trip a cat

11 Proven Tips for Taking a Cat on a Road Trip

Published by sarah vaughan on june 7, 2021 june 7, 2021.

In March of 2021, we set off on a cross-country road trip from Virginia to California, taking our beloved cat, Fitzgerald, along with us! During that time, we’ve driven over 7,000 miles and spent more than 120 hours in the car with our furry friend. While taking a cat on a long distance road trip has its challenges, it’s absolutely doable! In this article, we’ve compiled everything we’ve learned from many hours spent in the car with Fitzgerald. We hope these tips will give you the confidence you need to hit the road with your feline companion!

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Our Story: Taking a Cross Country Road Trip with our Cat!

If you know me (Sarah), you likely know that I am a total sucker for animals – cats, dogs, horses – I love them all. When I’m not traveling, I spend my spare time fostering kittens for the SPCA. In fact, many of the pictures you’ll see in the post are of my foster kittens. And if you know the two of us, you know that our cat, Fitzgerald (aka Fitz, Fitzy, Ger, Ger Bear…), is our pride and joy.

And so, when the global pandemic hit and we found ourselves working remotely and contemplating a long-term cross-country road trip, there was never a question that we were taking Fitzgerald with us.

From Virginia to California

In March of 2021, we got rid of most our belongings, packed up what was left, subleased our apartment in Virginia and hit the road: California bound! We drove from Virginia to St. Louis in one day, then to Denver the next.

After spending one week in Denver to break up the road trip, we continued to Southern California. Over the span of that first week, we drove 2,653 miles and spent over 40 hours on the road, all with our cat!

P.S: You can read more about us here and keep up with our road trip adventures here .

A long-term road trip

Since driving across the country the first time, we’ve decided to make life on the road our permanent lifestyle and haven’t settled down yet.

Needless to say, Fitzgerald has gotten pretty used to long car rides and changing homes, and we have learned a ton about how to make him most comfortable and stress-free in the car. All in all, he’s traveled more than 4,400 miles and spent around 68 hours in the car with us!

In this article, we’ve outlined 11 tips that we use to ensure taking our cat on long distance road trips are stress-free every time ! We hope you’ll find our tips helpful for road tripping with your cat too!

Tip | About to head off on a long road trip? Check out this list of our favorite songs about travel and adventure and refresh your playlist before you hit the road!

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11 tips for a taking a cat on a road trip.

Without further ado, here are the 11 tips we’ve learned from long distance travel with a cat in the car long-distance road tripping with Fitzgerald.

We hope these insights will help keep you and your feline companion stress free on the road!

• Try to stop as little as possible
• Get your cat a collar with tag for traveling
• Bring a familiar comfort item from home
• If possible, make one long trip rather than several shorter trips
• Create a “safe space” in the car for your cat to retreat to
• If your cat is especially nervous, try feline anxiety medication
• Try letting your cat roam free, but always pack a cat carrier just in case
• If you must crate your cat, leave the carrier out several days before your trip
• Pack your cat’s litter box, filled with clean litter
• Take away your cats food the night before the trip
• Set up a small, quiet place for your cat to rest at your final destination

Please note that these tips are based on our own personal experience road tripping with cats. All cats have different personalities and may react differently in the car! We are not veterinarians – please consult with your cat’s vet about the best way to travel with your cat in the car.

1. Try to stop as little as possible

When you first get in the car, your cat will be nervous (no matter how relaxed he/she normally is). However, most cats will settle in after a few minutes of adjusting to their surroundings and the motion of the car.

Each time you stop, there are new sights, sounds, and smells for your cat to take in, and he/she may become unsettled all over again. To minimize your cat’s stress, try to make as few stops as possible.

Pack snacks and lunches, fill up on gas the night before and only stop when absolutely necessary. In general, cats don’t like change, so trying to create a consistent environment is key.

2. Get your cat a collar with tag for traveling

My biggest fear when hitting the road with Fitzgerald is that somehow he’ll escape at a gas station or rest area and be lost forever! A bit dramatic, I know, but cats are so sneaky and it’s easy to imagine him getting startled and darting out the door.

I got Fitzgerald a collar and tag with his name and both our phone numbers engraved on the tag, and it gives me serious peace of mind to know that if he somehow gets lost, we at least have a solid chance of getting him back.

• For an extra layer of protection, attach a tracking device ( Apple Airtag or Tile ) to your cat’s collar.

Tip: You can get an inexpensive collar and engraved name tag super easily at most pet supply stores.

3. Bring a familiar comfort item from home

Fitzgerald has absolutely loved this old, raggedy orange blanket since he was just a little kitten. At home, he’ll knead, or “make biscuits,” on it all the time before he naps. It’s definitely his favorite comfort item (or security blanket, if you will)!

Whenever we road trip, we bring this blanket and make sure he has a comfy spot to curl up with it. If your cat has a favorite toy, blanket, bed, etc., it’s a great idea to bring with you! A little hint of familiarity from home can bring some comfort to your cat in a new environment.

Side note : When cats “make biscuits” like Fitzgerald does, they are replicating the act of nursing, and it’s typically because they lost their mother too early as a kitten.

4. If possible, make one long trip rather than several shorter trips

Let’s say you’ve got a 12 hour drive coming up. You may think it’d be best for your cat if you split this long drive up into two shorter 6 hours drives, stopping for the night along the way. In our experience, however, it’s actually better to just go for the full 12 hours at once.

Cats hate change , and one long drive means less change than 2 shorter drives. Typically, the most stressful parts of the road trip are getting into the car and settling into a new place at your destination.

Taking several shorter trips means more adjusting to the car and more adjusting to temporary new homes when you stop.

5. Create a “safe space” in the car for your cat to retreat to

This is especially important if your cat is a “hider.” Set aside a comfortable space in the car for your cat to retreat to when he or she gets scared.

We typically pack Fitzgerald’s cat carrier and leave it open with some toys and blankets during the car ride in case he wants to curl up in his own little “safe space”. He ends up spending most of his time in the car lounging inside the carrier.

6. If your cat is especially nervous, try feline anxiety medication

You should only try medication as a last resort . 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.

7. Try letting your cat roam free, but always pack a carrier just in case

We’re very lucky that Fitzgerald has a laid-back demeanor, and we’re able to let him roam free in the car. He typically spends his time in the car either sleeping on our laps, perched up on our piles of stuff looking out the window, or curled up in his carrier.

If your cat is laid back in the car, you may want to try to let them roam free, at least to start out. Having some space to move around will make your cat happier, and hopefully, mean less whining.

It’s a good idea to test this out with a short trip , and whether it’s a good idea for you depends on your cat’s personality. If you are traveling alone, it’s best to keep your cat in the crate since you will have no one to help you in the event that the cat starts to become a distraction.

That being said, safety should always come first. If your cat starts to try to get under your feet or becomes a serious distraction to your driving, it’s better to be safe and crate them. Always pack a cat carrier or small crate just in case, even if you don’t think you’ll need it.

