How to Help Your Cat Enjoy a Car Ride
Are you one of the lucky individuals whose cat doesn't mind going in the car? Chances are you are not, but you are planning a trip your cat absolutely must come along for. We have all been there, and you will be glad to know there are some things you can do to make your cat a little less stressed out while on the road. We've put together some suggestions that should help make an impact!
Before we get into it, though, we must remind cat owners that unless the circumstances are extraordinary, most cats would be better off avoiding car rides. Vehicles stress them out as they may already have a negative association with car rides, but on top of that, they're constantly trying to find their centre of balance. In a lot of cases, they will keep trying to stand up while the vehicle bumps, turns, accelerates and stops, causing them to wobble and fall over. Not fun!
With that out of the way, let's get into some of the best ways to prep your vehicle to make it more resilient, and more comfortable for furry friends, all at the same time.
Cat Carriers
The safest mode of travel for your cat is to be safely inside a properly sized cat carrier. Cat carriers shouldn't be too big or too small but should have enough space for your cat to turn around if they wish. This is the best mode of transport as it adds a layer of structure between them and anything that happens in the vehicle, especially in case of an accident.
Don't forget to put a nice thick towel or blanket in the bottom of the cat carrier. This will encourage them to curl up and hunker down instead of trying to stand up and get their balance.
Let the Cat Get to Know the Car
As odd as it sounds, your cat will benefit from getting to know the car in advance. Take them out to the vehicle a few days before your trip to let them sniff around, feel the seats, and rub their cheeks on things. Adding their own scents to the vehicle before the trip will help them feel some familiarity.
Another great way to build a positive association with the vehicle is to have the odd mealtime in the car. Once your cat is somewhat comfortable being inside the vehicle, bring them some food! Cats will almost always overlook their own fears and anxiety, temporarily, to chow down on something good to eat.
Incremental Training
Another thing you can do is put them in their carrier, place it in the car, start the car, let it run for a minute or two, then shut it off. This method is great for helping your cat get used to the sounds the car generates. Once you've done this a couple of times, try moving the car up and down the driveway or go around the block. Keep it extra short just to give your cat a chance to see what is in store without feeling overwhelmed.
Supplies
Taking a cat on the road, depending on the length of the journey, can require certain supplies. If you are going on a long road trip, keeping them in their carrier the whole time won't make as much sense and you may need to setup a litter solution. At minimum, you should bring some food and water on the trip.
For shorter trips, food, water, and litter and not necessary. For example: a trip to the vet does not require supplies, however, anything longer than 30 minutes of driving might require a closer look at your cat's eating, drinking, and bathroom habits. From there, you can adjust your plan accordingly.
Vehicle Choice
Something to consider, if you can (and we realize not everyone can do this), is to consider the vehicle you choose for the trip. If you are taking your cat on a long trip, a roomier vehicle is going to be better for both of you. For smaller, localized trips, vehicle size isn't as important as the cat should be in its carrier at all times. When purchasing a new vehicle, ask yourself how often your cat might end up inside it, and what kind of driving you plan to do with them.
Make it Comfy and Less Wobbly
At the end of the day, regardless of whether your cat is in a carrier or sitting on a seat, make it comfortable! Cats are sensual animals and things like ultra-soft throw blankets, towels, and other soft things can encourage them to settle in and hopefully relax! Big chunky blankets are great because they add a layer of softness to the jostling of the vehicle while providing a cozy bed for your kitty. Nothing is harder for a pet parent than hearing their animal in distress, especially while driving. Good luck!
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