what are things we need to know about traveling in car with your cat(s)?

Question

we will be leaving in 1week for the holidays- we are taking our 2 cats with us. the trip is from chicago to atlanta (12hr trip with an overnight stop about 7hrs into the trip)
I have 2 sturdy carriers- but i don't know what to do as far as food and water go as well as litter pan (disposable ones may be good?)
please give any advice you have!
(this is their first trip other than the dreadful trips to the vet!)
thanks!
jennifer

Answer 1

I took my (exceptionally well-behaved) cat on an extended trip, 16 hrs then a few days stop then 14 hrs more. I don't know if my experience is normal, but I can tell you what I did and it worked well for me!

About a week before I left I bought a "cat harness" from the pet store, and a leash. I put the cat harness on the cat each day of that last week, at first for a few minutes, then longer and longer each time until he didn't mind it a bit and wore it all the last day.

After the first day, he didn't mind the halter so I attached the leash to it for a few minutes. He hated it! It didn't take him long to realize he couldn't get it off, though, and he sat hunkered down wherever I put him, glaring at me! I put the leash on the halter several times that day, then the next day I started making him go on short walks with it. He hated that even more but quickly learned that he really didn't have a choice. I continued doing this a few times a day up until the day of the trip.

My cat is used to short car rides so I don't have to keep him in a carrier. Your cat might need the carrier -- try him on a short drive before you leave and find out if he's well behaved in the car.

I didn't feed my cat while travelling, but I did stop every two hours at a rest area. There, I put him on the hated leash and put him in the grass (in the pet area if there was one), and offered him water. He sat there hating me for the first 6 hours -- but by the end of the trip he was looking forward to the stops to use the bathroom, get a drink, and explore the new sights and scents.

My cat made the trip beautifully, no messes, and now actually "begs" to come with me when I go places! He still hates the leash, but he'll tolerate it and not hide when he knows I'm going to put it on him. It means new places and fun times to him, even though he hates the restriction of it.

One word of warning -- get your cat used to the halter BEFORE the trip, and with very careful supervision. A cat CAN worm its way out of the halter if you're not watching carefully. If he's always carefully supervised with it, though, he quickly learns that he cannot do it (even though he really can, if you give him half a chance) and stops trying. And be sure the halter is fitted as tightly as possible without causing Kitty discomfort. Cat halters are adjustable.

Answer 2

It really depends on your cat. When I travel with my cat, no matter what the length, I keep her out of a carrier. Reason being is that she howls like she is dying when she is in one, and I can't stand to listen to that. So with her not caged, she sits on my lap and is content. Cat's hate cars, I believe it is because all the vibration is too much for them. The food and litter box issue, because it is a longer trip, I would give them food and water when you stop, at this time also put down a litter pan. Chances are they are not going to eat, drink or poo while the vehicle is in motion.

If you decide to not put them in a carrier, I would suggest having a couple of pillows for them to hide in. Sounds weird, but I had two pillows in the back seat that my cat crawled in-between and stayed for a long time. Again anything that makes the vibrations less will make them happier.

Some cats do get sick and do potty or poo when in cars so bring towels and carpet cleaner. If they have a treat or toy that they prefer bring that as well, it may reduce stress.

Have fun!!

Answer 3

You've gotten some good solid Q & A so far.The disposable litter
pans are an idea,as well as putting something in the carrier that would carry the scent of "home" to lessen their stress.Some of
the veterinary community recommend mild sedation for long trips.
NO food until stopping for the nite or you're going to have a mess
to deal with.It is a good idea to have a small dish of ice cubes in
the carrier for them,however.
As you were asked previously,WHY are you taking the "fur-people" with you rather than having them boarded or looked after
by a friend or relative???
I've been "owned" by a lot of felines in my 62 yrs.& have only had
one that did not become MOST displeased when taken bye-
byes.
Consider this:You're going a fairly long road trip into unfamiliar
territory,under unpleasant conditions that may lead to some dire
consequences for all concerned.
Once they are turned out of the carriers they are VERY likely to
take off like "roaches when the lights come on."
The recovery rate for lost cats is minimal when lost on their OWN
turf,much less in a strange environment.
Thoughts are, that your plans are too risk filled to be feasable.
Just a thought or three.
P.S.Transporting animals across state lines W/O visible proof
that their health records are up to date.Pretty steep fine + seisure
of the animal or animals.

