Tips for traveling with cats in the car

Usually when you start talking about pet travel in whatever type of transportation, marjority of what you find on the internet is articles and tips for dogs. More and more households now have cats and with every bodies busy scehdules traveling is just part of life.

Even though cats are creatures of habit, they can get accustomed to traveling and actually deal with it sometimes better than dogs! You just need to be prepared and get them prepared before the car trip. Here are a few tips:

• Use a crate instead of having them roam free. Most cat owners use a crate for vet visits so most cats are use to a crate. Make sure it is not too small for them. They should be able to turn around and stand in the crate. This will give them more ventilation and not feel so trapped. Make sure all the nuts and bolts are secure as well as the door. Letting them roam in a car is not reccomended due to their safety if sometype of traffic accident occurs or if you have to stop and get out of the car, they will not have a chance to escape.
• Adding toys and beds to the crate. You can add a toy or some type of bed linen that has maybe your smell on it will help them relax in the crate. Keep in mind not to fill it too much with excess stuff. You want to make sure they have plenty of air. An absorbent pad or Dry Fur pad is a good idea just in case of accidents.
• Avoid feeding before the trip. This is reduce the chance of nausea or vomiting.
• Keep your cat hydrated. Give water breaks especially on long trips. Still keep them in the crate and use water dishes that can attach to the door for easy access.
• Have litter box on hand. Cats usually will not poop or pee in the crate unless they have to. We always had one kitty staffer that would pee going to the vet. What is best is to use a Dry Fur pad or a puppy pad in the bottom of the crate for accidents. Keep a few on hand for replacements. Adding disposable litter boxes to your supplies is also a good idea. When you stop for the night you can pull one of those out and fill with their favorite litter that they are use to.
• Keep the car at a comfrotable temperature. If you have to stop for a break, keep them in the crate but make it quick. Cars warm up really fast!
• Make sure your cat has Id and put their info on the crate as well. 
• Vet visit & Medications. Make a vet visit before your trip to ensure you cat is healthy to travel and if they are on medication, get a supply for the trip. Cats will be less anxious if they are healthy and you will be less anxious if they are up to date on medications and shots.

Some cats are leash/harness train or can be which makes you be able to stretch your legs and theirs along the way. But if not, we would reccomend you keeping them in the crate until you have to stop for the night and can enclose them in a room to stretch their legs. Less of a chance of them escaping.

Traveling with a cat can be a exciting adventure but you need to be prepared to ensure a smooth journey for you and your favorite feline.