Before leaving town, pay a visit to the veterinarian to make sure Fluffy is current on his shots. Have the vet put the cat on the scale so his weight can be tracked after the road trip. Outside of their usual environment, fearful cats might eat less and lose weight. It makes sense to make sure the cat is eating a regular, healthy diet in the days before the long trip.
In the month prior to the big move, take the cat on some day trips to get him acclimated to being in the car. A one- or two-hour ride to Grandma’s house might be just the thing to get the cat in the traveling groove.
Wash and groom the cat before leaving. It’s a good idea to clip his nails so the cat doesn’t scratch up one’s car interior.
Cat Care, Carriers and Equipment
Take along the proper equipment to make the cat’s journey more pleasant. The list of items may include:
- Sturdy cat carrier with blanket
- A leash and body harness
- Collar with the cat’s name and a working cell phone number if the animal gets lost at some point.
- Plenty of dry food and treats
- Litter box and kitty litter supply
- Any sedatives or other medicines the veterinarian may recommend
During the trip, keep the cat in his carrier when moving him from the car to another secured location. He may want to roam around a bit within the car during the trip or nap on the floor. Always have a passenger keep an eye on the cat so the driver won’t be distracted or have to attend to the cat’s needs en route.
Making Reservations at Pet-Friendly Motels
Before leaving, call ahead to make reservations at motels that are cat-friendly. Many motels allow small animals to stay in rooms for a small fee, while other may offer other services and care facilities for animals.
Make sure the cat gets proper attention on the trip, including hugs and petting. Avoid stopping at sit-down restaurants where cats are not allowed. Instead, consider bringing along a lunch that can be prepared daily before it’s time to hit the road. Plan to eat at roadside parks with cat in tow, serving either take-out food or home-made sandwiches.
Cat Health and Preventing Dehydration
Frequent stops so the cat can stretch his paws are another good idea. Take him out on a leash and harness so he doesn’t get spooked and bolt. Provide water so he doesn’t get dehydrated on the long trip.
After arriving at the cat’s new home, take time to get him used to his surroundings before allowing him to venture outside on his own. Give the cat several weeks to acclimate himself to his new home – inside and out – before granting him more independence, such as unrestricted use of a cat door.
Once the pet and the pet owner re-establish their routines, life should be much the same as what it was before the move. Just keep an eye on his weight, and take him to the vet if he fails to bounce back from the travails of traveling.
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