Answer 4

The first time I traveled with my two cats, I would take them on small trips like 1 mile, then 5 miles, 15 miles after that. This I did for about a week before the trip just to get them used to the car and the motion. Then when we got home I would give them Whisker Lickens cat treats. These are about $1.00 at Walmart. Now every time we travel as soon as I get the cat carrier out they run in. Also, for the kitty litter, what I did when I drove from L.A. to Tucson, I would stop at a public bathroom and pour fresh kitty litter in the litter box. And leave them in the restroom while I waited outside for a few minutes. Cats love fresh kitty litter. I also fed them a little food and a little water. So they wouldn't get car sick. When you get to the hotel then you can feed them like you regularly do. Good luck and don't forget to buckle them up too.

Answer 5

feed them before you leave, but if they eat while you're driving they'll probably get carsick. give them access to fresh water, and be sure to line the carriers with at least newspapers, in case of an accident. I put towels and other soft bedding in as well, for long trips. disposable litter pans are a good choice, or you can improvise your own with a container of litter and a disposable aluminum roasting pan or similar container. my cat pretty regularly travels the three and a half hours between my hometown and my college with me, and I've found that she's not very interested in food, water, or using litter during that time, but 7 hours will probably necessitate all three during the first day.

Answer 6

Are you sure you want to do this? Most cats hate to be in cars, and it sounds like yours don;t either, if the trip to the vet freaks them out. Cats hate change in their routine, unlike dogs who usually travel well. It's going to be a long trip with them crying a lot, probably not using whatever litter arrangement you provide
( That's a way they show their fear and displeasure.)
You'll have to let them out of the carriers to eat and drink, too.
There is always a chance one could get out of the car on you, or crawl under a seat. Or not cope well in the home you are visiting (any pet cats or dogs there?)
My suggestion is to hire a pet sitter to come to your house and look after the cats. Check with your vet for reliable references.
These people are bonded to protect your house, and it is not too expensive, maybe $15- 20 / day. It will be well worth it and your cats will do much better staying in their own environment.
We have been using one for our cats for six years and it so much better than the taking the cat with us method.
If you decide to do this, make arrangements now. Schedules fill up quickly over the holidays.
And one more thing: DO NOT put them in kennel. Besides the setting change, cats are susceptible to many illnesses and they don't really get the best of care.

Answer 7

My cats meowed continually for the first half hour and then kept quiet the rest of the way. Eventually, they crawled either on my lap, under the seats, or some inconspicous place and fell asleep. I kept the litter box in the floor on the passenger side. They used it. I also kept food and only a little water in pet dishes because it was spilling. I didn't use a pet carrier although that may be a good idea.

Answer 8

the most important thing is to keep up the water forget food when travelling give them a light meal when you stop for the night... they wont starve for that short time as they will throw up esp if they are not travel trained always take something they know and has the home smell on it i put a toy in my friends cat box a week before they took off on a trip it absorbed the cat/bedding/house smell and it was a comfort to kitty on her travels My friend had her cats lead trained so she was able to find a quiet area to stop and take them for a short walk where they were able to relieve themselves [one at a time] but you need to think of disposable trays because of stress they can be very smelly and my stomach is not strong!!!

Answer 9

How lengthy will you be lengthy gone? even if it truly is in problem-free words 2 or 3 days you will get by with a nutrients dispenser and water dispenser. I keep those accessible becasue we usually go out for the weekend. Kittys can carry on their own if there's a lot of nutrients and water for them. If it truly is going to likely be longer then, I say let the guy who no longer a cat individual provide them sparkling nutrients and water. She doesn't ought to contact them. purely fill up their nutrients and go. both kittys will be happier at abode with out then you travelling in a vehicle and stuck in a bathroom with you. hth

Answer 10

I would not give them food and limit the water when in the car.(b/c of motion sickness and you want them to sleep) Definatly the disposable litter boxes! Have Fun!