Traveling in the Car with Cats

Tips to Make a More Comfortable Trip for Both Feline and Cat Owner

Nov 9, 2009 Kristeen Mandak

For many cat owners, there are times in which they may need their cat to travel with them by car. This is successfully achieved with careful planning and patience.

A cat owner should not expect her feline friend to adjust to the car on the day of the trip. The best approach is to warm the cat up to the idea of a car trip. Small steps should be taken for several days, or even weeks before the anticipated travel date. The longer the car ride, the more time the owner should spend getting his cat used to the car.

Travel Carrier

It is never a good idea for a cat to be let loose in a vehicle. Not only is this a distraction to the driver, but the cat may become antsy and destroy the seats and upholstery. Plus, the cat may duck low underneath the seats and end up by the gas and brake pedals, which can turn out to be a potentially dangerous situation.

Instead, the owner must purchase a suitable travel carrier for her cat. These can be found at all major pet supply stores. Ideally, the carrier should be large enough for the cat to rest and stretch out comfortably. Plastic carriers can be used as long as they have a metal door. Plastic doors can be broken through easily, letting the cat out loose in the car.

Medications

Consider an oral medication for cats specifically designed for car travel. These usually come in the form of liquid drops that can be administered directly into the cat’s mouth, or placed in their water dish prior to travel. Such medications prevent dizziness and motion sickness. Cats who suffer severe travel anxiety may need a prescription medication from their veterinarian to help calm their nerves.

Baby Steps

Prior to the travel date, the cat should be taken out for short trips in the car, especially it the cat has never been on an extended car ride before. Start with short trips and gradually work up to longer ones. For instance, an owner may drive for 10 minutes and then try for 20 minutes the next time. Taking such baby steps gets the cat more comfortable with the idea of the car trip. Also, it gives the cat a sense of security, as the cat will still be with her owner at the conclusion of every trip.

Overnight Stays

In some cases, a trip is so long that an overnight stay is required. Cat owners should be prepared for the possibility that once their feline friend gets settled into a hotel room, he may not be willing to come out. Some cats hide beneath couches, beds, and other pieces of furniture. Wake up well ahead of the checkout time so that there is enough time to coo the cat out of her hiding place.

Breaks

Unlike dogs, cats do not need to be walked outside for potty breaks. When traveling, a cat owner can still use a smaller litter box. The owner should exercise caution when taking the cat out of the travel carrier for breaks. A cat leash may be a wise option in order to prevent a run-away cat. As with the carrier and car rides, use the leash well ahead of travel time to get the cat comfortable with it.

Traveling with a cat in the car can take more time and preparation, but is doable. The primary challenge is to get a future traveling cat comfortable with the whole experience. If a particular cat does not do well with any trips of sorts, then the owners may want to have a trusted friend or family member cat-sit for them.

The copyright of the article Traveling in the Car with Cats in Cats is owned by Kristeen Mandak. Permission to republish Traveling in the Car with Cats in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Cat in a Car