While a crate is a great option for shorter road trips, it's not ideal for a trip longer than six hours. Your cat needs access to water and litter, and anything more than six hours is a bit unfair.
Most cats are able to make it through even an eight-hour drive without using the litter box, but there's no sense in tempting fate.
Many cats will be perfectly fine in the car without medication, as long as you take appropriate steps to keep them comfortable. But if your cat is particularly anxious, it may be a good idea to talk to your veterinarian about anxiety medication to keep them calm in the car.
You should never leave your cat alone in the car, especially on days with extreme hot or cold temperatures. On summer days, the temperature inside a car can get as hot as 120 degrees in mere minutes.
If it is a short trip, under 6 hours, then your cat will be just fine staying in the carrier the entire time. If it is a longer trip, especially if it is over a several day period, you may want to let your cat out of the carrier periodically to get a drink of water and use the litter box.
2: Make your car a comfortable place for your cat
While a crate is a great option for shorter road trips, it's not ideal for a trip longer than six hours. Your cat needs access to water and litter, and anything more than six hours is a bit unfair.
Without much traffic, that's a long ride, about seven or eight hours. The cat should be allowed out of its carrier every four to six hours. Here are some tips for traveling with a cat in your car: Make sure the cat has a carrier.
How long can cats hold their pee? Most felines can go without peeing for 24 to 48 hours without experiencing any adverse effects. However, if your cat is holding it in for longer, it may indicate more serious medical conditions.
Train them by letting them sit in the car for a little bit to get used to the smells & sounds, then begin taking small rides around the neighborhood, to your vet, or run errands together. Make sure you have a cat carrier that they are comfortable in, and that is safe for traveling long distance with cats.
It's no surprise that most cats dislike car rides. Unlike their canine counterparts, cats don't get to stick their heads out the window or take fun trips to the dog park. Instead, cats usually associate cars with a dreaded visit to their nemesis, the vet.
Your car ride really throws a wrench in their plans. Your cat wants to maintain control over a familiar environment. Cats want access to all the things they want at the precise moment they want them. Your cat can't cuddle up in the windowsill and watch or stalk the birds when you're driving down the interstate.
For short distances, you don't have to worry about planning potty breaks, setting up a litter box, or providing food and water. In fact, it's best for kitty not to eat or drink before or during a car ride as the motion and anxiety can upset her stomach and lead to vomiting in the crate.
If your cat is not using the litter box, take heart. Any cat can have the occasional accident, especially if there is something new or stressful. Many times, however, a previously litter-trained cat who starts pooping outside the litter box has an underlying issue that you will need to deduce.
Sometimes, cats will begin urinating outside the litter box when they feel insecure, when there is a new cat in the house, when you've started using a new cleaning agent or when there is a new human addition to the family.
Most of the time, cats travel quite well with no need for any medication. Some cats, on the other hand, do experience stress when traveling. Consult your veterinarian to create the best travel plan for your cat if she does not travel well.
You can't travel with a cat without them being comfortable outdoors and “used to” seeing new places. To do that, you need to get your cat used to wearing and walking with a harness and leash so they can explore safely, and can be under your watchful eye. Without one, your kitty is at risk of getting spooked and lost.
Many car seats are sloped, so the best way to make sure the carrier is on a level surface is to place a rolled-up towel on the seat underneath the carrier. Cover the carrier with a sheet or blanket to provide your cat with extra privacy and reduce how much your cat is disturbed by things going on outside.
Be as quick with your stop as possible. If it's a food break you're taking, come back and check on your cat frequently (like every 10 minutes or so, just to be safe).
The average male outdoor cat may have a territory of a few acres, while a female's may be much smaller. Some studies show that cats walk a few dozen yards to more than half a mile per day.
Withhold food for about four to five hours before the journey in case the cat is sick while traveling. Offer water up to the time you leave and again during the journey when possible.
Cat transporting tips
Choose a sturdy carrier that is large enough for the cat to move around, allows a small water bowl and has enough ventilation. Always have your cat passenger restrained. Consider using a natural pheromone in the car if your feline friend is becoming anxious.
Make your car as comfortable as possible for your cat. Bring blankets that smell of your cat and you, bring your cat's kitty litter box, have plenty of nooks and crannies for him/her to hide in and possibly spend some time in the car with him/her to get her used to the environment.
Cats are very sensitive to smells, and having something with them in the car that carries a familiar scent can make them feel much more at ease. Some options could include their bed, a blanket they like, or a pillow they usually sit on at home. The scents and textures will feel familiar and act as a calming presence.