You might feel apprehensive when planning a road trip with your cat. How can you keep your cat safe and happy while traveling? Will it be afraid? Should you create your cat or use cat diapers? You will find all of your answers in our tips for traveling with a cat on a long distance.
There’s much to think about when you’re planning to drive with your cat. However, extra planning will help make the extended trip safe, fun, and stress-free for you.
Planning ahead is definitely the key to a successful road trip with your kitty. You’ll need to make sure you have the right supplies to travel with your cat safely. Cats tend to get car sick, so you’ll want to bring along something to help with that.
Be prepared to take bathroom breaks. Your cat will need to relieve itself, just like you do. For this, you have a few options. You can use a cat box or litter scoop, or you can stop at pet-friendly rest stops along the way.
10 Tips For Traveling With Cats On A Car Ride
Cats are loving creatures, and they provide us with emotional support. They are always there for us when we need them. As pet owners, we have to do everything we can to make sure they are healthy and happy.
That includes keeping them secure when we travel. Before you start your journey, here are a few tips you should consider when preparing for car travel:
#1 Travel With A Cat Carrier To Keep Your Cat Safe
One of the best ways to keep your cat safe and happy while traveling is to use a large carrier. A carrier will provide your cat with a secure and comfortable space to hide, and it will help keep them calm during the journey.
When choosing your cat’s carrier, be sure to pick one that’s spacious enough for your cat to move around in and has plenty of ventilation. You should also line the cat carrier with newspapers, towels, or blankets to absorb any accidents.
Soft-sided Carrier vs. Hard-sided Carrier
There are several distinct sorts and designs of carriers to select from. But when it comes to traveling with cats, the two most popular choices are soft-sided carriers and hard-sided carriers.
A soft-sided travel carrier is ideal for car travel because it’s lightweight and can be easily secured with a seatbelt. Most cats love to curl up in small spaces, so a carrier that’s too big will make them feel anxious.
A hard-sided carrier is a good option for air travel because it’s more durable and offers more protection. If you’re worried about your cat getting jostled around during turbulence, this particular one is a safe carrier that will give you peace of mind.
#2 Use Treats, Blankets, And Toys To Soothe Your Cat’s Nerves During Travel
Travel is often stressful for cats, so make sure you have plenty of treats on hand to help relax them. A few toys can distract them and help keep them entertained, while a blanket can provide comfort.
Cats in period or under stress can experience discharge and urinary incontinence. You can prepare for this by stocking cleaning supplies and extra blankets. With a bit of preparation, traveling with your cat can be a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Placing a blanket inside of the cat carrier will also give your cat a sense of security. This helps your furry friend to feel hidden and cozy while still being able to see what’s going on outside. Also, choose a pet carrier with both top and side entry so you can easily access your cat for more safety.
#3 Bring a Litter Box For Your Feline Friend
If you’ve ever been on a long car trip, you know how important it is to make frequent stops. Not only do you need to stretch your legs, but you also need to give your furry friend a break. That’s why it’s important to bring a litter box for your car when traveling.
A litter box will give your cat a place to go to the bathroom, and it will save you from having to stop at a gas station or rest stop every few hours. It’s a good idea to bring along some extra supplies when you go out for a long ride. I recommend packing something like wipers, as well as odor spray.
If you’re traveling with more than one cat, you may want to bring along two litter boxes. That way, each cat will have their own space, and you won’t have to worry about them fighting over the box. So, next time you’re planning a long car trip, be sure to pack a litter box.
#4 Pack Cleaning Supplies To Clean Up After Your Cat
You must be prepared for bathroom emergencies when you’re on the road with your cat. Pack a small bag with necessary supplies like paper towels or napkins.
Include an odor neutralizer, hand sanitizer, and sanitizing spray or wipes. Don’t forget to pack clean blankets to replace dirty ones if your kitty cannot hold their bladder.
When traveling with multiple pets, you might want to bring along a large bag of cleaning supplies. A litter scoop, baggies, and rubber gloves will also come in handy if you need to clean up after your pet.
#5 Focus on Safe Driving To Keep Your Cat Secure
A safe ride for your cat starts with your focus on the road. Distracted driving is dangerous for everyone in the vehicle, including your cat.
If you’re focused on the road, you’re less likely to get into an accident, which is the best thing you can do to keep your cat secure. In addition, staying focused on driving will help reduce your stress levels, which will probably decrease your cat’s stress.
Driving with your cat can be a great way to bond and explore new things together. Your kitty would like to see the world just as much as you do. But, your priority should be to make it to your final destination safely.
#6 Prevent Urinary Accidents With Cat Diapers
Cats have an instinct to hold their urine. This can be due to various reasons, including medical conditions, laziness, age, or travel stress. Unfortunately, holding urine for too long can lead to urinary accidents, not to mention health problems like infections.
