Tips on How to Drive With a Cat

Transporting a cat by car can be a traumatic experience for the cat whether you are moving across town or across the country. Cats are creatures of habit and changes in their environment can give them an amount of stress that is harmful for them. Every effort should be taken to reduce the amount of stress that a cat will experience on the car trip.

Things You'll Need

  • Carrier
  • Water
  • Water dish
  • Food
  • Litter
  • Litter box
  • Sedatives
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the cat in a carrier. A cat who is roaming around inside the car can be a dangerous distraction when you are driving. Confining the cat to the carrier will also keep the cat safe if you need to stop suddenly or if an accident occurs.

    • 2

      Pack water, a water dish and food. It is important to make sure that you can provide your cat with food and water during the trip. Even if its appetite is going to be disrupted, having the food available can help keep it calm and provide it with something familiar.

    • 3

      Allow the cat to stretch. The cat will get cramped in its carrier, and stopping the car and allow the cat to stretch and to use a litter box inside the car can keep it calm. Because cats often prefer not to relieve themselves in their carrier, a litter box is an important item to bring along.

    • 4

      Dose your cat with sedatives before setting out on a long car trip. Veterinarians can prescribe sedatives to a cat who is traveling long distances, and this can keep it calm during the trip.

    • 5

      Feed your cat three hours before you travel. While a cat should not be ravenous during the trip, feeding the cat too close to travel time can cause discomfort and motion sickness.