Traveling with Cats

Traveling with Cats Before you go on a long trip with your cat, take it out for a test drive.  This will tell you many important things, including how happy your kitty is in the car.  Does it meow nonstop?  Go to sleep?  Act curious, looking out of its carrier at the window?  All of these things will help you determine whether traveling is—and should be—in your cat’s future. Carriers In the car, cats do best when they’re in a cat carrier.  This not only keeps you safe (by preventing your cat from running under the driver’s feet), it also helps the cat feel secure.  Put a comfy towel or blanket in the bottom of the carrier to make a nice bed and remember to offer your cat food and water at regular intervals.  If you’ll be driving for several hours, fill a large roasting pan or plastic container with kitty litter and put it on the floor of the backseat, so you cat can use the bathroom during rest-area stops. Cats in the RV If your cat is older or very mellow, it may be able to ride loose in the RV.  Even so, you’ll need to consider the possibility of a car accident.  If this happened, your cat could go flying and it could be badly hurt or it could be difficult to capture.  The safest option is the cat carrier, but this is a decision that’s best left up to the individual owner. Packing Aside from extra food and water, be sure to bring along things that will keep your pet happy.  Cat treats might make a nice break during a long afternoon of driving.  A scratching post, catnip, and cat toys will give your kitty something to do when you’re parked for the night.  And of course you’ll want to bring a litter box and spare litter.