7 Tips For a Successful Road Trip With a Cat
Almost 40% of pet owners are traveling with their pets every year. Before you pack a bag and hit the road, however, it helps to have a plan. Otherwise, a road trip with a cat might start to stress you out.
If you’re stressed, your cat could pick up on it. Their anxiety could make the entire drive unbearable.
Here are seven tips for traveling with cats in your car. With these tips, you can pave a path for a smooth drive. Plan the purr-fect road trip with these tips today.
1. Check With the Vet
Before hitting the road, take the time to visit your cat’s vet. You’ll want to make sure they’re in good health before leaving home. It’s important to make sure they’re up-to-date with their vaccinations, too.
Is your cat microchipped yet? If not, make sure to get the process done before planning a road trip with a cat. Having your cat microchipped will increase your chances of finding them if they escape your car.
Make sure your cat is identified with a collar, too. Have the collar imprinted with your phone number and home address. You can even purchase a temporary travel tag for your cat.
Travel tags can contain all your relevant contact information. If someone finds your cat, they can contact you right away to pick them up.
When putting a new collar on your cat, make sure it fits comfortably. The collar should fit tight enough that they can’t slip free, but loose enough as to not choke them.
Are you traveling for a long time? Consider asking your vet for copies of your cat’s medical records. Some states require proof of vaccination records for interstate crossings.
While you likely won’t experience a problem, asking for documents will help you remain prepared during your trip.
2. Consider Your Carrier
You’ll want to make sure your cat is as comfortable as possible before you start traveling with cats in the car. Make sure your cat’s carrier is large enough to allow them to sit comfortably. They should have the option to stretch out in their carrier, too.
Otherwise, your cat might start to feel pent up, which can, in turn, make them feel anxious.
Make sure the carrier offers proper ventilation. Insufficient ventilation can make your cat feel uncomfortable. It could lead to potential heat illness, too.
As you learn how to road trip with a cat, consider the state of your car as well. If it’s a hot day, you don’t want your car to break down during the drive. Instead, schedule a full safety check and tuneup.
Make sure your air conditioner is functioning properly before a long drive.
3. Go for a Test Drive
Before a long drive, it helps to get your cat accustomed to their carrier and the car. Otherwise, you might hear them wailing in frustration the entire drive.
An unhappy cat could distract you, which might cause a car accident.
Give your cat the chance to fall in love with their carrier. First, make the carrier a part of your cat’s daily life. Instead of hiding it away, put it within view.
You can put the carrier near their bed or in their favorite room. Add a fluffy blanket and one of their toys inside, too. If your cat is comfortable with their carrier, they’ll become more comfortable during a long drive.
Make sure to keep your cat’s carrier clean, especially after a visit to the vet. Otherwise, they might associate smells from the vet’s office with their carrier. Those smells might make them feel stressed or anxious.
Once they’re accustomed to their carrier, get your cat accustomed to your car. Ask for a friend’s help during this step. While one person drives, the other person should partially open one of the carrier doors.
Pet and play with your cat during the drive. Praise them for their good behavior. You can also give them treats during the drive.
To prepare for your road trip with a cat, try a few short drives with your cat in their carrier. Go out for a longer drive each time you go out. Try not to overdo it.
These test drives will give your cat a chance to get used to car-related movements and noises.
4. Make Sure They're Fed
Try to schedule your cat’s meal three to four hours before you leave. Instead of a full, heavy meal, cut the contents of their bowl in half. A light meal can help you avoid upsetting their stomach.
Try to avoid feeding your cat while the car is driving. Instead, schedule meals based on when you stop for gas.
Before you leave, consider adding a few drops of cat CBD on top of your cat’s breakfast or favorite cat treats. You can learn more about how to administer CBD oil to your cat beforehand.
CBD oil for cats could help with your cat’s anxiety during a long drive.
5. Pack Up
Before traveling with cats in the car, make sure you have the proper gear. That includes your cat’s food, bowl, and grooming supplies. Adding their favorite toy and blanket to their carrier can add a sense of familiarity to the drive.
Don’t forget their medication, too.
6. Plan for Bathroom Breaks
If you have a long drive ahead of you, consider purchasing a travel litter box. A collapsible option can fit in your car despite the close quarters.
As with the carrier, make sure to familiarize your cat with their travel litter box before your trip. Try to use litter they’re already familiar with.
7. Keep It Cool
Remember, you want to keep your cat comfortable during the drive. If you have to stop for gas or a bathroom break, make sure to park in a well-shaded spot.
Take an extra set of car keys with you. During your bathroom break, leave the car and AC on. That way, you can lock up and keep your cat cool.
Make sure to avoid leaving your cat alone for too long. Otherwise, they might anxiously await your return.
Feline Fine: How to Plan a Road Trip With a Cat
Planning a road trip with a cat doesn’t have to feel like a stressful endeavor. Instead, keep these tips in mind. By planning your trip ahead of time, you can ensure smooth sailing during the entire ride!
Want to keep your cat calm during the drive? Consider full-spectrum CBD oil. Explore our shop today to learn more.
