13 Essential Tips for Traveling With Cats in Car Long Distance

Understanding Your Cat’s Reaction to Traveling With Cats in Car Long Distance

If your cat is anything like my first cat, traveling long distances in a car might be a challenge. Car rides often involve screeching, howling, and what feels like endless screams of agony until the destination is reached.

• For longer trips across multiple states:
  • Sedation was necessary to prevent her from becoming stressed and dehydrated from hours of howling.
  • Despite my efforts to limit trips, living in the South sometimes made hurricane evacuations unavoidable.
  • Every trip was stressful—probably more for me than for my cat.

In contrast, my second cat loves his carrier and is perfectly content traveling long distances in a car.

If you need to head out on the road and plan to bring Mister Floofikins along, here are some essential car travel tips to help make the journey more manageable.

Choosing the Right Carrier for Traveling With Cats in Car Long Distance

The comfort and resources available within the carrier can make or break a trip when it comes to traveling long distances with your cat in a car. Here are some key tips:

• Carrier Size: Choose a carrier that allows your cat to:
  • Stand up.
  • Turn around.
  • Lie down comfortably.
• Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation on all sides of the crate with:
  • Sufficient holes.
  • Mesh or a gate for airflow.
• Comfort:
  • Line the bottom of the carrier with an absorbent material in case of accidents.
  • Cover it with a towel, or use your cat’s favorite blanket and toys for added comfort.

Cats that are used to freely roaming may initially resist the new carrier. To make the transition smoother:

• Keep the carrier inside with the door open to encourage your cat’s curiosity.
• Throw in familiar materials or toys to entice Floofikins to check it out. Since cats love boxes (source), allowing them to enter and leave the carrier as they wish can help them feel less trapped when it’s time to go for a ride.

If you need to make a stop to clean up an accident in the carrier:

• Keep your cat in the carrier.
• Look for a bathroom with a locking door and no escape routes (such as at a gas station).
• Once inside and sure your cat can’t escape, open the carrier for cleaning.

Lastly, it can be dangerous to let your cat roam free in the car while you drive. Free-roaming cats can:

• Cause distractions.
• Get wedged in small spaces.
• Find their way under the gas and brake pedals.
• Risk being jolted or thrown due to sharp turns or accidents.

By following these tips, you can make traveling with your cat in a car for long distances much more comfortable and safe for both of you.

Beat the Heat While Traveling With Cats in Car Long Distance

When traveling with cats in a car for long distances, keeping them cool and comfortable is essential. Follow these tips to ensure your cat’s safety:

• Carrier Placement: Keep the carrier in an area of the car with good air circulation.
  • Avoid spots in direct sunlight or in cargo areas at the rear that might trap heat.
  • If possible, plan your travel during months with milder temperatures.
• Never Leave Your Cat in the Vehicle:
  • If you stop, turn the engine off and take the carrier with you.
  • Alternatively, use a harness and leash if your cat is comfortable with that.
  • Don’t leave your engine running; it’s an easy target for thieves, and you might lose your car and your cat.

Essential Supply Checklist for Traveling With Cats in Car Long Distance

Being prepared with the right supplies is crucial when traveling long distances with your cat in a car. Here’s a checklist of items to bring along:

• Food and snacks/treats
• Fresh water, preferably bottled or brought from home
• Bowls (2)
• Clean cat litter
• Clean litter pan
• Brush or grooming tools
• Any medications (How to Give Medicine to a Cat)
• Pet first-aid kit
• Extra collar and tag
• Extra harness and leash
• Extra blanket or towels to replace soiled materials
• Poop bags
• Copy of vet records (3 copies)
• Picture of your cat (3 copies)
• An additional carrier that meets flight safety requirements in case you have to fly home unexpectedly

By following this checklist and the tips provided, you can ensure a safe and stress-free journey for both you and your cat.

