If you’ve been following our journey, you’ll know how fond our family is of animals. Our list of pets goes from dogs to birds, scorpions to tarantulas, bearded dragons, and bunnies. The latest addition is our cats. We have had them for quite some time now, although this is the first time we’re sharing them on this platform.
Today, we’re driving to my sister’s place, and it’s going to take about an hour or so to get there. Yes, we’re taking one of our cats with us. Is it easy to travel with a cat, you ask? It depends. One of our cats is fond of traveling, but the others are not.
But, just in case you’re wondering how to travel with a cat, here’s how.
Traveling With Cats
Cats don’t like traveling as much, primarily because they are not as domesticated as dogs. They dislike leaving their territory, especially for somewhere new, where there can be loud noises, strange odors, and movement.
You want to ensure your cat is secure when traveling with you as a cat-friendly caregiver. If possible, you should also alleviate his worry and reduce his stress. Even if you travel regularly, you should be prepared so that your trip runs as well as possible.
Here are some suggestions for making journeys enjoyable for both you and your cat:
Create a “Home Away From Home” for your cat in his carrier
Many people store their carriers in the basement or garage and only take them out when they need to go to the vet. As a result, your cat is unlikely to like the carrier or believe it is in a secure or favored location.
Make the carrier a part of your living space instead. In this manner, your cat learns to link happy memories with the carrier before being transported in it and regards it as a safe location.
Take it for a spin
Take your cat on short test rides after he or she is comfortable in the carrier (with a favorite treat, toy, or other items from home). Make sure your cat has a good time on these drives. By watching your cat, you can tell if the drive is going smoothly.
He should appear relaxed, peaceful, and purr if possible. If your cat seems stressed and yowls loudly, he isn’t having a good time on this drive. Only drive a small distance at first. As your cat’s nervousness fades, gradually increase the stretch.
Your cat will get more familiar with car travel and experience less fear or anxiety by taking these drives.
Avoid Chasing
Don’t wait until you have only five minutes until you leave before pursuing your kitty. This may frighten your cat, increasing your chances of being bitten or scratched. If your cat is carrier trained, hold off feeding him for a few hours and then toss a few pieces of his favorite reward into the carrier.
Your cat should be able to enter right away. Otherwise, calmly enter the room where your cat is sitting, close the doors, pick up your cat, and place him in the carrier as you practiced when your cat was accustomed to the carrier.
During the journey, protect the carrier.
Cover your cat’s carrier with a towel or piece of cloth to keep him from seeing the shifting environment. When carrying your cat to and from the automobile, hold the carrier with your cat in it (just one cat per carrier!) in both arms, as if it were a valuable package.
This will make him feel secure. Practice holding it and see how far you can get without crashing into something. It’s crucial to practice this since the noise and jostling caused by hitting the carrier can be uncomfortable for your cat.
Returning Home after a Trip in a Household with Multiple Cats
Cats are extremely sensitive to odors. Unfamiliar smells can cause one cat to lose track of another returning to the house. When your cat returns home, he will have a distinct scent that will be foreign to the other cats in the house. When one cat perceives another as a stranger, aggressive behavior can result.
We hope this helps bring a pleasant experience to your pet cat the next time you want to take him or her for a ride.
