Looking for Tips About Traveling Long Distances With Cats In Car? Well, Exploring long distances with cats in the car can be tough for you and stressful for the cats. These car rides need preparation to make sure that the trip is easy and smooth.
After all, they’re routined, pets of habit, and anything either than that will cause them to react unpleasantly.
Cats are becoming badly popular in terms of vehicle rides and traveling since their initial response is blown out of proportion making humans agree that they hate traveling.
However, this isn’t true because it gives an inaccurate image of cats. Cats’ first-time response to traveling is often terrible, aggressive, and really daunting since they may be not used and they feel threatened.
With these recommendations below you can use them to prepare your feline for traveling as they will be acclimated and conditioned on what to expect.
10 Tips for Traveling long distances with cats in the car
Before the trip:
- Facilitate crate training
Encourage your cat to sleep in the crate. Make sure to make the interior comfortable for your kitty. Provide him/her treats every time they sleep inside the crate. When he/she is comfortable inside, start closing the door. Repeat this for a few days.
- Get a good carrier
A good carrier is the most important thing. It will keep your cat safe and make him feel safe. There are different carriers that have straps and others are big enough to fit in a litter box. Since your cat would be spending time inside the carrier, it needs to be spacious and comfortable.
- Introduce car visits
After your cat is known to the carrier, now you need to introduce her with a car visit. Take your cat on a ride and make her explore and sniff the back seat. Provide treats in between and praise her.
After a few car visits, place the carrier in the car and make your cat go inside. This will make your cat more comfortable. Go for short trips first. If she shows signs of stress, then slow down the process.
- Pack essential supplies
It is important to pack important supplies while going on a trip. Apart from food, litter box, and water, take toys and blankets for your cat. These items will make your cat feel more comfortable. Also, carry a first aid kit. You must also consult the vet for the medicines in case the feline gets sick.
While traveling:
- Consider the temperature
Maintaining good air circulation around the carrier. Understand this, your feline has a fur coat and would not be able to go anywhere to get cool. Hence, if you are traveling in high temperatures and do not have AC in the car, just carry ice packs. Wrap these ice packs in a towel and place them around the crate.
- Take breaks
Taking frequent breaks while traveling far is a good idea. Make sure to close all the doors and windows. If you let your feline out of the carrier while stopped, she may run away. However, you can use a cat harness to tackle this situation. Make sure you are not leaving your cat alone in the car.
- Keep your kitty hydrated
Since, traveling can be dehydrating, make sure to avail of plenty of water for your feline.
- Keep the pet secure
Make sure the crate is secured with a seat belt or harness. This will mitigate a sudden movement. And, keep your cat safe. Do not allow the cat to roam free in the car. This can be harmful and dangerous.
After the trip:
- Spend time with your furball
For your cat, you are the best thing in her life. Pets can pick emotions and as we know they are capable of love. Hence, spend time with your feline in the new environment. Give your furball a sense of familiarity and love.
- Spread out her toys
Spread out your cat’s toys to make her feel comfortable in the new place. This will also carry the known scents and help your cat to be more comfortable. Set up the food, water, and litter box with the same intricate love.
Car versus plane: What is the best way to transport a cat over a long distance?
Depending n the distance and nature of the trip, you may have to transport your kitty by lane. Of course, this is the least preferred option.
With plane travel, you will have less control. Your furball is kept in a carrier and put in the cargo hold. All the comfort and familiarity of traveling will be gone.
However, traveling in a car will exert less stress on your cat. In fact, this is very effective if you prepare for the trip in advance.
You have control of your trip. Hence, you can easily make your cat comfortable during the trip.
Ways to help prevent motion sickness in cats
- Withhold meals 6-8 hours before the trip and offer mild snacks and treats which can be effortlessly digestible with water. Making the cat travel with an empty tummy is good for cats that are at risk of motion sickness. This reduces or gets rid of the chance of vomiting, upset belly, or defecating.
- Distraction works thoroughly in preventing travel illness because the cat loses focus on the adjustments in movement and environment. You can try toys that can be appealing and have movements so that they will maintain the cat engaged and focused. You also can cover the cat’s carrier with breathable darkish fabric to assist the cat to live at ease. The covering of the carrier enables to offer a secure surrounding so the cat feels protected and relieved.
- Ensure that the cat has a flow of fresh air for smooth respiration which will assist to alleviate nausea.
- Keep the car quiet, due to the fact loud songs and immoderate noise can cause complications and nausea which are contributing factors.
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Final words
Of course, there are no rules for how to travel with a cat in your car. Cats are finicky and temperamental creatures. Hence, they need time to adjust to a new environment. Hence, I hope these tips will help you travel with your cat in a car.
If you have any other tips for traveling long distances with cats in the car, then do let us know. I hope you enjoyed the article. We will be back soon. Till then, stay connected. Thank you.
Frequently asked questions
How do you travel with cats long distances?
- Choose the right crate/carrier
- Plan the trip in advance
- Introduce the cat to the carrier before the trip
- Bring litter box
- Use a harness for safety
- Do not feed the cat as you leave
How many hours can a cat travel in a car?
A cat can travel in a car for about 7-8 hours. The cat must be allowed to come out of the carrier every 4 hours. This will make her feel more comfortable and safe. Make sure you take frequent breaks in between the journey.
How can I keep my cat calm in the car?
- Use calming pheromones
- Give familiar smells
- Take a test drive
- Play with the cat before leaving
- Stay close to the cat
- Watch the food and temperature
How long can a cat go without peeing?
A cat can go 24-48 hours without peeing. It is not good for your cat. Healthy felines pee 1-2 times a day. It is best to consult the vet if you notice a change in your furball’s urination.
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