An 8 Step Checklist to Safe, Smooth Travel With Your Cat By Car

Any pet owner would agree that one of the hardest things to do is leaving your pet alone at home for long periods. You can’t really call yourself a full-fledged cat parent unless you’ve felt torn by the idea, regardless if you have arranged for someone to pet sit them while you’re gone or not. 

One of the many reasons why most pet owners decide to leave their pets behind is because of transportation concerns. New pet parents, specifically, are nervous about doing—or not doing—something that might cause their babies harm while they are on the move. ‘Should I put them in a carrier?’ ‘How can I help them deal with temperature changes?’ These questions are all valid and should not be taken lightly if you want to keep your cat as safe and comfortable as possible during your adventures. 

As long as you familiarize yourself with all the basics, however, there is nothing that should stop you from enjoying a little road trip with your fur baby. Below is a checklist that will help you provide a safe and smooth travel with your pet. 

BEFORE THE TRIP

1. Schedule that vet check-up

Just like with us humans, there is always the risk of your pet picking something up in a new environment. To make sure that your fur baby is healthy enough for the travel—and the fun of the vacation!—, schedule a visit with their vet first to see if they are cleared to go. This is also a great chance to ask a professional for any special conditions you need to prepare for during the trip.

2. Get the right carrier

Cats, unlike dogs, are not naturally acclimated to travel in cars so they need to be placed in carriers that can keep them safely restrained during the trip. The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) highly recommends getting one made of fiberglass or sturdy commercial plastic because they are the ones that offer the most resistance to impact. On top of that, most models made of these materials are designed to reduce motion sickness and provide visual shields for your pet. Here is a good article on choosing the right kennel.

3. Acclimate your pet with its carrier

Once you get the right carrier, make sure that you give your cat some time to adjust to it by letting them familiarize themselves with it before the actual ride. A good way to do it is by putting your pet’s favorite things around it—a catnip, a plushie, etc—so they can start to associate it with positive things. You should also keep it open for some time so your cat can freely sniff or stay on it whenever they want to. This will make them more comfortable once the time for them to stay on it comes. 

DURING THE TRIP

1. Load their carrier the right way. 

As much as we know that you want to keep a close eye on your pet during the ride, it is not really recommended that you put their carrier on the front seat. Instead, place it on the backseat where it can have lots of space and fewer chances of bouncing. Strap a seatbelt around the carrier to keep it stable, too. 

2. Make sure they are comfortable. 

Cats love to roam, so you should expect them to feel antsy and make a slight ruckus once you’ve loaded them in your car. Try to make your pet as much as possible by making tweaks here and there. For example, if your carrier isn’t made with a shield on it, you can partly cover it with breathable fabric to make your cat feel more secure inside. You should also mind the temperature changes inside your car during your travel. Breeds with thicker coats usually won’t need any adjustments even if they are exposed to air-conditioning, but cats with shorter fur may need a sweater or even a warming pad to make sure they don’t get cold. No joke, you can even put on a calming playlist for your pet to make sure that they are A-okay during your drive. 

3. Plan their rest stops. 

Depending on how often your pet needs to pee or poo (you should know this if you’ve trained them!), you have to plan how many times you’ll stop during your drive. This also gives them a chance to stretch after being cramped in a limited space—though make sure that you don’t let them roam too freely, especially so if they don’t have an ID tag on them. 

Now, say you won’t be driving too long and don’t need a rest stop. If that’s the case, it’s still highly recommended that you attach a litter box in your pet’s carrier as a backup plan. Just place it on a spot that is well-separated from their bedding so they won’t feel uncomfortable in case they do use it. 

UPON ARRIVAL

1. Let them settle in. 

No, your work doesn’t stop just because you’ve arrived safely at your destination. After checking in at your place, leave them on their carrier for a bit so they can take in their surroundings slowly (you can do this while you’re unpacking). Only after some time should you let them out and give them a chance to explore the space on their own. Remember to keep all the exits locked when you do this! 

2. Stay alert about any changes in their behavior. 

Keep your pet under observation for a few days after you have moved in. It is considered normal for cats to have a slight change in their behavior when they’re still trying to adjust to a new place—longer sleep or even vomiting, for example—but these should not last more than a day or two. Immediately contact a vet if their symptoms do not clear up after this period. 

Traveling is one of the riskiest things you can with your pet, but it’s also one of the most exciting and exhilarating experiences you can share. As long as you familiarize yourself with all the basics and did all the prep work you need, then you shouldn’t be afraid to take this jump with your fur baby. Besides, what can make your trip even more special than having your best friend with you? 

Safe Travels!