be okay. Smoke particles are big when compared to some other types of particles so things like cloth masks can be effective against smoke. If cloth is effective I’d imagine that covers on mesh would also help filter out the smoke and pollutants.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

I agree. Cover the carrier and don’t linger outside.

 

[Lisa and Witn (GA)]

Also make sure your car's AC is recycling air from the interior of the car and not set to use fresh air