8. If you must crate your cat, leave the carrier out several days before your trip

If you plan on crating your cat, it can be helpful to leave your car carrier out in your home a few days prior to your trip. Put some of your cats favorite toys, blankets, or bed in there and let them get used to being in the crate before the trip.

Doing so will give your cat some time to adjust to life in the crate and reduces the chance they will freak when it comes time for your road trip.

9. Pack your cat’s litter box, filled with clean litter

Cat’s have an amazing ability to hold in their urge to go to the bathroom. That being said, sometimes the urge can be overwhelming and your cat will need to use the litter box on the road, particularly if you are road tripping long distance . Make sure their litter box is accessible in the car so they can relieve themselves if nature calls.

Most importantly, make sure the litter box is clean before you leave! You do not want to be stuck in the car with a dirty litter box for hours.

The smell of clean litter can be overwhelming on its own! We recommend getting a covered litter house with a door , if you don’t have one already, to help contain the smell and reduce the likelihood of any litter spills.

10. Take away your cat’s food the night before the trip

Your cat might be mad at you for taking away their food, but trust us, it is not as bad as a puking cat at the start of a road trip.

Our cat, Fitzgerald, usually does great on road trips but both times we’ve forgotten to take away his food, he has thrown up within an hour of being in the car. The first time we were lucky and he made it to his litter box. The second time, he barfed all over Matt’s legs in the passenger seat. Not fun for felines or humans!

To reduce the chance of any pukey cats, take away their food before going to bed the night before your trip. They may whine at first but they will be okay, and you will definitely be thankful when you have a barf-free car ride!

11. Set up a small, quiet place for your cat to rest at your final destination

How you introduce your cat to his/her new environment is just as important (if not more!) to your cat’s mental health as how you handle the car ride.

Like we’ve said, cats do not handle change well so giving them time and space to adjust to new surroundings is super important. They will also likely be tired from a long and stressful journey in the car.

Once you get to your final destination, it may take some time for your cat to warm up to their new surroundings. This is perfectly normal. Try to make them feel as comfortable and safe as possible by setting up a quiet place for them to rest and adjust.

Road trip packing list for your cat

To help you prepare for taking your cat on a long distance road trip, we’ve summarized the most important items to pack:

• A favorite item from home: make sure you have something available in the car that reminds your cat of home and brings them a sense of comfort. This can be anything – a favorite toy, blanket, pillow, bed, etc.
• Cat carrier : for moving your cat to and from the car, and just in case you need to contain your cat while driving.
• Collar and leash with name tag : for moving your cat to and from the car, and just in case your cat gets loose.
• Litter house (with a door) : so your cat can use the bathroom while in the car if necessary, without spilling litter everywhere.
• Comfortable bed or blanket: If you are traveling with a fully loaded down car, make sure you have a comfortable spot for your cat to relax.
• Anxiety medication: if needed, talk to your vet
• Treats! But only for after you arrive at your final destination (Fitzgerald’s all time favorites are Temptations Shrimpy Shrimps )
• Scratching post : At home Fitzgerald loves his scratching post with hammock . Even though its a bit bulky, we always bring it with us on road trips because it means he won’t scratch up furniture at our Airbnb/hotel/short-term rental. 100% worth the space it takes up!

Other Useful Resources

Planning a road trip? You may also be interested in the following resources:

• Road trip | 59 Best Songs About Travel and Adventure
• Road trip| Complete List of Road Trip Camping Essentials
• Road trip | 27 Highlights of Our Life on the Road in 2021
• Road trip | The Ultimate 1 Week Arizona and Southern Utah Road Trip
• Road trip | How to Plan an Epic Utah National Parks Road Trip
• Road trip | Texas to California: 14-Day Itinerary

With the right preparation, you can ensure that both you and your cat have a low-stress and safe road trip experience. Let us know if you have any questions as you get ready to hit the road or other tips you use to make road tripping with your furry friend a breeze .

Sarah Vaughan

Hello! I'm Sarah, one half of the couple behind Two Outliers! In 2023, I quit my job as a Data Scientist to travel around the world on an epic 15-month journey in search of the world's greatest hikes and outdoor adventures. Matt and I started Two Outliers in 2021 as a place for visitors to find concise, accurate, and honest information to plan their own adventures. We hope our experiences inspire you to hit the trail! Happy Hiking! Sarah

11 Comments

Judy McCormick · September 4, 2022 at 8:32 am

We bought a large, comfortable carrier for our back seat that has it’s own litter box, but, made the mistake of giving him treats before we left which our cat threw up and, ended up sitting in the litter box! Will definitely take advice about stopping food night before, and think will try to have his regular litter box outside the carrier, because it is very hard to clean that carrier! Are planning to take him to Florida in February, and, appreciate any help we can get! Would like to know if you should try to give food and water to your cat while traveling?

twooutliers · September 11, 2022 at 5:32 pm

Hi Judy! We typically give Fitzgerald water while traveling (especially on longer trips) but try to avoid giving him food if possible because we’ve found that it upsets his stomach in the car. Also, we have a litter box house with a lid that does wonders to prevent the mess in the car! It’s definitely a bit large, but we like to give him the option to have it and it’s pretty easy to take with us.

Marcus Koolmees · August 30, 2022 at 5:34 am

Thanks for this article, I was wondering though: Do you let Fitzgerald roam free outside when you get to the new location? I’d be worried of the cat walking off / getting lost?

Jenny Wong · August 18, 2022 at 2:06 pm

What a fantastic well written article! I am potentially moving from Ontario, Canada to Alberta, Canada which is a 45 hour or more car ride if we make no stop. We plan on making stops. This was a great read and I’ve wrote down some notes. I will for sure also talk to my veterinarian for further advice.

twooutliers · August 22, 2022 at 9:47 pm

Thanks so much! We were just in Alberta – it’s one of our absolute favorite places!

Syd · July 12, 2022 at 1:55 pm

Most of this seems like very solid advice, but I genuinely don’t think letting the cat roam about in the car while it’s moving is a good idea, given that the cat could easily get around the pedals and potentially cause a very dangerous situation. Every vet I’ve ever been to heavily emphasized even on short trips taking your cats in carriers specifically because of this. They may be somewhat less happy about the situation, which does suck, but is likely better than the potential death of everyone in the vehicle.

twooutliers · July 13, 2022 at 8:39 pm

Hi Syd, completely see your point. I think it depends a ton on the personality of the cat. We’ve traveled thousands of miles in the car with our cat and never had any trouble. But certainly, not all cats are as laid back, so whether it’s a good idea definitely varies and should be up to the cat’s owner who knows their personality best. We’d also never do this if traveling alone, in case the cat starts to become distracting or tries to get under the driver’s seat. I’ve updated that section to include a few extra words of warning on this 🙂

Sherry Kirchoff · May 30, 2022 at 11:02 pm

Thanks bunches for your amazing tips for taking Fitzgerald on car trips! My child and I have two rescued cats, and our trip is going to be 14 hours plus delays/stops. I designed the cats’ collar tags (HippieClecticHope on Zazzle), but I was otherwise clueless about preparation (I don’t normally travel, let alone with passengers).

twooutliers · June 8, 2022 at 8:41 am

Hi Sherry, best of luck with your trip! Hope you and your cats have a safe drive. That’s so cool that you designed the collar tags yourself!!

