How to Take a Cat on a Travel

There are many people who always want to bring their pet cat with them to travel or go for a walk in the car. But most cats are often very afraid to ride and leave their familiar living space, only a few have no problem with this. However, you can still take your cat on a trip without too much trouble. It is important that you prepare in advance so that the cat gradually adapts to the ride and prepare all the necessary items before departure.

Table of Contents

Prepare in advance

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/3/3f/Travel-with-a-Cat-Step-1-Version-5.jpg/v4-728px-Travel-with- a-Cat-Step-1-Version-5.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/3f/Travel-with-a-Cat-Step-1- Version-5.jpg/v4-728px-Travel-with-a-Cat-Step-1-Version-5.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Get your cat used to riding. If your cat has never been in a car, a few weeks before your trip, get him in the car and go for a short walk (about 30 minutes or less). It’s a good idea to keep your cat in the cage you’ll use when traveling to get her used to the noise, movement of the car, and the smell of the cage.

Reward your cat with food while in the car, so it will enjoy the ride more.
Think of these get-togethers as a test ride before a real long trip to see if there’s anything wrong with the cat.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/d8/Travel-with-a-Cat-Step-2-Version-6.jpg/v4-728px-Travel-with- a-Cat-Step-2-Version-6.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/d8/Travel-with-a-Cat-Step-2- Version-6.jpg/v4-728px-Travel-with-a-Cat-Step-2-Version-6.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Prepare anti-sickness medicine if necessary. If your cat gets motion sickness when you try to take it for a walk, you need to see your vet to get medication. Some antiemetics like chlorpromazine can help with motion sickness in cats. ^{[1] X Research Source}

Cats with motion sickness (while in the car) will have the following symptoms: screaming or growling continuously after a few minutes of driving, drooling a lot, not moving, or showing fear when driving. move, or exercise and walk a lot, vomiting, urinating or defecating. ^{[2] X Research Source}
Ginger is commonly used to prevent vomiting in humans and is also safe for cats. You can give your cat oral or chewable ginger, which is sold online, at pet stores, or some veterinary hospitals.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/1/19/Travel-with-a-Cat-Step-3-Version-5.jpg/v4-728px-Travel-with- a-Cat-Step-3-Version-5.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/1/19/Travel-with-a-Cat-Step-3- Version-5.jpg/v4-728px-Travel-with-a-Cat-Step-3-Version-5.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Give your cat Bach Flower Essence “Rescue Remedy” to reduce fear and stress when riding or in a new environment. Put a few drops of this essence in your cat’s drinking water and one drop in his mouth every day before departure if he shows signs of anxiety. You can test the effectiveness of this method by giving your cat a drop, then put it in the car and go for a walk for about 30 minutes. You should choose to give your cat the essence because using a sedative only helps to slow down the brain’s activity, while the flower essence will help the cat calm down and be bolder.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/3/3b/Travel-with-a-Cat-Step-4-Version-5.jpg/v4-728px-Travel-with- a-Cat-Step-4-Version-5.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/3b/Travel-with-a-Cat-Step-4- Version-5.jpg/v4-728px-Travel-with-a-Cat-Step-4-Version-5.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

The last resort is to use sedatives. Try to take your cat for a walk to get her used to riding or use natural methods before resorting to the last resort of sedation. Your veterinarian will help you find the best medication for your cat. Some common medications for stress relief include over-the-counter antihistamines (such as Benadryl), and prescription drugs such as alprazpam (Xanax). ^{[3] X Research Sources}

You need to consult your veterinarian carefully about the dosage and how to use the drug to achieve the best effect.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/8c/Travel-with-a-Cat-Step-5-Version-5.jpg/v4-728px-Travel-with- a-Cat-Step-5-Version-5.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/8c/Travel-with-a-Cat-Step-5- Version-5.jpg/v4-728px-Travel-with-a-Cat-Step-5-Version-5.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Try giving your cat a sedative at home a few days before setting off. You need to monitor your cat’s behavior, and if it shows negative signs, you still have time to talk to your veterinarian and change the dosage and try a different medication. Just like with humans, different drugs have different effects on cats. It may be due to a reaction to the medication that your cat will become irritable or vice versa, your veterinarian will help you find other options to overcome this.

