Travel with a cat in the car should be comfortable and safe for both the cat and for you. This applies to long trips as well as short trips to the country house.

How to make sure that everything goes well? And what do you need to prepare for the road?

Why a car trip is stressful for a cat

Most cats live indoors all the time and have no access to the outdoors. A familiar room is their territory, where our pets feel safe. Everything here is so beloved and familiar – smells, objects, people.

And then they put you in a carrier, take you outside into the big world, and then put you in a nasty growling car. Who would like that? Naturally, kitty will be frightened by such a drastic change of scenery, and this situation can be stressful for her.

What to do

It is ideal if you train your pet to the car from an early age. Periodically take her on short trips. If you have an adult cat, you should do the same with it.

It should not be forgotten that a cat that goes to the country house in spring and summer, over the long winter months is weaned from travel, so stress can arise in this situation as well. Don’t forget to periodically take time to spend time together in the vehicle so that your purrfect cat remembers that riding in the car isn’t scary at all.

About sedatives for cats

If your pet has a hard time with the trip, gets nervous, meows loudly, scratches the carrier, then you can’t do without sedatives.

They can be:

• Medicinal – to act as an antidepressant.
• Pheromone-based – such products are usually available as sprays, which should be treated in the carrier.
• Herbal – made on the basis of essential oils and herbs, they have a cumulative effect, so it is better to start giving them to the cat in advance.

Important: A veterinarian should choose a sedative for the cat. There are contraindications, so be sure to read the instructions.

If the cat suffers from motion sickness

This condition is indicated by:

• Heavy breathing;
• An open mouth with the tip of the tongue sticking out;
• vomiting;
• General tension in the cat.

As a rule, cat motion sickness in the car is due to stress, so in most cases the use of the above-mentioned sedatives will help. However, there are also physiological reasons associated with vomiting activation.

Consult your veterinarian on this issue. He will prescribe motion sickness medication if necessary.

In order to reduce the risk of seasickness:

• Do not feed your pet 3-4 hours before the trip.
• Do not play loud music.
• Make sure the car is well ventilated.
• Cover the carrier with a towel or set it up so that the cat cannot see the movement of surrounding objects.

What to take with you

To make the trip comfortable and safe for your cat, you should prepare for it beforehand.

You will need:

A carrier or a lounge on the car seat

The main purpose of these attributes is the safety of your pet.

The carrier protects your four-legged pet from all sides, preventing injuries. You can choose both plastic and fabric model.

The carrier should be chosen so that the cat can stretch out in it and turn its head freely. We recommend putting a disposable diaper on the bottom.

Rurri car seat covers are suitable for cats who don’t want to ride in a carrier. Equipped with a carabiner for attaching the cat’s collar, as well as a mechanism for attaching to the seat. High sides prevent hair from getting on the upholstery. The materials are claw-resistant and do not cause allergies.

Important: It is necessary in advance to accustom the cat to the carrier. To do this 5-7 days before the trip, place the carrier in the room so that the pet can enter it at any time.

Travel bowls.

It’s best to choose a “travel” version made of silicone. Rurri has them in their range. The small bowls are suitable for both food and water. Easy to wash and fold, so they don’t take up too much space.

Water Bottle

Rurri’s handy water bottle has a tray to pour water into, making it easier for your pet to drink. The high quality plastic is safe for the four-legged animals. The tray follows the shape of the bottle, so it saves a lot of space in the trunk, on the seat or in the bag.

Food

If there is a long trip ahead, the cat may get hungry and you should offer her something to eat. Don’t forget to bring her favorite food. It is better to choose wet food as it has a pleasant taste and aroma and is also available in portions. If her pet prefers food in granules, you can take a small package and a measuring scoop, in order not to make a mistake with the dosage.

Wet wipes for cats

Anything can happen on the road. For example, the purr gets dirty when eating food, and it will be necessary to wipe it urgently. Wet wipes will be useful for this purpose. It is advisable to choose products designed specifically for cats.

Litter box and disposable diapers

If the trip is long, the kitty will certainly want to go to the bathroom. Some pet will go to the litter box right in the car. Just stop and put a container on the floor with some of the familiar cat litter. You can use litter box bags to make cleaning easier.

Still, most cats prefer not to leave the carrier on the road, so the bottom should be covered with a disposable diaper.

Harness and leash

Great for long journeys since the cat needs to stretch its paws. Choose comfortable harness with a sturdy carabiner to avoid the possibility of escape. Don’t forget to harness your cat beforehand. A few weeks before the journey, start training him to wear it.

Treat

Is a tasty encouragement for your pet for good behavior on the road. In addition, eating treats can distract the purrfect for a while, and if she is very anxious, you will spend a few minutes in silence. We recommend buying treats in proven places, where the necessary conditions for the storage of goods are observed.

Toy

Make sure to put the cat’s favorite toy in the carrier. Preferably, it should be a textile model that smells like her favorite home and does not make annoying noises. The Pet Hobby brand range includes toys with scents of soothing herbs – melissa, catnip, lemongrass and others.

First aid kit for cats

Anything can happen on the road, so prepare a first aid kit with products specifically for the cat.

It should include:

• Antiseptics.
• Wound healing powders and ointments.
• Dressings (sterile bandages and gauze napkins).
• Tools (syringes of different volumes, scissors, tweezers, thermometer, “tick remover”).
• Prophylactics (lotions and wipes for eyes, ears, mouth, paws).
• Potent drugs – antibiotics (given only in emergencies).
• Means for the gastrointestinal tract (sorbents, prebiotics).
• Antihistamines.
• Antiparasitic drugs (for fleas, ticks, and helminthes).

Purchase these products from veterinarian pharmacies, since products for humans may be dangerous for the four-legged animals. Ask your veterinarian about specific products for use on the road.

Important: If your cat has a medical problem, take him to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Remember that self-treatment can be dangerous!

Tips for keeping your cat safe in the car

• The best place to carry your cat is in the back seat. If necessary it may also be placed at the feet, but it is important to be sure that your pet gets the right amount of fresh air.
• Firmly secure the carrier to the seat. To do this, you can put it in the middle and put suitcases, bags, baby car seats on the sides.
• Try not to let the cat walk around the cabin. If you do decide to do it for a few minutes, make sure that all the windows and doors are closed.
• Decided to take the cat for a walk? Do not forget the harness and leash. Preferably treat hair with flea and tick spray and paws with a special ointment as interaction with petroleum products may cause irritation. After the walk, do not forget to wipe her paws with special wet wipes.
• While driving, obey the speed, avoid sharp turns and potholes in the road.
• Try to maintain a comfortable temperature in the cabin.
• Keep the carrier in the shade.
• Don’t leave your cat alone in a parked car in the heat.
• Speak to your cat in an affectionate voice while traveling.

Important: The main guarantee of a successful trip is positive emotions on the part of the owner. Pets are sensitive to our moods, and your excitement may pass on to the cat.