Can I Travel With My Cat in the Car Safely?
If you’re planning a trip with your feline best friend, you may be experiencing both excitement and a little concern. Unlike dogs, known for their love of the car, many cats aren’t keen on a road trip. But you’ll be happy to know that you CAN help your cat learn not only to tolerate but enjoy car travel. Let’s look at how you can travel with a cat in the car safely, including both short trips and longer road trip adventures… How Do I Introduce My Cat to the Car? If this is your cat’s first time in the car, you should plan to start small. Try taking your cat out into the car in your driveway and allowing them to get used to it before even putting it in motion. This is a great way to reduce anxiety and set yourself up for long-term success. When you see that your cat is comfortable with being inside your vehicle, try introducing the next step by starting the engine. This will introduce a new sound and feeling, which can be frightening. Talk to your cat calmly and comfort them. Continue this slow introduction by moving the vehicle slightly up and down the driveway, then going for a short drive around the block. With each step, ensure your cat is comfortable and relaxed before moving on to the next. As tempting as it may be, don’t rush this process. Offer a lot of praise and treats to create a positive association with the vehicle and the experience as a whole. How Long Can Cats Ride in a Car? The time or distance your cat can successfully ride in a vehicle will depend on several factors. This includes their comfort level in the vehicle, the “amenities” you make available to them (like food, water, and a litter box), and the number of stops you make along the way. For some cats, a 6-hour car ride is completely relaxing, and they will sleep the whole time. For others, however, even 10 minutes can feel like an eternity.