Alexandra Romanyshyn · May 20, 2022 at 12:11 pm

A lot of great advice here! Just to add on: if you do let your cat roam free in your car, be sure to disable your airbags. Airbags are deployed with enough force that they can crush an animal, or even a carrier. God forbid you do get into an accident, the safest place for your pet will be in a crate buckled into the back seat, which will prevent them from getting jostled around as much and also protect them from airbags. There are many articles on this issue, but here’s one for starters: https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/cars/1427837/driving-animals-pets-road-safety-airbags-danger

twooutliers · June 5, 2022 at 5:49 pm

Hi Alexandra, that’s a great point, thanks so much for the tip!

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• Cat Behavior
• Health & Care

How to Travel With a Cat: 14 Vet Approved Tips & Tricks

Image Credit: Svetlana Rey, Shutterstock

Last Updated on April 19, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

VET APPROVED

REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY

Dr. Amanda Charles

BVSc GPCert (Derm) MRCVS (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Traveling with a cat can be rewarding, but it requires thorough planning. Whether you’re getting ready to drive a short distance and hang out with family or fly somewhere for a relaxing vacation, there are a few factors to consider when traveling with your cat.

Make sure to start the planning process early, particularly if you’re traveling internationally or are going to stay in a hotel during any part of your journey. Below, you’ll find 14 tips and tricks to make your journey with your cat successful.

• The 14 Tips to Travel with a Cat
• 1. Invest in a Good Carrier

Cats should always be restrained when riding in cars, and airports require them to stay in their carriers at all times (except during the security screening process). Airlines have several rules and regulations regarding traveling with pets, including guidelines regarding the size of carriers.

Make sure the carrier you use meets the airline’s regulations and requirements. If you’re driving, the sky’s the limit when it comes to the size of your cat’s mobile palace. Carriers should be sturdy, well-ventilated, secure, and easy to clean. Plastic carriers are usually the best options.

• 2. Give Your Cat Time to Get Used to Their Carrier

Because cats spend so much time in their carriers when traveling, they must feel comfortable in them. Consider leaving your cat’s carrier out so they can get used to it before your trip.

Letting your cat have dinner in their carrier a few times may encourage them to develop positive associations with their traveling home.

• 3. Invest in a Good Harness and Leash

If you visit a rest stop during a road trip, your cat should be harnessed and leashed when they’re away from their carrier to ensure they can’t run off and get lost if they become scared.

Make sure the harness you choose fits properly, and give your cat time to get used to wearing it so they’re ready to do so when you hit the road.

Are you looking for the perfect cat harness? We suggest Hepper's Cat Harness & Leash Set , which includes a nicely designed, machine-washable harness made from soft, sturdy velvet and mesh.

• Escape Proof - Cat leashes and harnesses for walking aren't all equally secure. Our double aluminium...
• Superior Comfort - Our cat harnesses are lightweight, made with premium velvet fabric, breathable...
• Free Extra Strength Leash - You don't need to worry about your cat escaping this harness. This cat...

This harness is easy to put on and take off and features reinforced stitching, reflective stripes, and quick-release buckles. This set also includes a great leash made from durable nylon climbing rope.

At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

• 4. Practice Everything

No matter how you’re traveling, your cat must be comfortable entering and exiting the carrier. If you’re flying, you’ll need to take them out of their carrier during the security screening process in the airport.

You can practice taking your cat out of the carrier when you’re around other people to make them more comfortable during the security check. If you plan on driving, consider taking your cat for a few practice rides to get them used to spending time in the car. Make sure to reward them for their cooperation!

• 5. Ask Your Veterinarian for Advice

Some easily stressed cats may benefit from medication to help them stay mellow while traveling. However, sedation isn’t suitable for all cats, and most airlines won’t transport pets who have been tranquilized or sedated.

• 6. Have Cleaning Supplies on Hand

Pack a bag with cleaning supplies and plan to have it close at hand while you’re underway in case your cat has an accident and you need to do a bit of on-the-fly cleaning. It’s best to pack paper towels or cleaning wipes, gloves, and baggies for disposal.

• Gentle Care For All Pets - Infused with moisturizing hypoallergenic ingredients & enriched with...
• Deep Cleans From Head to Tail - Tackle the toughest dirt & messes with our extra strong pet wipes...
• Freshness On The Go - Each dog grooming wipes pack contains 30 counts of premium dog wipes that...

It's hard to beat the convenience of pet-safe wipes after a big adventure, between baths, or when cleaning sensitive areas. Our favorite option is Hepper's Wash Wipes, premium wipes designed to safely and gently remove grime from cats and dogs of all ages and sizes. These hypoallergenic wipes are made in the USA and feature moisturizing ingredients to soothe your pet's skin.

• 7. Pack Toys and Blankets

Take a few of your cat’s favorite toys and a well-loved blanket that smells like home to keep them comfortable while away from their territory. Putting a favorite blanket in your cat’s carrier may make being on the road less stressful.

A stuffed toy might look a little different than a traditional cat toy but many felines find them quite enticing. The Hepper Plush Whale serves a dual purpose, featuring a faux fur exterior that mimics prey and a soft interior for cuddling during long cat naps when playtime is over. The best part about it is it's an affordable option for ages, sizes, and conditions. Learn more about why your cat needs a plush here!

• Tailored size even for kittens - the compact size of the whale plush cat toy at 15cm long ensures...
• Catnip Free Cat Toys - Made with top quality plush exterior & cotton interior, it's perfect for cats...
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At Catster, we've admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

• 8. Consider Portable Litter Boxes

If you’re traveling by car , pack a litter box with some of your cat’s regular litter. Plastic poop bags and a scoop are also essential. If you’re staying at a hotel, check their pet policies thoroughly.

Most hotels that accept cats don’t provide litter boxes and litter. Collapsible litter boxes are ideal for shorter trips and can be folded down and packed.

• 9. Pack Food, Water, Treats, and Medication

If you’re traveling by car, bring enough of your cat’s regular food to keep them happy while you’re away from home. It’s also helpful (and usually mandatory) to pack food and water for your cat while flying, but some cats may be too nervous to eat until you land.

If your cat takes medication, pack enough to last them for your entire trip, and consider putting it in your carry-on luggage to ensure you have access to it even if your checked luggage takes a detour.

• 10. Consider Pheromones

Commercial synthetic feline pheromone products may help some cats stay calm while underway by reducing stress and creating a sense of safety and well-being. They’re available in sprays and wipes, so your cat can enjoy the benefits of calming pheromones while you’re on the road.