Most tranquilizers won’t make your cat drowsy, but rather calm him down. If the medicine is too strong or not strong enough, you need to let your veterinarian know before you go. Even with medication, cats still need to be alert and aware of their surroundings.
When trying the medication, put the cat in the cage and take it to the car for a walk. This way, you will know in advance how it will react when taking the drug on an upcoming trip. Make sure you buy enough medicine for your cat for the duration of the trip (both in and out) and get an extra pill or two to try first at home.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/5/59/Travel-with-a-Cat-Step-6-Version-5.jpg/v4-728px-Travel-with- a-Cat-Step-6-Version-5.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/59/Travel-with-a-Cat-Step-6- Version-5.jpg/v4-728px-Travel-with-a-Cat-Step-6-Version-5.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Get a towel or blanket on the cat’s bed or where the cat sleeps for a few days before leaving. This is meant to get the cat’s body odor and the familiar home smell to blend into the towel. Plus, cats get used to the towel first and will always be comfortable using it.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/d3/Travel-with-a-Cat-Step-7-Version-5.jpg/v4-728px-Travel-with- a-Cat-Step-7-Version-5.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/d3/Travel-with-a-Cat-Step-7- Version-5.jpg/v4-728px-Travel-with-a-Cat-Step-7-Version-5.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Prepare the cat’s cage the morning of departure or the night before. Place the towel you’ve laid your cat on from the front to the bottom of the cage and spread another one as a cushion if needed. Do not forget to put in the cage a toy that the cat loves.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/9/9c/Travel-with-a-Cat-Step-8-Version-5.jpg/v4-728px-Travel-with- a-Cat-Step-8-Version-5.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/9c/Travel-with-a-Cat-Step-8- Version-5.jpg/v4-728px-Travel-with-a-Cat-Step-8-Version-5.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Spray Feliway (a product containing pheromones on the cat’s face) in the cage and car about 20 minutes before travel. This product is similar to the pheromone that cats secrete when they feel comfortable and relaxed in their territory. Therefore, it will help the cat relax during the trip. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

You need to test your cat’s reaction before spraying Feliway in the cage. Some cats will think it’s another cat’s territorial scent and will react negatively or aggressively to it.

Take your cat on a trip

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/2/27/Travel-with-a-Cat-Step-9-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Travel-with- a-Cat-Step-9-Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/2/27/Travel-with-a-Cat-Step-9- Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Travel-with-a-Cat-Step-9-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Feed your cat a few hours before you go and let it go to the toilet comfortably. If the cage is large enough, you can put in a small sandbox for the cat to defecate, but this is not very necessary, as well as water and food.

Do not keep the cat in the cage for more than 8 hours without giving it food, water or toilet.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/4/4d/Travel-with-a-Cat-Step-10-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Travel-with- a-Cat-Step-10-Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/4/4d/Travel-with-a-Cat-Step-10- Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Travel-with-a-Cat-Step-10-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Open the cage door for the cat to explore on its own. You should allow the cat to enter the cage comfortably on its own. When introducing the cat to the cage, do not force it in if it does not want to.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/0/0d/Travel-with-a-Cat-Step-11-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Travel-with- a-Cat-Step-11-Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/0d/Travel-with-a-Cat-Step-11- Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Travel-with-a-Cat-Step-11-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Put the cat in the cage and take it to the car. When you bring the cage to the car, you can cover it with a towel or blanket so that the cat doesn’t see the “scary” scene outside. ^{[5] X Research Source} Remember to remove the towel once the cat’s cage is in the car.

