Traveling with cats in the car: everything you need to know

As a general rule, our feline companions don't like traveling. Changes in their usual environment can cause stress and anxiety, making the experience extremely unpleasant. However, it's possible that for some reason you need to travel with your cats, so the best thing to do in this situation is to make all the preparations in advance and be well informed about how to travel with cats and everything required for transportation. If you'd like to learn more about the topic, keep reading!

How to train your cat to travel by car?

The first thing you should know is that it has to be gradual . The animal should adapt gradually, without causing stress or anxiety and associating it with a negative experience.

Keep in mind that, unlike dogs, cats prefer to be in stable, quiet places, so the car isn't their favorite. Noises from the car, the road, the radio, along with vibrations, or even movement, could bother the animal. So the best thing you can do is train it for when the opportunity arises.

To start, one of the first things you can try is getting your cat familiar with the car. Initially, don't run the engine, just so he can see it. Another time, do the same, but this time have the cat sit in a carrier, as this will be where he'll be during the actual trip. Once you've repeated this procedure 3-4 times, you can move on to the next level.

Remember that the entire process must be gradual, so the next logical step is to start the vehicle. This will help the animal begin to hear the engine noise and notice the vibrations. It's very important to keep your cat close to you, to convey the greatest possible peace and protection. After this, the final step is to start taking short trips. Try taking trips of just a few minutes (5-10 minutes) to see how it behaves.

A very important point to keep in mind is that cat treats can always help. A tasty reward will be your perfect ally for training your feline. Don't forget to give them a reward at the end of each training session to reinforce that the behavior has been positive.

Finally, all you have to do is gradually increase the driving time until you achieve the desired result.

How to carry a cat in the car?

It's vitally important to be aware that traveling with animals requires complete safety . Therefore, below are some points to keep in mind before taking any trip:

• Place your pet in a rigid carrier with mesh panels for better ventilation. The larger the carrier, the more your cat will appreciate it, as it will be able to stretch and move more freely, within the limits of its capacity. Also, remember not to place the carrier in an area where it will receive direct sunlight.
• Place the carrier on the floor, wedged just behind the front seats, or if you prefer, you can leave it in the back seats, secured with a seat belt.
• Don't feed your dog right before the trip. We recommend waiting at least 2-3 hours beforehand to prevent vomiting if he gets motion sick. It's also not wise to feed him during the trip for the same reason. However, when you reach your destination, you can give him a treat as a reward.
• Drive calmly and safely. This will help prevent sudden movements during the journey, keeping your pet calmer.
• Try to make the conditions inside the vehicle as comfortable as possible. If you're traveling with music, keep the volume low. Try speaking gently to your pet during the trip so they notice your voice, and pay special attention to the temperature.
• If the car ride is long, we recommend taking breaks so your cat can rest. It's important not to remove your cat from the carrier during these times, as cats in situations of stress and anxiety can react unpredictably. Therefore, it's best to remove your cat from the carrier once you reach your destination.
• Last but not least, never leave your cat alone in the car. Aside from the fact that it's illegal, it's best to keep an eye on it at all times so you can provide the necessary care.

How many hours can a cat last in the car?

As we've discussed throughout this article, cats prefer stable, quiet places, and any car trip can cause them stress and anxiety. So the first question you should ask yourself is whether the trip is really necessary.

If this is the case, we advise you to train your pet to ensure the experience is as positive as possible. Short trips are easier for them, although if you have to travel for several hours by car, they can still handle it. Make regular breaks and take it easy until you reach your destination.

Keep in mind that you'll need to hydrate your pet and manage its toileting times. One solution could be to use pads inside the carrier, although if the trip is long, you'll have to consider allowing your cat to leave the carrier at some point and stretch its legs. For short trips, we don't recommend letting your pet out of its carrier.

How to choose a carrier for my cat?

There are many tools for this occasion: carriers, bags, backpacks for transporting cats, etc. However, it's best to educate yourself and choose what best suits the situation and your needs.

For travel by plane, train, or car, the key points to consider when choosing your carrier should be the following:

• Choose a sturdy, rigid carrier. At Arquivet, we have all kinds of carriers for cats and other pets, so you can take a look.
• Pay special attention to making sure it has a mesh screen. Ventilation is essential to ensure air flow and prevent the cat from suffocating or overheating.
• Choose a carrier large enough for your cat to stretch out comfortably. Since he'll be confined during the trip, provide him with as many luxuries as possible.
• Make sure there is a handle to carry the box correctly and with total ease.