Providing cats with an easy way to relieve themselves on the road is essential, such as using cat diapers. Along with managing urinary incontinence, diapers will also help cats in the period.
Kittens are always trying to find their way in a new environment, so it’s no surprise that they will use the toilet as an opportunity. If you notice your kitten sniffing around, meowing occasionally, and dashing off periodically, then this could be a close sign that they need a potty break.
#7 Don’t Leave Your Cat In The Car
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, in just 10 minutes, your car’s interior can become dangerously hot. The temperature inside of the car can increase up to 20 degrees. This heat rise might result in injury or even death to your pet.
Leaving your cat in the vehicle by itself is not only dangerous but also illegal in some states. If you must stop for a bathroom break somewhere, it’s best to take your cat with you or find a pet sitter to watch them. Don’t leave them in the back seat alone.
#8 Cats Should Wear A Leash Or Harness For Safety
Another way to keep your cat secure while traveling is to make sure they’re wearing a collar and harness. When you get out of the car, always leash your dog or cat. Having a secure harness will make it easier for you to supervise and prevent accidents.
Pets may run away to explore and could end up crossing traffic or getting hit by another car if left unattended with no collar attached. It makes it easier for someone to take control when needed while also preventing anything exciting from happening too quickly – like running into danger.
#9 Get A Puppy Potty Pad For Your Feline Friend
In case you don’t want to buy a litter box, a puppy potty pad is a less expensive alternative. It gives your puppy somewhere to go when you can’t stop and prevents them from having accidents in the automobile.
Cats have small bladders, meaning they need frequent breaks, so this will be helpful on those road trips where every minute counts. The cleanup duty usually falls onto pet parents rather than children these days. The last thing you want is to have a cat urine smell in your car.
Cleanup will become much easier in this case since everything will stay confined within its own little space rather than spreading all over the car. Potty pads can provide a sense of security for your puppy while traveling, as they will have a familiar surface to go on.
#10 Get Some Vet Advice From Your Road Trip
Before your trip, you should also consult with your veterinarian about any health concerns and medications that your cat may need. Travel can be stressful for cats, so it’s important to ensure they’re in good health before going on a long journey.
Medication for dogs with anxiety is also available to help with car sickness. These come in the form of pills, liquids, and treats. They work by reducing your dog’s anxiety caused by motion sickness, and they help them feel more relaxed during travel.
Should I feed my cat while traveling?
To make the trip easier for your cat, you should give them something to eat and drink about four or five hours before their journey. Offer water up to when you leave and again during your journey when possible.
You can bring your pet’s favorite food so you can feed them after you have arrived at your final destination. Your veterinarian can provide you with helpful insights concerning what type of food is best for your cat to eat before and during travel.
Are you planning to take a plane ride during your trip?
Imagine leaving the house and going on a long trip with your cat. You’ve packed all of the necessary items, but you don’t bring the proper documentation so that your kitty can fly. That is a big mistake!
Cats are allowed to fly on most major airlines, but there are a few things you need to do to make the process go smoothly. Depending on your final destination, you might also need to get a health certificate for your cat.
Before you pass through the human screening device, you need to make sure that your cat is healthy enough to fly. Also, you must verify the airport restrictions and accessibility guidelines. Plan ahead and get the proper documentation, including proof of health insurance and vaccination records.
When choosing your seats, remember not to pick the exit row or against a bulkhead, as these areas might restrict you from keeping your cat with you. Sometimes airlines will also have restrictions regarding how many pets are allowed on board, so it is always best to call ahead and reserve a seat.
Last Tips For Traveling With A Cat On A Car
When traveling with cats, it is best to keep them in a safe carrier at all times. This can help keep them secure and safe while you’re on the road. Pets tend to be more relaxed when they’re in a carrier, as opposed to when they sit on your lap or are loose in the vehicle.
Following the previous tips will help make your road trip more enjoyable for both your dog and your cat. Don’t forget to ask your veterinarian for advice on what type of food or medication is best for your pet before traveling.
Finally, make sure you have all the proper documentation and seats reserved before boarding the plane with your cat. Do you have any tips to add? Let us know in our dialog window share or contact us page. We value your input!
Last Updated on 20/07/2022 by Karen Snow
Hi! I’m Karen and a certified dog lover. As a freelance writer and blogger, I do my best to squeeze in some time with my dogs, learning more about the way they act and how I can make sure that they continue to stay well-cared for by yours truly.
My dogs have helped me through a lot, and this is my way of giving back to them! Besides animals, I also love to travel and cook, having explored my country’s restaurants and unique places. Follow me as I show you all the amazing tips and bits of information I learn along the way about our furry friends!