• 11. Check Your Cat’s Microchip Registration

Ensure that the registry where your cat’s microchip is registered has the right contact information. Losing your cat when you’re out of town is a nightmare, but an up-to-date microchip can significantly improve the chances of their return.

• 12. Collect Your Cat’s Medical Information

It’s vital to collect your cat’s medical information before you plan to leave and make sure you have a way to access it while you’re on the road in case they require veterinary care while you’re away from home.

Ensure you have all the documentation and certificates your cat needs to travel, including their vaccination status. Remember that the requirements vary based on where you’re headed and how you plan to travel.

• 13. Double Check Your Reservations

If you plan on staying in a hotel at your destination, contact the property ahead of time to ensure pets are permitted and get information about the rules and requirements that may apply. Don’t forget to inquire about the availability of litter boxes and food and water bowls.

• 14. Invest in Physical ID Tags

It’s best to attach an ID tag with your name and contact information to your cat’s collar. It will make it easy for people to reach out to you if your cat gets loose and makes a run for it.

Microchips are helpful , but lost cats need to be taken to shelters or veterinarians with scanners for their chips to be read. ID tags make the reunification process far more efficient; if your cat runs off, anyone who finds them can simply give you a call.

Traveling with cats can be stress-free with a bit of planning and preparation. Make sure to get started before you hit the road with your cat , particularly if you’re thinking about flying or staying in a hotel. Also, don’t forget to invest in an appropriate carrier and give your cat lots of time to get used to it.

• Hiking With a Cat: Is It Possible?
• Traveling With Kittens: Essential Tips
• https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/flying-with-your-cat
• https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/road-trips-and-car-travel-with-your-cat
• https://www.petmd.com/cat/care/8-tips-traveling-cat
• https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/traveling-your-pet-faq
• https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/special-assistance/pets.jsp#:~:text=As%20recommended%20by%20the%20American,cardiovascular%20problems%20at%20high%20altitudes.

Featured Image Credit: Angels Relax CZ, Shutterstock

About the Author

Lorre Luther

Lorre Luther is a writer who is firmly convinced that cats are smarter than humans. She left her law career in the United States and moved to the Netherlands to follow her dream of becoming a writer. Lorre currently lives in Rotterdam, she enjoys traveling and greatly appreciates the beauty of nature. Lorre has a spot for animals and admires the intelligence of cats.

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Road Trip With a Cat | 11 Tips for Car Travelling With Your Furry Feline

By: Author Amanda OBrien

Posted on Last updated: February 17, 2024

When embarking on a trip of a lifetime, why leave your cat alone when you can bring your precious cargo along for a road trip with a cat? Whether travelling for an hour or two or looking forward to the ultimate journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles , road trips are the epitome of freedom.

Unsure how to take a road trip with a cat in style, comfort, and with few hiccups? From a road trip packing list to a cheat sheet of cat-in-car problems and solutions, this guide will ensure a less bumpy ride for you and your fur baby.

Image by Ivan Rudoy on Unsplash

11 Tips for a Stress-Free Road Trip with a Cat

While you’ll be tempted simply set sail on your trip through winding roads, a game plan is essential to ensure no hitch in your wagon. Take a look at these key components to consider before going on your mobile adventure with your feline.

1. Determine the Duration

Image by Ali Kazal on Unsplash

From planning bathroom breaks to packing enough food (pet and others) for your drive, the duration of your trip is important to note for a variety of reasons. When travelling long distances, it’s important to stop every few hours in case your kitty prefers eating, drinking, and going to the bathroom while the car isn’t moving.

2. Talk to Your Vet About Health Conditions

By discussing your pet’s health history and illnesses, you’ll be able to go into your trip with all the necessary information to help your cat travel comfortably and safely. Going to the vet is often seen as a new and scary venture for a cat (much like the uncharted territory of a road trip), their behaviour could be quite telling. 

Are they skittish by sudden movements? Do they get anxious about new experiences? There are a number of factors that could lead to vital pet medication that need to be packed for your getaway:

• Cat sedative or anxiety medication – Cats have a number of ways to indicate anxiety, such as a shaking tail. If your cat is known for troubling anxious behaviour, talk to your veterinarian about anxiety medication options to keep your kitty feeling relaxed.
• Necessary medication – If your cat has any medical conditions (such as seizures or diabetes), it’s important to pack enough medication for your trip. This is why calculating the duration of your journey is essential to confirm you have enough pills and potions to keep your kitty healthy.

3. Do a Few Test Drives

Image by Ankhesenamun on Unsplash

Much like a long-distance marathon, practice makes perfect when trying to get your cat comfortable with car rides. Make sure you take time to get your pet comfortable with riding along roads, so it’s not the first time they take a drive in your metal steering steed.

By taking your cat along on short errands and small drives and presenting them with a tasty nibble after, you’ll be able to create a positive association with the carrier and car. In time, your kitty will become a curled croissant and see a car trip as the perfect nap time getaway.

If you notice your cat is restless, panting, and frequently vocalising, this could indicate that your kitty is just not a fan of travelling by car. This is where you can make arrangements with your veterinarian for feline stress relievers.

4. Ensure Safety Precautions 

Image by Cintya Marisa on Unsplash

Before going on your road-worthy adventure, a tough choice is to decide whether you’re planning to have your cat roam free or in his carrier. However, it is important to note that a free-roaming cat can be very dangerous when travelling long distances.

From distracting the driver to escaping when car windows are opened, free roaming is often only recommended if your cat is well behaved or you have a traveller sitting with them. A cat carrier can be considered the safest option, but can be an anxiety-inducing experience if your pet does not enjoy confined spaces.

You have a few options if your cat gives the small space of a carrier two paws down. First, you can slowly but surely help your cat become accustomed to his little room. The power of cat treats and cat toys placed in the carrier will soon transform a perceived prison into a pampering palace.

If this does not work, you can always opt for a more open seating concept to allow your cat to feel less constricted. This includes cat booster seats and harnesses to ensure your pet feels part of the conversation and is still nestled in a sense of safety.

5. Book Pet-Friendly Accommodation

Image by Elisa Schmidt on Unsplash

When riding on the road for 2-3 days with your long-tailed pet, booking accommodation on your travels is a good idea to get a few hours of shut-eye. It’s important to ensure you’re driving with a decent amount of sleep to keep your head clear for your travels.

We suggest you check your accommodation website before booking your stay to choose a place that will make arrangements for your furry prince or princess on the premises. 

6. Do Research on Vets on Route

There’s nothing worse than your furry loved one being in pain and not knowing how to identify the issue. From swallowing choking hazards to pesky bee stings when the car window is open, it’s always good to prepare for the worst on the road.

By identifying many vet clinics on your road trip route, you’ll have a game plan to follow when your cat is in distress. 

