Can you travel with cats? The short answer is yes, traveling with cats is simple. But for a successful trip you’ll need to be prepared. Getting your cat ready to travel is best done long before the planned trip. A kitten will learn to travel better than an adult cat, although an adult cat can still successfully adapt to traveling.
When you get a new kitten you’ll no doubt want to spend quality time with them, especially as kittens are simply adorable. This is an excellent time to train your cat to accept the things it may need to do during it’s life with you – including traveling.
Training a Cat
Whether you are training a kitten or an older cat to travel, the process is the same. It may just take longer with an older cat. The key to success and traveling with cats in either case is patience and treats. Reward your cat with treats whenever it does the desired action. Don’t focus on negative behavior. Punishing a cat will never achieve anything and can be detrimental. Rather distract them when they do something you don’t want them to do.
Invest in a Good Cat Carry Cage
A good carry cage makes traveling with cats a lot simpler. You’ll want to ensure your cat associates their carry cage with positive experiences. You should leave their carry cage out in the house in a place they can frequent often. Make it a safe place for them, a place they want to go. Feed them in the carrier or leave treats for them to find to make the carrier as inviting as possible.
When your cat is accustomed to the carrier, you can close them in and walk around the house. Keep this brief, and reward them with treats immediately after you let them out. You can progress to a walk around the back yard outside, remembering to give them plenty of rewards.
How to Get Your Cat Used to Traveling in a Car
The next step is to get them used to being in the car. Extend your walk outside to the car and take them into the vehicle with you. Once they seem happy being inside the carrier in the car you can start your vehicle. Let them get used to the sound and vibrations of the engine for a minute or so. A word of caution – never leave your vehicle running in an enclosed space. Carbon monoxide from the exhaust can kill quickly and gives no smell or indications. From here you can progress to a trip around your local neighborhood.
Traveling with Cats
When traveling with cats you must ensure the carry cage is properly restrained inside the car. If possible, use one of the cars seatbelts, or place the carrier on the floor in a secure position. A carry cage unsecured on a seat can fly forwards or sideways if you stop or swerve, and an unbalanced cat in the cage will amplify this motion sending the cage and cat flying.
There are many other considerations for traveling with cats depending on the length of your trip. A short trip with a cat may simply involve putting them in their carry cage, securing the cage in the vehicle and a one or two hour drive. A cat will generally be happy to spend a couple of hours in their carry cage whilst traveling without much fuss.
Whether it’s short or long distance traveling with cats, you always need to ensure they’re comfortable. They should have a comfortable blanket or similar in the cage to sit on, and they cage should be large enough for them to stand up, stretch, and turn around in. Make sure the cage is secured in a place out of direct sun. Your cat won’t be able to move if it gets too hot or cold, so monitor this during the trip. A great idea is to place a towel over the cage to protect it from the sun. Ensure there is plenty of ventilation if you do cover the cage. Many cats prefer traveling with a towel over the cage as it’s darker and they feel secure and safe.
Traveling With a Cat Long Distance
For long distance traveling with cats you’ll need to do a bit more planning. It’d be beneficial if you’ve already harness and leash trained your cat. Check out our guide about how to train your cat to walk on a leash. This makes it safer to let your cat out of the cage when you stop for a break on a long trip. You can buy a good harness and leash for traveling with cats and kittens from a pet store like Animates. Never have your cat out of it’s cage when you’re driving. This can cause distractions, is extremely dangerous and could result in a serious vehicle accident.
Bring the cats litter box, food bowls, and water, and you can let your cat prepare for the next part of the journey. Don’t provide too much food though, as your cat may feel travel sick. Ensure they have water to drink. A long distance drive can be dehydrating. On the day of travel it’s a good idea to withhold breakfast from your cat to reduce the risk of travel sickness. Ensure your car windows and doors are closed and never leave your cat unattended in your car for long periods of time.