{"id":19296,"date":"2022-03-23T06:23:45","date_gmt":"2022-03-23T12:23:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/?p=19296"},"modified":"2022-06-10T08:32:09","modified_gmt":"2022-06-10T14:32:09","slug":"how-to-travel-with-a-cat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/cats\/how-to-travel-with-a-cat","title":{"rendered":"How to Travel with a Cat (Minus the Meows of Protest)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Whether you\u2019re moving to a new home, going on vacation, or just visiting family, sometimes you have to have your four-legged friend along for the ride. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Traveling with your cat doesn\u2019t have to include excessive meowing or stress if they are properly acclimated to carriers and cars. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your feline friend may never love traveling, but these travel tips can help you both have a cat-friendly car trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Train, Plane, and Car Travel Requires a Carrier<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Regardless of whether you\u2019re traveling by car, train, or plane, your cat needs to be secured in a cat carrier. A pet carrier<\/a> is the only way to safely transport your cat to any destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A study<\/a> from Volvo Car USA and The Harris Poll found that when pets are unsecured, drivers are more distracted. And if you\u2019re in an accident, a cat that\u2019s been allowed to roam freely can suddenly turn into a dangerous projectile that can harm you, your passengers, and themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plus, on Amtrak and most airlines, cats must stay inside a cat carrier for the entire journey. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Familiarize Your Feline Friend in a Cat Carrier <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Before you embark on a short or long trip, familiarize your cat with its carrier. Choose a carrier that\u2019s big enough to let your cat stand up and turn around. Then, place the carrier inside your home and allow your cat to sniff and move around the carrier. When they initially enter the carrier, leave the door open so they don\u2019t feel trapped. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make your cat carrier inviting to your feline by placing a familiar blanket or towel inside, along with a toy and a few treats. A soft surface is not only an inviting place to curl up \u2014 it\u2019ll soak up urine and motion sickness accidents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Create positive associations by complimenting and petting your cat through the process, and feed them treats while they\u2019re inside the carrier. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pay attention to their body language<\/a> through this process. A fearful cat will keep their ears low, tucked tight to their head, flatten themselves down, or lay their tails down low. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once they feel comfortable inside the carrier, close the door for short amounts of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Slowly Introduce Feline Friends to Car Rides<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The first time you drive your cat around shouldn\u2019t be on a 15-hour-long trip. Once your cat is comfortable with their carrier indoors, it\u2019s time to carry them outside and work on acclimating them to car rides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Slowly introduce your cat to your car within the safety of your driveway. Buckle your cat\u2019s carrier in the back seat and slowly move up and down your driveway. Then take short car rides around your block. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reward your cat with verbal compliments as you drive, and give them treats before and after short rides. You want your cat to associate car rides with fun rewards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Manage Cat Travel Anxiety and Stress<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Unfortunately, even if you do your best to acclimate your cat to their carrier, some cats will never enjoy car rides. All you can do in these situations is manage your cat\u2019s stress and anxiety so your cat feels calmer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Create a restful environment with supplies that will help ease their anxiety. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pheromone sprays can help calm cats down. Familiar scents from their favorite blanket or your t-shirt can help them feel comfortable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a stress-free longer trip, pack the following cat-friendly supplies:<\/p>\n\n\n\n