How to Travel with a Cat in a Car in Hot Weather

Ideally, cat owners would never have to transport a cat by car in hot weather. The risks of leaving a cat in a hot car even for a short time are significant, including heatstroke and death. However, if care is taken to ensure that the cat does not overheat and is never left unattended, safe car travel with cats is possible even in very hot weather. Using air-conditioning and a crate fan can help to keep cats cool, while offering regular access to fresh water helps to avoid dehydration.

Things You'll Need

  • Cat carrier
  • Crate fan
  • Bottled water from home
  • Water dish
  • Cat food
  • Medical records
  • Litter box (optional)
  • Litter (optional)
  • Calming pheromone spray (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Confine your cat to a cat carrier. Hard-sided plastic cat kennels are more likely to protect your cat and prevent its escape in the event of an accident.

    • 2

      Secure your cat's carrier using a shoulder belt wrapped around the crate and buckled safely. Loose cat carriers may become dangerous projectiles during a traffic collision, injuring the cat or other passengers in the car.

    • 3

      Attach a battery-operated crate fan to the front of your cat's carrier and turn it on if you are loading the cat into a car that has been parked in the sun. The fan will help to keep your cat cool while your air conditioner starts working.

    • 4

      Use your car's air-conditioning system to maintain a comfortable temperature in the car. Make sure that some of your air-conditioner vents are turned so that they blow cooled air toward your cat.

    • 5

      Stop regularly to offer your cat fresh water. Bring enough water from home to last through your car trip. Many cats will not drink if they are offered water that tastes or smells differently from the water they're accustomed to.

    • 6

      Allow your cat to eat and use a litter box at least once every six hours during long car trips. If your cat experiences car sickness, talk to your vet about how and when to provide meals while traveling.