7. Get a Cat Tag

Image by Aleksandr Nadyojin on Pexels

While on your road trip, you’ll be bound to stop for various reasons, including filling up on gas and bathroom breaks. Whether you choose to leave your cat in his carrier with someone or take him outside, there is a chance your furry travel companion can orchestrate an escape. 

This is why putting a handy information tag on your cat is very important to ensure a speedy rescue mission can take place to retrieve them. Not only is it a nifty way to jazz up your cat’s look, but it lets people know this kitty has a loving home if found. A trusty tag on a cat c o llar should include the following necessary written data:

• Name – This might seem like an obvious one, but it’s a necessary piece of information to identify your clawed compadre quickly if they get lost.
• Your contact details – Whether a phone number or an email, your reachability can make or break your search efforts if someone finds your kitty.
• Address – This factor is more relevant on short road trip journeys, which will allow animal services to identify that this stray fluff ball does indeed have a home.
• Microchip – A real time saver when your pet is a frequent flight risk, microchipping your cat is essentially a digital cat tag. This device is a tiny computer chip inserted between their shoulder blades that will display a unique serial code with information to identify the tagged pet.

8. Make a packing plan

Image by Viktorija Stankevic on Unsplash

With the cat road trip preparations under the belt, the next step is a handy luggage list to make sure you remember everything you need for the journey. While you’re sure to be more than capable of stocking your suitcase, it’s up to you to include the necessary items and accessories for your cat.

• Carrier (with blankets and toys) – Your cat will likely have a tendency to roam the car interior, which makes a cat travel carrier so important. Not only is it a comfy place to sleep, but it also protects your pet from serious injury in a motor accident. Try to get them to sleep in their carrier a few nights before the trip to make sure they associate their carrier with a comforting memory.
• Blanket and toys – By sprinkling your cat carrier with remnants of the home, you’ll allow a sense of comfort and security for your pet to cling to in times of stress. Bring your cat’s favourite toy as a safety blanket (pun intended).
• Travel litter box – If you prefer your car to stay clear of cat excretions, a travel litter box is needed to allow your cat to go on bathroom breaks. 
• Treats, food, water, bowls – Nothing causes fear in a cat owner quite like a hangry ball of claws and insistent meows. To keep your kitty hydrated and well fed, you’ll need to pack food and water to keep those stomach rumbles at bay.
• Pet wipes – Accidents tend to happen when on the road for an extended period of time. From vomit to a nervous bladder, you’ll be happy you’ve packed pet wipes to clean any unwanted spills and a dirty kitty.

Image by Maksym Tymchyk on Unsplash

9. What to do if your cat is feeling Too Hot

When travelling in hot and dry areas, your cat can experience elevated levels of heat, which can cause them to feel uncomfortable and uneasy. To prevent your kitty from overheating, you can place a pet cooling mat under them to ensure you have a cool cat on board.

Other solutions include placing a water bowl nearby to make sure your cat stays hydrated in the heat. If needed, you can also spray a small amount of water with a spray bottle on their fur for your cat to cool down faster.

How to Spot Overheating/ Dehydration

• Panting and breathing fast
• High heart rate

10. What to do if your cat is feeling Too Cold

Cars have a tendency to get chilly when the sun sets, so it’s essential to have some toasty tools handy to keep warm on your trip. Whether it’s blankets or a heating pad, your cat will be thankful for a bit of warmth when they have the shivers.

How to Spot a Cold Cat

• Cold body, nose, or tail
• Shallow and short breaths 
• Stiff joints

11. What to do if your cat is feeling Car Sick

Image by Ana Elhardt on Unsplash

With sharp turns and sudden stops, it can be a motion overload for kitties not used to driving in the car. 

As a precaution, you can take away your cat’s food bowl the night before your travels to enhance your chances of a vomit-free trip. But keep in mind that little to no food in their stomach will also increase the chances of your cat feeling nauseated.

If you know your cat has a motion sickness issue, you can ask a vet for a prescription to ease your kitty’s nausea symptoms. 

How to Spot Nausea

• Excessive licking, chewing, or vocalisation
• Loss of appetite

Final Thoughts on a Mobile Trip With Your Purry Pet

Your luggage packed, the wind blowing in your hair, and look from your purring pal – by adding a bag of meows toe beans to the mix, you’re in for an adventure. 

With a seemingly endless supply of pet essentials and a keen eye for noticing strange behaviour from your cat, you’re ready to hit the road with confidence. Unfortunately, you can’t prepare for every snag, but experiencing some of the world’s bucket list locations with your cat at your side will be well worth it. 

Amanda created and owns The Discerning Cat. A lifelong cat lover she is the proud parent of two Siberian cats, Alexei and Vladimir. She is passionate about understanding cats and different cat breeds.

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Traveling with your cat? We’ve got some tips!

Help make their ride as comfortable as you can..

When you think of traveling with a pet, cats often take the back seat. Canine counterparts are thought of as good travel companions, but you can train your kitty to enjoy (or at least tolerate) a road trip, too!

Cats are known to be creatures of habit. That might explain why travel can cause stress in your feline friend. Cats prefer routine and the safety of their own home, and they aren’t always a big fan of change. But a little time, patience, and a lot of treats can help manage change-related stress.

Tips to successfully travel with your cat

1: Crate training

While traveling may be stressful, a crate can help calm your kitty. The main hurdle of crate training a cat is helping them see the crate as a good, happy place.

Too often, the crate is only used for transporting a cat to and from a veterinary visit. No wonder they’re not a fan! But you can change this feeling by setting the crate out so it becomes a part of their everyday space. Place a favorite blanket or toy in the crate, and make sure the door of the crate is securely fastened open so it won’t accidentally swing shut and frighten your kitty.

Next, using your cat’s favorite treats, put a few in front of the crate and in it. This encourages them to approach it on their own (and provides them with a reward for doing so).

Continue to use treats to encourage your cat to willingly go in the crate and stay in there. Once kitty is comfortable going in the crate and lying in it all on its own, start closing the door for a short time.

This training will take time. At first, your feline friend may be afraid of the sight of the crate ― it may take a few days to warm up to it. And it will take even more time for kitty to feel comfortable staying in the crate.

Once your cat is crate trained, it’ll be much easier to take them on planes or shorter car rides. Just be sure to always stock the crate with toys and treats! You’ll want to take short drives (down the block and back) for your kitty to get accustomed to being in your car.

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.

To give your cat a little more room, try a large dog crate. This way, they can move around and access water and litter as needed, and they're still contained so you don’t have to worry about them roaming around your car.

Only let your cat wander freely about your car as a last resort. Try keeping them harnessed or leashed to prevent them from hiding under seats or pedals, crawling into hiding spots you can’t reach, or escaping your car altogether.

As with crate training, your kitty needs a little time to get used to your car. A few weeks before your trip, let them roam around inside your parked car for a little while. And always offer treats so they know the car is a good place.

On the day of your trip, bring toys and comforts such as a blanket or bed. Place a litter box, or disposable litter bags, somewhere that’s easy to access. (If you can, avoid feeding them before the car ride to reduce their need to stink up your space.

