Why should humans have all the fun when you can take your furry friend on a road trip too?
Most of us believe it’s impossible to take our cats with us for road trips. However, with the right planning, your cat will also experience something more than playing with the cardboard boxes or lazing around on the couch!
In this article, I’ll be discussing some of the things to remember before going on a road trip with your cat.
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Get a Cat Carrier
When you’re on a road trip with your cat, a carrier is a must-have! You shouldn’t allow your cat to roam freely in the car, as it can get risky for both of you. If there are any sudden jerks, your cat may get scared, and jump around in the car.
Therefore, you should invest in a spacious carrier, so that your cat can sit in it comfortably. I also suggest keeping the cat in the carrier a few times before the actual road trip. This way, they’ll get used to the carrier, instead of getting scared.
Note that you should only let your cat out when you’re not driving, or if the cat is feeling stressed (i.e. keeps purring and meowing).
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Let Your Cat Get Used to the Car
Cats tend to sit at home all the time. Hence, they’re not generally used to moving environments, like cars.
So, before you suddenly take them on a long road trip, let them get used to the car. You can take them for car rides around the city multiple times, before the trip.
Or, you can let them sit in their carrier inside the car for a particular duration of time every day.
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Consult a Vet for Motion Sickness
When you’re trying to acclimate your cat to the car, observe their behaviour. Just like humans, cats also tend to have different reactions to road journeys. Some cats are comfortable with it, whereas some might have a bad case of motion sickness.
Motion sickness in cats can lead to serious problems like constant vomiting, excessive salivation, uneasiness, and diarrhoea.
If your cat seems sick on the test drives, consult a vet before you take them on the road trip. Your cat’s vet can prescribe medicines, like relaxants, that will make your cat feel at ease, and allow them to enjoy the journey.
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Use Pee Pads and Travel Litter Boxes
One major issue when you’re travelling with your cat is their peeing and pooping time. What are you supposed to do in this case? Well, the best option is to purchase a travel litter box or even pee pads.
Travel litter boxes are compact enough to fit in your car. If you want to take additional measures to protect your car from any peeing accidents, try pee pads.
You can keep the pee pads on the carrier’s surface. So, even if your cat pees, it won’t ruin your car seats! This will also save you from cleaning any messes after you’re done with your trip.
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Take Care of the Food
There are certain things that you need to remember regarding your cat’s meals before the road trip.
First, ensure that you don’t feed them much before the road trip. This can help in eliminating the risk of motion sickness in your cat. If you want to feed them, I recommend doing it three hours before starting the road trip.
You should also avoid feeding them in a moving vehicle. Instead, feed them a little and provide them with water whenever you’re taking any stops.
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Ensure That Your Cat is in Good Health
Always make sure that your cat is in good health and shape before taking them on a road trip.
For instance, road trips or long journeys can take a toll on overweight or obese cats. If you still want to take them, work on their diet and look for the best food options for weight management, a few months before the road trip.
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Go for a Cat Backpack!
This is one of the tips that have helped me while taking a road trip with my cat!
Whenever you take any major stops, you can keep your cat in a cat backpack, and move around with them. With this backpack, you won’t have to carry the huge carrier, and you can simply leave it in the car.
The best part about cat backpacks is that they’re safe, spacious, and provide an easy way to move around your cat. You don’t need to give them leash training either.
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Interact With the Cat
Remember that humans are used to road trips, but cats aren’t. When you’re busy travelling or exploring, your cat may even feel lonely. So, ensure that you keep interacting with them, and playing with them!
When you take any stops, talk to them while they’re in the carrier. You can also take them out at regular intervals when you’re not driving.
Endnote
Even if your cat can’t directly communicate, I’m sure that she’ll love a change of scenery and a purr-fect little adventure! So, follow these tips for a hassle-free road trip with your cat!