Triple the Paperwork for Safe Traveling With Cats in Car Long Distance

When traveling with cats in a car for long distances, it’s crucial to prepare for unforeseen circumstances. Here’s how to ensure your cat’s safety and identification:

• Mark the Carrier:
  • Permanently mark the carrier with “Live Animals” so that observers know an animal is inside.
  • Include your contact information on the carrier to assist in reuniting you with your cat if separated.
• Make Copies of Your Cat’s Records:
  • One copy stays in the vehicle.
  • Another copy stays with you.
  • A third copy should be placed in a weatherproof folder or plastic bag and secured to the carrier.
  • Keep a photograph of your cat with each copy.
• Microchipping: Consider having your cat microchipped if not already done (source).

Finding Accommodations When Traveling With Cats in Car Long Distance

Not all hotels or holiday homes are pet-friendly, so planning is essential when traveling long distances with your cat in a car:

• Call Ahead: Confirm the pet policy of your destination. Many places:
  • Do not allow pets.
  • May require advance notice, deposits, or nonrefundable fees.
• Pet-Friendly List: Keep a list of pet-friendly hotels with you in case you need to make last-minute arrangements.
• Litter Box Setup:
  • Place the litter box in the bathroom of your hotel room.
  • Use a mat or towel underneath to minimize mess.
  • Ensure that food and water are kept separate from the litter box to avoid any protest from your cat.

By following these guidelines, you can make traveling with your cat in a car for long distances smoother and more enjoyable.

Going Vertical: Preparing for Emergency Travel When Traveling With Cats in Car Long Distance

When traveling long distances with your cat in a car, it’s important to plan for unexpected situations that may require flying home or to another destination. Consider these tips:

• Familiarize Yourself With Airline Pet Policies:
  • If you have a preferred airline, review their pet policies before the trip.
  • In case you’re unsure where to start, check out our Airline Pet Policies help guide.
  • Print it out and take it with you for airline contact information, pet flight preparation tips, and an estimate of costs.

Secure the Slider for Safe Traveling With Cats in Car Long Distance

Safety is paramount when traveling long distances with your cat in a car. An unsecured carrier can slide, turn over, or even be thrown during vehicle movements. Here’s how to secure it:

• Secure the Carrier:
  • Place towels, blankets, or waterproof seat covers over the seats if desired.
  • Use the seatbelt to secure the carrier to prevent sudden movements.
  • In the event of an accident, this can help keep your pet safe from unnecessary injuries.
• Address Motion Sickness or Anxiety:
  • Consult with your veterinarian about options to help your cat travel comfortably.
  • Keeping cats out of view of the windows might help, or a mild sedative could be recommended.
  • Alternatives like Rescue Remedy or Feliway may also be helpful.

Practice Runs to Ease Traveling With Cats in Car Long Distance

Acclimating your cat to car travel can make long-distance trips more manageable. Consider these steps:

• Start With Short Drives:
  • Allow your cat to get used to the experience of riding in the car while in the carrier.
  • Begin with short trips, such as driving around the block or through the neighborhood.
  • This helps demonstrate that not every car ride ends at the vet’s office.
• Stay Calm:
  • If you can’t fully prepare for a trip, remain calm to help keep your cat calm.
  • Double-check that you have all necessary supplies and safety recommendations before departure.

Additional Tips for Traveling With Cats in Car Long Distance

For long-distance car travel with cats, consider these additional tips to ensure a smooth journey:

• Larger Crates:
  • For long trips, larger crates that fit a litter box inside can be beneficial.
  • A covered litter box will help contain the litter.
  • If this isn’t feasible, plan to make regular stops throughout the trip.
• Feeding and Watering:
  • Avoid feeding or providing water to your cat right before the trip to prevent immediate potty breaks or an upset stomach.
  • Generally, removing food and water a few hours before the trip is okay, but check with your vet, especially if your cat has medical issues.
• Vehicle Safety:
  • Never leave your cat in a vehicle with cracked windows.
  • Heat can rise rapidly, or dangerous cold can enter, risking your cat’s safety.
  • Always take your cat with you if you need to leave the vehicle.
• Training and Treats:
  • Use highly valued treats to reward your cat when training with a new carrier or after returning from practice runs.
  • Remove all food and treats from the car when the trip is over to prevent spoilage or expiration.

With a little planning, traveling with your cat in a car for long distances can be a pleasant experience for both of you.