Be extra careful when opening or closing car doors when your cat is loose. The last thing you want is for him to dart out a door and get lost in an unfamiliar place. Make sure your cat is wearing an ID tag so if there is an escape, they can be easily returned to you.

3: Ask your vet if medication is needed

If you’ve tried training your cat, but traveling is still super stressful, talk to your veterinarian. They may prescribe an anti-anxiety medication or mild sedative. Not only will this help with your cat’s stress levels, but it’ll also make your trip much more enjoyable.

If you don’t have a veterinarian, schedule an appointment at our Vet Centers now . If you need help finding a vet that's closer to you in proximity, start by reviewing our list of local veterinary clinics.

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Road Trips and Car Travel With Cats

Author: LeeAnna Buis, CFTBS, FFCP

Published: April 17, 2024

Our mission is to help save dogs' and cats’ lives through our educational content. To support our efforts, this page may contain affiliate links . We earn a commission for qualifying purchases – at no cost to you.

During the summer months and around the holidays, many of us head out on road trips and consider taking our feline family members along.

Summer is also a peak time for relocating across town or across country.

The problem is that most cats don’t feel safe in the car. They may cry or yowl, hide in their carrier, and even soil due to fear. That means an unpleasant trip for them and you.

It is possible to help your cat feel more secure in the car. Some may even learn to love it. We’re going to walk you through the steps to desensitize your cat to being in the car.

We’ll also recommend travel items to bring in the car and for a hotel stay so that you both have a safe and comfortable trip.

Skip to section:

• How to get your cat comfortable with car travel
• How to use a litter box when you travel – and will your cat use it?
• Where to stay when traveling with your cat and what to consider
• Special travel considerations for sick cats
• Be prepared for emergencies while traveling

Getting Your Cat Ready for a Road Trip

Step 1: get your kitty feeling comfortable in their carrier..

If they're going to ride in the car, like you, they’ll need to be safely “buckled up” to protect not just them but everyone in the car and on the road.

After all, unrestrained cats can be a distraction, interfering with your ability to steer or brake, and even become a dangerous projectile in the event of a crash or sudden stop.

What if your cat is wearing a harness and leash? If the car is moving, I still say keep them secure in a carrier. If you want to let them stretch their legs on the harness and leash while the car is stopped and windows are up, go for it. Just keep in mind that you’ve got to get them back in the carrier when you start moving again, and they may not love that.

It could be less stressful for everyone to stick with the carrier in the car and try the harness and leash INSIDE your hotel or destination. More on the dangers of letting your cat out of the car on their harness and leash later in the article.

So, your first step starts well before your trip. Spend some time training your cat to love their carrier – we have an article on that process – before the big travel day arrives.

Don't have a carrier for your cat yet? Check out our carrier recommendations, including carriers that are crash-test certified . If your cat is going to be spending a lot of long hours in the car, you may opt for a larger carrier than normal. We cover that, too. Just keep in mind you’ll want that carrier sooner rather than later, so you can use it during the pre-travel training.

Step 2: Get your cat feeling comfortable in the car.

Now that your kitty feels better in their carrier, it’s time to help them feel comfortable in the car. Here are some steps to help you do that.

Pro Tip: Car acclimation is best done with two people … one to drive the car, the other to pet, praise, and treat kitty. It can be done with one person, too, but very carefully.

You’re going to do short sessions in the car – your cat dictates how long the sessions will be. The number of sessions depends on how quickly your cat gets comfortable. The main thing is that you don’t want to push your cat past their comfort zone. Your cat should always be calm.

You might be thinking that even if your cat is scared, leaving them in the car in spite of their fear will eventually show them they don’t have to be afraid. Nope! That’s not how cat brains work. Instead, think of it as starting at a really low intensity so your cat doesn’t have to be scared. As they’re ready, you slowly turn up the intensity.

If you turn it up too far and they get nervous, just end the session and lower the intensity for the next session.

Show them there’s no reason to be afraid because you’re not going to push them too far. And they’re getting good things through the entire process, so you’re actually turning a scary thing into a positive thing.

Take your cat out to the car in their carrier – covered on three sides with a towel or blanket for security.

With the car parked and not running and the doors and windows closed (weather permitting), sit in the back seat with your cat in their carrier. Partially open one of the carrier doors if you can do so without your cat trying to get out.

Then, make good things happen. Give treats (make sure it's a treat they love ), pets, praise, and show them this is a positive experience. Do this for just a few minutes (or longer if your cat is really enjoying it). Then, take them inside and end with treats and love. You’ll continue these sessions, gradually making them longer as your cat is comfortable, until your cat seems nice and calm, spending time in the car while in their carrier.

Next, you’ll turn up the intensity a bit by starting the car. Make sure the radio is off or very low (cats find classical music calming). And repeat the previous step.

Spend a few minutes in the back seat making good things happen for your cat while the car is running. If the engine really scares them, keep it short — just 1 minute with some treats. Again, you can gradually increase the length of time your cat is in the car, getting good things while the engine is on.

Caution: If your car is parked in your garage, either open your garage door or move your car out of the garage. Carbon monoxide is very dangerous for both of you!

Once your kitty is doing well with the car on, it’s time to turn the intensity up again. Time for a short drive.

Note: If they’re too nervous to eat treats, they’re probably not ready for this step. Back it up and spend more time on the previous steps.

It may just be pulling out of the driveway in the first couple of sessions. That’s just fine. You’ll work up to longer drives. And your cat will learn that being in the car doesn’t mean going to the vet. Never push these drives further than your cat is comfortable with. Also, be sure to drive calmly and go easy on the gas pedal and brakes.

Since each cat and each situation are different, it could take anywhere from a few sessions to several months for a cat to feel calm during car travel.

Car Travel Logistics With Cats

Will a cat use a litter box in a car.

Jumping right down to “business,” … depending on the duration of your travel adventures with kitty and where you’re winding up, you’re going to have to deal with litter box accommodations. This is the case both when you’re on the road and when you get to your hotel or destination.

Just because you give your cat access to a box doesn’t mean they’ll use it, especially if they’re nervous.

Cats don’t like to eliminate when they feel unsafe. They'll likely choose to do their business once you get to your destination. It’s nothing to worry about unless they go more than about 24 hours without peeing. At that point, call your vet and see what they suggest.

When I moved with my cats, and we had 8-hour days in the car, they held it all day and most of the night.

If they’re willing, you can help your cat take care of business on the road in a few different ways.

First, get them a good travel litter box. You’ll use the same litter they use at home, and (perhaps) even a litter attractant.

A good travel litter box will be large enough for your cat to fit in yet small enough to fit in their carrier. It will also be waterproof and sturdy. You can use a small plastic litter box or there are also disposable litter box options available.

We have travel litter box and large carrier recommendations here .

Set the travel box up in your home as an alternate option before your trip so your cat can get used to it. Don’t replace your regular boxes with the travel box, though. Have all options available.

