Most cats can travel long distance without any problems. These tips for traveling with cats in a car long distance can make it less stressful for you and your cat. If your cat is trained from a young age or has become accustomed to car travel, it can be something they really enjoy.
Safest Way for Traveling With Cats in a Car
The safest way for traveling with cats in a car long distance is with a cat carry cage or crate. You need to ensure the carry cage is the right size for your cat who should have room to spread out, stand up, stretch and turn around. It’s a good idea to get your cat used to the carry cage a few weeks before the trip. Leaving it out around the house is a good way for your cat to become accustomed to it, you could even leave a few treats inside the cage for your cat to find, along with a comfortable blanket that it can lay down on.
Training Your Cat to Get Used to the Car
Training your cat to enjoy being it’s carrier cage will make long distance trips more enjoyable. Most cats can be trained given enough time and practice. If time allows, you might be able to get your cat used to being carried around the house in the cage or even on short trips around town. Cats are naturally curious, and this provides a great opportunity for them to explore your car. Take your cat in the carrier out to the car and let it get used to being inside the vehicle with the engine turned off. Take some treats for your cat and a toy that you can play with your cat through the carrier door. Remember to use plenty of treats and keep these sessions short. Eventually you can turn on the car engine for a short time to let your cat become used to the sounds and vibration of the engine running. Limit this to a minute or two and don’t do it in an enclosed space as carbon monoxide from the car exhaust can kill quickly. Eventually, you can progress to short trips around your local area. Remember that all cats are different. Some may take to traveling while others may never really enjoy it.
Ensure Your Cat Is Comfortable
Keep a blanket or similar item in the cage which smells of home and that your cat is used to. If you have time, consider using a cat harness and leash. This provides extra security to ensure your cat doesn’t escape, and would allow your cat time out of the carrier on a leash for a break during the trip. Read more about how to teach your cat to walk on a harness and leash in our article here. You can buy a suitable harness and leash for kittens and cats from your local pet store such as Animates.
When traveling with cats in a car, give your cat it’s food as close to the regular feeding time as possible, although try to make this a few hours before you’ll be traveling so the cat doesn’t get travel sick.
Secure Your Cat’s Carry Cage
When you’re traveling with cats in a car, ensure the carrier is secured in the car using a seatbelt if possible. You’ll want to make sure the carrier can’t move if you have to swerve or stop suddenly. Try to place the carrier in a position where your cat can see you during the journey. You shouldn’t let your cat roam free around the car while you’re driving. This is both distracting and dangerous. Your cat will feel safer inside the carrier. Consider placing a blanket over the carrier, whilst allowing ventilation. Cats love to hide when they feel insecure.
Take Food and Water for Your Cat
Depending on the length of the trip you should plan to take food and water for your cat. Be sure to take bowls for water and food. If you’re taking a long trip then you’ll want to have breaks along the way. This might be a chance to let your cat roam around inside the car, but be absolutely certain your windows and doors are closed. It’s also a good time to bring out the litter tray if you’re on a lengthy trip. Never leave your cat alone inside a vehicle.
Whilst traveling make sure the carrier is not in direct sunlight and that your cat is neither too hot or cold. A towel or blanket can be used to shade the carrier from the sun if necessary. Traveling with cats in a car can be simple if you take the time to be well prepared.