Tips for Traveling on Long Road Trips with Cats
Traveling with cats can be like traveling with small children – except cats cannot even open their mouths and tell you what they want or need. Because of this, a road trip with cats requires some planning and preparation. In order to make sure you do everything you can to keep your kitties comfortable, check out these tips for how to travel with cats in a car long distance:
You can also try to give your cats food as you stop, but again, they might be too nervous to eat, so try to feed them treats along the way and hopefully they will eat a full meal at your final destination. If your trip is going to take several days, make reservations in advance at pet-friendly hotels.
If you need to stop to eat or go to the restroom, try to eat in the car with your cat so that you can keep the air conditioner running. If you are traveling alone and do need to run into a restroom, park your car in the shade and crack the windows slightly. You can also stop at pet stores like PetSmart or Petco along the way and they will usually let you bring your cat in with you to use their human restroom.
#1 In Case of Emergency
Make sure you have all information up to date and available in case of an emergency. Have your cats microchipped, and bring pictures of them, medical records, phone numbers, and information about any special needs. You attach this information right to their crates.#2 Reduce Chances of Escape
Cats can be extremely fast, especially if they are panicked, and families have lost kitties before because a scared cat bolted on a long trip. Many people keep their cats in crates for an entire trip, but if you choose to let yours roam free at any point, do it with the doors shut and locked and the windows open no more than an inch, and make sure they are securely in a crate anytime you decide to get out of the car.#3 Arrangements for Cats in Cars for a Long Trip
There are many different ways to set up your car when transporting cats. Some pet owners are comfortable letting their cats have the run of the backseat, maybe draping a blanket over the seats like a cave or using a cat hammock, but most transport cats in crates. Here are a few different types of crates to consider:- Large, soft-sided dog crates
- A playpen in the back of a large car with seats down
- A homemade crate out of a solid base and chicken wire caging
- Large wire case with fleece bed
- Pop up carriers (like the ones used for shows)
#4 Preventing Anxiety and Car Sickness
Anxiety and nausea might be a big concern for a lot of cat owners; here are some tips for preventing or treating these cat health issues:- Take your kitties on “practice trips” around town to see how they do in the car and what they might need.
- Buy a CD of cat calming music (you can test some of these on YouTube to see what works for your cat).
- If they get carsick, you can give them 1/4 of an Original Pepcid. Be sure to chase it with a few swallows of water or food, since cats cannot dry-swallow and pills can get stuck in their throat and erode it.
- Get a mild sedative from the vet.
- Spritz a calming spray like Pet Remedy, Feliway, Richard’s Organics, or Rescue Remedy drops in the carrier a few hours before the trip.
- Try Jackson Galaxy Solutions, like Easy Traveler or Changing Times.
Thanks so much for the great tips for road trips. This whole topic makes me extremely nervous. I got even more nervous after reading about people travelling with their kitty and it escaped and was never found. Lord, if that happened, I would have to be institutionalized! Not kidding!
We did have everyone microchipped recently, so that makes me feel a little better if we had to travel. Did that mainly now in case there was ever a fire and they would escape to safety outside and get lost before I could get them. I know that a time will be coming sometime in our lives that we will move away, but am praying they will be able to make the trip safely by following all the tips you explained so well. Thank you so much. Know that many kitties will benefit because of this info.❤
WOW! Very helpful post, Jenny! Thank you so much for this pawesome info! 🙂 <3
We have never made any long trips with kitties when we were our younger selves and more active as a family and with work, etc…. Dogs yes, kitties no. Usually, we've boarded previous kitties (and our past dogs on occasions) in the past rather than travel with them on vacations or emergency situations or business travel when no one would be home to care for them.
But with all of this great info in one place I can prepare for needing to take Miss PSB with us should we need to travel somewhere long-term (or even move).
Big hugs & lots of love!
Patti & Miss Pink Sugarbelle 🙂 <3