Traveling with a Cat Requires Planning Ahead
Taking a Road Trip With Kitty Shouldn't be Difficult
Sep 3, 2009
Traveling with a cat sounds like a nightmare situation to most people. But for dedicated owners of felines, anything is possible, including a road trip with a cat.
Actually, traveling with a cat isn't that hard. It can be a little challenging at first, but planning ahead will solve many problems before they occur.
Traveling with a Pet
On June 23, 2009, Paul Eisenburg published "How To Travel With Your Pet" on FoxNews.com. This article contains many great tips on traveling with pets. Although his article focused mainly on flying, he had some very good advice that applies to a road trip, too, including information on pet carriers and finding a pet-friendly motel.
A Good Cat Carrier is Essential
It used to be that the old hard plastic pet carrier was the standby, but today there is a wide choice for discerning cat owners. Soft-sided cases are becoming more popular. It may be wise to choose a carrier approved by the International Air Transport Association if there is a possibility that air travel is in the kitty's future.
Whatever type of pet carrier is preferred by the owner, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a cat carrier. It should be big enough for the cat to move around in comfortably. A secure latch is also a must-have. Some carriers even have clips so they can be secured by seat belts.
Try to get the cat used to the carrier before leaving home. It's best to leave it out with the door open so kitty can investigate it, and hopefully become comfortable with it. Put a old t-shirt or sweatshirt inside the carrier, so it smells familiar to the cat. This also provides him something soft to lie on.
It's recommended that cats remain inside a carrier while traveling in a car, as they can become projectiles in the event of an accident. However, the reality is that cats are not usually happy to remain in a carrier for hours, and they have ways of making their displeasure known. Cats will find their own places in a car. This may be a favorite person's lap, or under a car seat. Once kitty finds a place to settle down, everyone will be much happier.
If the cat is allowed out of the carrier while traveling, it's a good idea to try to put him back in it before getting out at rest stops. Losing kitty along the road is not a travel adventure anyone wants to have.
Bring the Basics
Kitties often won't eat while traveling, but food and water should be offered at rest stops. Most of the time, a cat will eat while at the motel, usually while the owner is sleeping.
Provide a litter pan, too. Be sure kitty knows where it's located, and has access to it. Many cats will empty their bowels within the first few miles when starting a road trip. This is normal, but it does mean that the first stop will be very soon, so the pan can be scooped.
Contact Pet-Friendly Motel Chains Before Leaving
Most motels are pet friendly these days, but it's usually a good idea to check availability of pet-friendly accommodations before leaving on a trip. Some motels will charge a few dollars extra for a cat or dog. Be a responsible cat owner by cleaning up after the kitty as much as possible. Leaving a mess behind will make it difficult for other people traveling with pets to find a motel room.
Don't try to sneak kitty into the motel. It's very hard to keep a cat out of the window, and, if discovered, the motel will probably evict the pet owner, possibly without a refund.
Put Identification Tags on the Cat
A figure-eight harness is recommended for cats, since they can't slip out of it, like they can with a collar. Attach identification tags to the harness. The tags should have the pet's name, as well as the name, address, and phone number of the owner, along with contact information for the kitty's vet. Pet microchipping and tattoos are other means of identifying a companion animal, in the event that he manages to slip away.
Plan Ahead for an Enjoyable Trip
Traveling with a cat offers special challenges, but with good pre-planning, a road trip with a cat can actually be an enjoyable experience.
Source:
Top 6 Ways to Ease Travel by Car with Cats
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