Planning a road trip or maybe considering a long distance move? Not sure how your feline companion will cope with being in the car for long periods of time?
You’re right to be concerned; cats generally don’t like traveling! Of course, there are always exceptions (some cats do enjoy traveling with their humans), but for the most part cats are more comfortable being home bodies.
Absolutely have to take them with you?
Here are a few tips to help ensure a smooth (and hopefully peaceful) journey:
1. Invest in a good carrier
First things first you will need a good secure pet carrier.
When shopping for a new carrier, make sure it’s roomy enough so that your cat can stand up and turn around easily but not so big that they slide around when carried.
The carrier should also have space for your cat to stretch out in. I always like to make sure it’s roomy enough to put down a favorite blanket and one or two small plushes or toys.
Next, decide which type of carrier you would prefer. There are many types of carriers on the market to choose from:
- Cardboard carriers
- Soft sided carriers
- Hard sided carriers
- Carriers with wheels for easier movement
- Backpacks
- Pet Strollers
Most pet carriers are priced between $20-$100, depending on their size and features. You just need to decide which type you prefer and what will be most accommodating for your cat.
Another important thing to consider before purchasing a carrier is how easy it will be to get your cat into and out of, while also being secure enough that they cannot escape on their own.
And… (this is very important) the carrier must be secure. Your cat should not be able to wiggle itself out of its carrier. You definitely do not want a surprise while you’re driving! Top loading carriers are a popular choice among cat owners because they’re easy to get them into and not so easy for the kitty to escape from.
Another question to ask yourself when shopping for a pet carrier is how many openings does the carrier have? If your cat is shy, it may be better to get one with less openings, that way they will feel more hidden and secure. Your cat doesn’t like to be enclosed? Purchase a carrier with many screened openings instead.
Also, does the carrier have a lined bottom or space to insert an absorbent pad in case of accidents? Will your cat remain dry inside their carrier? Of course, you can always line the bottom of the carrier with puppy pads as long as there is enough space to do so.
2. Practice Driving Short Distances First
The second thing that you should do to help ensure a successful road trip with your cat is to take a series of short trips in the car in the weeks leading up to the actual road trip. This will help them become more comfortable being in the car.
On your first practice run, take a little extra time before starting the engine. By just sitting inside the car with them and allowing him or her to roam freely, they will become more at ease. Then start the engine and sit quietly with it running or drive to the end of your road and back.
Each time you take them into the car extend your drive a bit further. And talk to them in a calm even tone throughout the process. You may also want to bring a small dish of water, treats, a comfy blanket or toys along to help reassure and relax them.
Consider using a harness and leash just until they become more comfortable with riding in the car and being in their carrier. You can also help them get used to the carrier by leaving it open inside your home and placing a favorite blanket, toys and treats inside.
Once the actual day approaches be sure to securely enclose them inside their carrier and place the carrier securely on the backseat (secured in place a seat belt). Never place your cat’s carrier on the front seat because if the airbags deploy they may become injured.
3. Check with Your Vet Before Hitting the Road
The next important thing you’ll want to check off your to-do list before your trip is to schedule an appointment with your pet’s veterinarian.
Your cat’s doctor will be able to determine if he or she is healthy enough for the journey. The Doctor may also prescribe a mild sedative to help ease anxiety during the long car ride.
While at the vet’s office you can also pick up a copy of your cat’s vaccinations records to take with you, as well as the phone numbers for Emergency Veterinarian Services along your mapped out journey.
If your cat isn’t already microchipped, consider having that done during this office visit. That way, if your cat goes missing, the registered microchip will help whoever finds them easily get in contact with you. Knowing that your cat has a registered microchip will bring some peace of mind during your vacation.
Just make sure you remember to register the microchip before heading out on your trip. Your pet’s microchip is useless until you register it and link it to your contact information.
And, in addition to the microchip you’ll also want to place a collar with ID tags that contain your contact info and your pet’s name.
4. Pack Extra Supplies to Ensure a Smoother Road Trip
On the day of the actual road trip, pack up your car with a few extra supplies to help ensure a successful journey.
Here are a few suggestions:
- A portable litter box with a scooper and extra litter
- Food and treats
- Water (preferably from your tap so that their stomach doesn’t get upset)
- Food and Water Dishes
- A favorite toy
- Blankets
- Any medications that they may need (including any calming drops or sedatives for the car ride).
- Puppy pads, paper towels, and any other cleaning supplies that you may need.
5. Adopt a Leisurely Pace
Instead of rushing out the door to excitedly begin your trip, consider how your feline travel companion feels. If time allows, try to move in a more relaxed manner that day. And give your cat a little extra time to play and use their litter box before being captured and placed in their carrier.
Either give them time to digest or don’t feed them before getting into the car. They should have less nausea when traveling on an empty stomach and they can catch up on missed meals once you arrive at your evening destination.
If you’ll be traveling for hours before reaching your destination, plan to stop every 2 hours or so for a litter box break and a chance to drink some fresh water
Check that all of the car doors and windows are closed tightly before letting your fur baby out of their carrier. And make sure they are wearing a cat harness and leash if you take them out of the car.
You may be nervous about going on a road trip with your cat.
At first it might not seem like a good idea – bringing your cat along on a cross country road trip?! Then again, sometimes you just have to embrace life! With careful planning, a bit of patience and the right resources you and your cat can have a successful journey.
If you’re still feeling unsure or even uneasy you may want to look into alternate plans for your feline companion. Maybe leaving them with a trusted friend or family member or even a professional pet sitter might be a more practical solution than bringing them with you?
Of course, if it’s a move across the country that’s a different situation!