If Your Carrier Can't Fit a Litter Box

Letting your cat out of a carrier to use a box placed in the car isn’t ideal. I actually rescued a kitten from the roadside once without a carrier. That kitten ended up inside my dashboard. So, if you think your cat can’t hide in dangerous places within the confines of your car, you’re wrong.

If your trip isn’t too long and their carrier isn’t large enough to fit a litter box, you can go with a larger litter box that they can use at the hotel or destination.

Note: If your cat uses the smaller travel litter box on the road, don’t consider replacing your larger boxes at home. Tiny boxes are not ideal and don’t fit your cat’s instinctual needs. They’re not a good long-term option. They’re the lesser of two evils when you’re traveling — the other evil being your cat peeing in the carrier.

Should You Let Your Cat Go Outside?

My vote is no unless you have a cat who is completely comfortable with travel, being in new places, and seeing and hearing strange people, pets, and sounds.

The first concern is that no harness is 100% escape-proof. If your cat gets scared, they can and will get out of that harness and take off.

Second, they’re going to be surrounded by newness — smells, sights, sounds, things you can’t control. Even if they don’t get scared, the idea that you’ll be able to get them to focus on peeing at that moment isn’t very likely. Cats don’t pee and poop on cue the way dogs can. It’s safer to keep them in the car.

What Do You Do With Your Cat When You Have to Go?

If the temperatures aren’t too hot or cold to leave your cat in the car, just leave them in their carrier and go about your business. Just make it quick!

Cover three sides of the carrier so they feel more secure and are less of a target for theft. Use a light cover (blanket) for warm days and a heavier cover for cooler days. Both should still allow for airflow.

It's usually safe between about 40–65 degrees F (4–18 degrees C), though every cat and every situation will be different, so use this as a rough guide.

Talk to your vet about more specific safe temperature ranges for your cat based their age, breed, and any chronic medical conditions they may have or medications they may be on. If the temperatures are outside of that range, you’re going to have to take some precautions when making your own pit stops that take you away from your car.

In some cases, it may be possible for you to bring your cat into the bathroom with you in their carrier.

Quick tips if you must leave your cat in the car

• Some cars now have pet mode , like Telsa, Chevrolet Bolt, Rivian, and other Form and BMW models. Caution: If you decide to leave your engine running in a gas-powered car, be aware that car engines and air conditioner compressors can and do fail, leading to excessively hot temperatures building up in the car quickly. Similar malfunctions can happen in EV cars, too, and if the battery dies, the cooling system will shut off.
• If leaving your car and running the A/C or heat isn’t possible or practical, pre-cool or pre-heat your car the best you can by running the system on high for several minutes before you get out. Then, be quick!
• Move their carrier from the back seat to the back floor. Since hot air rises, it should be a bit cooler on the floor. There are fans made for keeping pets cool in the car , but we really can't overstate this: pets should never be left in a closed car, even in the shade or with cooling devices. In this case, it's simply for a quick amount of time.
• Park in the most well-shaded spot you can find.
• Park with your front windshield facing the sun and put up a reflective windshield sun shade like this one .
• Cracking the windows doesn’t make a huge difference, but it also doesn’t hurt (so long as your cat is securely in their carrier and there’s no danger of someone reaching into your car and stealing them and your stuff).
• Make sure you leave your cat plenty of water.
• If it's cold outside, add a warm blanket or fleece to your cat's carrier for them to snuggle up. If it's sunny, move the carrier to a sunny spot in the car.
• Be as quick with your stop as possible. If it’s a food break, get it to go from a drive-thru and eat it in your car.

Where to Stay When Traveling With Your Cat

Road trips and long-distance moves with cats will often require hotel stays. But not all hotels, motels, or rentals are pet-friendly. And just because they say they’re “pet” friendly doesn’t mean they’re “cat” friendly. So, plan ahead. Call to confirm they take cats and reserve the room or rental in advance.

Pro Tip: “Pet-friendly” means other pets likely stayed in that room recently! Not everyone uses flea and other parasite protection on their cats and dogs. Make sure your cat is protected before heading out on the road! Learn more about safe and effective parasite prevention for your cat , and talk to your veterinarian.

What to Do With Your Cat in the Hotel or Rental

Once you’re out of the car, you’re faced with a question. Do you let your cat out in the hotel or rental to explore, or do you keep them confined? There’s a lot that goes into the answer. Here are some things to consider:

Is your cat relaxed in new places? Being in their carrier in the car is different than being in a completely new room with smells and places to hide.

Does your cat chew, climb, or otherwise destroy things? I couldn’t let my cat into a new space without putting cord protectors on every cord, or they’d be chewed in a matter of minutes.

Are there hiding places you can’t get to or unsafe spaces your cat can reach? The last thing you want is your cat stuck in the vents of a hotel or squeezing through that tiny hole in the wall behind the fridge in your rental. It happens.

Is it clean? Not to get gross, but you may not want your cat rolling around on a motel floor or getting under the bed.

Is it safe from toxins? There could be rodent traps or pest poison in the room that could be dangerous for your cat.

Is there any chance they’re going to pee on something? Yep, it happened to me on my road trip. My cat was stressed and peed all over the fabric carrier, and it soaked through to the bed. Talk about embarrassing. And there's sometimes an additional cleaning fee for mishaps like this.

Confinement for Safety

I like the idea of bringing along a much larger, collapsible pet pen for overnight use. They’re plenty big enough for a good-sized litter box and everything your cat needs. There’s even room to play. Just make sure you get one with a top, or your cat will jump right out.

If you want to let your cat out on a harness and leash or heavily supervised, you have the option. But you’ve got the pet pen as a backup just in case you need it. You never know how a cat is going to react in a new space, especially when you’re sleeping or in the shower and they’re unsupervised. Here are a few great options:

Available at:

Travel Considerations for Cats With Chronic Health Issues

Before striking out on the road for a long trip or moving with a cat who has a chronic medical condition or is on long-term medications — like diabetes , hyperthyroidism , chronic kidney disease , or heart disease — there are a few precautions you should take.