The cage should be placed in a secure position on the vehicle. You should fasten it with a seat belt; If the seat belt cannot be secured, you can use an elastic band or short rope, in case the car stops suddenly or an accident occurs. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/f/f1/Travel-with-a-Cat-Step-12-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Travel-with- a-Cat-Step-12-Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/f1/Travel-with-a-Cat-Step-12- Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Travel-with-a-Cat-Step-12-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Have your cat wear a bib harness while in the cage. Car rides can be quite stressful for your cat whether she likes the ride or not. You should wear a leash on your cat and use a leash every time you take it out of the cage (even in the car) so you can hold it easily if it suddenly wants to jump out of a window or door.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/0/01/Travel-with-a-Cat-Step-13-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Travel-with- a-Cat-Step-13-Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/01/Travel-with-a-Cat-Step-13- Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Travel-with-a-Cat-Step-13-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Give your cat exercise to relax. Cats won’t want to sit all day in a cage. Use a harness and leash to get your cat out of the cage and back in the car for about 20 minutes. You can also use this time to potty train your cat, but it probably won’t like it very much.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/b/bf/Travel-with-a-Cat-Step-14-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Travel-with- a-Cat-Step-14-Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/bf/Travel-with-a-Cat-Step-14- Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Travel-with-a-Cat-Step-14-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Spray Feliway or use a Feliway diffuser every time you leave your cat alone in the room. If you need to go out, put the cat in a cage and put a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on the door to prevent room service from entering. If you plan to go out for a day, you can take the cat to the bathroom with the necessary items and close the door (if possible), then leave a note on the door that your cat is in the room and happy. Please don’t accidentally let it run out.

Advice

It is important to note that airlines do not allow sedated animals on board because it is difficult to determine if they have a health problem or not, even if they are suffering from heat stroke. If you and your cat have to take a long car ride to the airport, don’t give him a sedative, or he won’t be able to board the plane. Instead, you can use Rescue Remedy flower essence to keep your cat calm and awake.
Don’t forget to bring a scratching pad or cat scratch toy! People often forget this, and chances are your cat will scratch some unwanted places, like curtains or bed sheets at hotels. Cats need to be scratched, it’s not only their instinct but also an activity that helps them relax and exercise their underused muscles.
For a long trip with many cats, a large folding dog cage that fits in the back seat will be a great choice. You can put in it a litter box with a lid so that the cat can stand on it and look out the window, and the cage is also large enough for you to put extra beds, food, water and supplies. play for cats. The zippered window on the side of the cage allows the cat to get in and out easily, and they can also see you and the outdoors. A large folding cage is also a safe option when you are traveling with your cat because if you need to go out alone, the cat can still use the litter box and have plenty of room to move around in the cage. .

Warning

Always give your cat a collar and name tag! Your cat can somehow get lost at any time. Attaching a cat with a microchip with regularly updated information with the management company is an extremely safe measure because the microchip can never be lost. If unfortunately lost, the person who saved the cat will need to see a veterinarian or rescue center for its management number.
Do not allow your cat to roam freely while you are driving. Even the smallest things can scare a cat, and you certainly don’t want it hiding behind the car, hiding under the seat and you can’t catch it, or slamming into the brake or accelerator. If you’re traveling with others and your cat seems to enjoy looking out the window, put a leash and leash on it and let it sit looking out the window that way. However, be careful not to get the cat agitated.
Never leave a cat alone in a car, even with the windows slightly open. In less than 20 minutes alone in the car, your cat will die from overheating.

Things you need

Toilet box for cats
Food and drink bowls
Cat cage
A small towel or blanket
Scratching toys
Food
Drinking water
Toys, toy strings
Bib straps and cat leashes
Neck strap with name plate
Feliway
Detergent containing enzymes in case you need to clean your cat in the car or in the hotel.
Rescue Remedy Spray
Drugs

Steps

Prepare in advance

Take your cat on a trip

Advice

Warning

Things you need

Related Posts