Car Travel with Cats: How to Prepare your Kitty

If you’ve never had the opportunity to go on a road trip with your cat before, then the chances are you’ll feel a little nervous about all the things you need to consider to keep your kitty comfortable and safe. From bringing a pile of litter, accessories, water, and food bowls with you on your journey, to listening to your cat yowl and meow for hours at a time, car travel with cats can be a challenge.

While there’s no question that most cats dislike car rides, it’s worth noting that if you make the necessary preparations, use the right equipment, and consider your cat’s needs when you’re planning the trip, you should be able to have a better time.

Start Preparing Early

The first step in getting your cat ready for a car trip, is to make sure that you start making plans early. There’s no such thing as too early when it comes to preparing for travel with a cat. In fact, from the very first day that your kitty comes home with you, you can begin preparing him or her for some future trips.

The reason for the early start is that a big part of assisting your cat in enjoying travel is helping them to get used to the experience. Kittens and adult cats often feel more afraid of things that they don’t know or understand. Try taking your kitten on brief drives throughout the week, so that it can grow up not being too nervous.

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Get them Used to the Carrier

Way before you actually go on your trip, make sure that you get the carrier out of storage and clean it to remove any smells or dust. Place it in a living area with a clean towel or blanket inside, and allow your kitty to explore at his or her own pace. Eventually, they’ll feel less nervous about the carrier and won’t put up a fight when you try to get them to go in for your trip.

Related: The Best Cat Carriers for Transporting your Kitty

Speak to your Vet

Before you go on a road trip with your cat, make sure that you speak to your vet and ask if there’s anything that you might be able to do to make the journey seem a little more pleasant. Sometimes, vets might recommend medication that can help to simplify the journey for your cat. For instance, there are medicines out there that can ease motion sickness or anxiety.

Take Regular Breaks

Just because you’re the kind of person who enjoys long drives, or feels as though they can concentrate on the road for several hours at a time, doesn’t mean that your cat can cope with the same experience. Try to take regular breaks where you can stop the car for a while and interact with your cat, soothing them with strokes and treats where necessary.

Remember, your cat may never grow to love car rides, but you can take steps to make the experience more enjoyable for both of you!

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