Driving and Traveling With Cats

Cats usually like riding in the car about as much as they like taking baths. Whether you’re making a cross-country move, or you couldn’t leave your kitty home from the family vacation, the day may come when your cat has to get in the car. Fear not, there are tips to help make it easier on both of you.

The cat carrier

The most important thing you need for your cat’s road adventure is a carrier. Get it in advance and put a blanket or a towel inside that smells like your home. Set it somewhere accessible to your cat so he can explore it and get comfortable with it. Don’t ever force him in or out of it.

The carrier is the safest place for your cat while driving. If you let your cat out, he could wander under your feet, into your line of view, or to get trapped under the seats. If you have other passengers and feel that they can control the cat, it may be okay to leave the carrier door open and let him wander in and out of it at will. But, do this with great caution.

Attention

Being in the car is stressful for your cat and reassurance from your voice or touch goes a long way to comfort him. Talk to your cat, or reach through the carrier and pet him. If you have others in the car, it’s easy to have them lavish attention on your kitty as well. At stops, take him out and make sure he gets love. Some owners swear by harness training, especially for stops, to allow walks.

The pit stop

You don’t make it all day without a pit stop and your cat doesn’t either. Pack a litter box that you can pull out and then easily stow again. A Tupperware container with a lid works well. But, don’t be alarmed if your cat doesn’t want to go. He may hold it until you stop for the night. Just make sure you give him the opportunity.

Offer him water and a bit of food at pit stops too. He may be too nervous to eat or drink on the road and may wait until he’s settled for the night. You’ll also need to be aware that some cats get carsick. You’ll know pretty quickly if your cat has a tender tummy. As you start driving, if he drools and gags, don’t offer him any more food. He’ll travel better on an empty stomach.

Nighttime stops

Call ahead to hotels to make sure that they allow animals. If they require vaccination records, have these on hand. When you check in, set up the litter and put out food and water immediately. Don’t pull your cat out of his carrier; let him come out when he’s ready. If you leave the room, put the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door, as entering hotel personnel may not realize you have an animal in the room and a scared cat is likely to scamper out.

Some important cat safety tips

If your cat happens to be riding on someone’s lap, it’s important that no windows are open. While a dog sees an open window as a chance to let the breeze blow through his fur, a cat sees an open window as an escape route.
When you make a pit stop, be aware of the car temperature. Even on a cool day, the sun can turn your car into a suffocating oven in minutes. Remember, especially in a carrier, your cat has no escape from the sun’s hot rays beating down on his coat. Leaving him along for a minute while are you in the bathroom is fine; an hour at the outlet mall is not.

Driving with a cat does not have to equate to hours of screeching and howling. Prepare your cat in advance by getting him comfortable with his carrier and making sure he’s well-fed and hydrated at stops and he should travel relatively well.