• Make sure your cat had a recent (ideally within the past month or so) exam with their vet. You’ll have more peace of mind knowing that their condition is as well managed as possible and that they’re as healthy as can be before hitting the road with them. Your vet will also have recommendations for making their trip as comfortable and safe as possible.
• Bring a copy of your cat’s medical records with you! This should include recent exam notes, laboratory test results, and medication/supplement names and dosages. Your vet can often print these out (with enough notice), and they may even subscribe to an app or other service that allows you to keep updated copies of such records with you always on your phone. This will make visiting another vet on the road much easier.
• Especially for cats with known chronic health concerns, it’s a good idea to know about a few vet hospitals along your route and in the area of your destination before you head out. See the vet locator tools listed in the next emergency section to start searching.
• If your cat is on a special prescription diet, like for their kidneys, make sure to stock up on it from your vet before leaving. It’s not always easy to get prescription diet refills when you’re away from home. You should take enough with you to last for the duration of your trip PLUS an additional (at least) 2 weeks.
• Similarly, be sure to stock up on your pet’s medications and supplements, as well as any supplies you need for them. This would include needles and a travel-sized sharps container (or larger needle container ) for safely disposing of and storing used needles for diabetic cats, pills for blood pressure, overactive thyroid, and any other chronic medications. Again, you should take with you enough to last for the duration of your trip PLUS an additional (at least) 2 weeks.
• If your cat is diabetic and on insulin, don’t forget a cooler and ice packs to help keep it cool while in the car. You can also look into a cooler that plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter or USB, like these: Cooluli Mini , Wagan 14L , or the Wagan 24L (which could even store some of your food and drinks for the road). Pro Tip: Depending on the type of insulin your cat is on, you may be able to get an insulin “pen” that may be more stable outside of the fridge and easier to administer to your cat. It's still advisable to use a cooling case for the pens . Talk to your vet to see if an insulin pen is an option for your cat — it isn’t for all cats, but if it is for yours, it could be a great travel (and even long-term) solution for you.

Emergencies on the Road With Your Cat

It’s a good idea to plan ahead and map out a few 24-hour Emergency Clinics on your route, just in case. Try this vet emergency locator .

Have your hometown veterinary clinic number handy, too. For less serious issues, call them first. They may be able to give you advice or let you know if it’s a true emergency.

Make sure you have a card in your wallet or attached to your cat’s carrier with your cat’s name, the number where you can be reached during travel, and an emergency contact who is not traveling with you. If your cat has medical issues, you should list those as well or the contact info for your veterinary clinic. If there’s an accident, your car is stolen, or something happens where you’re separated from your cat, emergency services will have options.

I just got this great set for myself (featured below). The keychain says “pet home alone,” with instructions to look in your wallet for a card with emergency contact info. It’s meant to notify emergency services if you’re in an emergency situation and someone needs to care for your pet at home. In this case, you’d just include a note on the card that you’re traveling with your cat in the car.

It’s also vital to ensure your cat is microchipped and the contact information is up-to-date (including a way you can be reached on the road).

First Aid on the Road

Consider putting together a pet first-aid kit for your car. Here's a shopping list of first-aid essentials . Look for the icon of a little car 🚗, as it's these products that are the most essential in a smaller, travel-sized first-aid kit.

We encourage you to leave a comment below if you’ve got any tricks, tips, or products you’ve used that made car travel with your cats easier. Best of luck on your travels or your move. Have fun and be safe! 

About the author

LeeAnna Buis, CFTBS, FFCP

LeeAnna Buis has adored cats her entire life and thought she knew them inside-out and sideways. But it wasn’t until she worked with a feline behavior consultant that she fully understood how incredible, complicated, and inspiring cats really are. Literally, that day, she made a career change knowing she wanted to give other cat parents the same experience of truly “seeing” and appreciating their cats. Now, she works virtually with cat parents all over the world through Feline Behavior Solutions and Preventive Vet.

LeeAnna earned her certification through Animal Behavior Institute, earning the CFTBS designation. She is a certified Fear Free® trainer (FFCP), a training professional member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG), and a member of both the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and Cat Writer’s Association (CWA).

More about LeeAnna Buis, CFTBS, FFCP

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How To Travel With A Cat: Tips For A Fun, Safe Road Journey

With a little planning and prep, traveling with your little buddy can be a safe and enjoyable adventure for both of you. Here's how to get started - and have a safe, fun road trip together!

Whether you’re going on vacation, moving with your cat(s) across the country, or just headed to the vet, you wouldn’t be the first cat parent to ask yourself: how to travel with a cat?

Because on one hand, oh the places you’ll go with your favorite little buddy! On the other hand, a stressed out cat howling in the backseat is no fun for anyone.

So here’s your go-to guide for everything you need to know about traveling with a cat . (Including what to do if they leap out the window.) Let’s go!

Table of contents

Choose the right cat carrier for car travel, how do i get my cat used to traveling in the carrier, where to place a cat carrier in the car, get your cat used to your car, practice going on car rides, make the car feel a little like home, make a plan for each cat, where to make a pit stop with your cat, traveling with a cat: where to go ‘potty’, when should you give your cat food and water on a car trip, food and water bowls, cat-friendly places to stay, what to do when traveling with a cat by car, what should i do if my cat gets carsick, what not to do when traveling with a cat in your car, what to do if your cat hates car rides, make a safe space for your cat while you unload and unpack, how to travel with a cat in style – and with 100% peace of mind, traveling with a cat : getting started.

Now if you’ve ever thought cats hate car rides – well, it’s more a case that they simply aren’t used to them.

So if you take the time to gradually acclimate your cat to riding in the car , a road trip can actually be a wonderful experience.

(Just think – you won’t have to pay for a cat sitter, your kitty won’t miss you while you’re gone, and the two of you will bond over a shared adventure!)

So before heading out:

• Check that your cat’s ID tags are securely affixed to their collar and that they include your current contact information.
• Consider having your cat microchipped by your veterinarian. Make sure your original contact information is up to date with the microchip registry.
• Contact your veterinarian to confirm that your beloved feline is current on all vaccinations .

⚠️ Just remember: a microchip alone won’t be able to actively track down your cat if they get lost – like escaping during a potty break or jumping out the car window.

A microchip can only help a stranger identify your cat. (Which is bad news if you’re cat has now been picked up by a pet thief.)

It’s why cat parents around the world – just like you – are investing in a dedicated pet GPS tracker instead. So you can follow your cat’s every step in real-time – no matter how far they’re off roaming.

Read more :

• Is A Microchip Cat ID Enough To Find Your Lost Cat?
• Dognapping: Pet Kidnapping And How To Keep Your Dog Safe From Dog Thieves

A pet carrier is a must when traveling in the car with your cat. Everyone in the vehicle will be safer, including your cat.

Because think about it: what’s more distracting than an unrestrained cat in a car? Within minutes, you’ll be too busy taking care of them to steer, brake, or even see out the window. Plus, they could even become a projectile if you experience a crash or come to a sudden stop.

There are many types of pet carriers to choose from – hard-sided, soft-sided, opening from the side, or opening from the top.

• Deluxe soft-sided pet carriers have lots of pockets for stowing essential cat gear.
• If you plan on taking your cat on an airplane trip in the future, you might invest in an airline-approved pet carrier that you can use either in the car or on a flight. 

💡 Just make sure to pick a pet carrier that gives your kitty enough room to stand up and turn around . If your car ride is more than a few hours long, choose a pet carrier that has enough room for a portable litter box to fit inside. 

Help your cat learn to love the pet carrier well in advance of your trip. About a month before your journey:

• Place the open carrier near kitty’s favorite sleeping spot and tuck some cozy blankets inside.
• Toss a few treats near the doorway.
• Over time, your cat may end up using the carrier as a favorite snoozing spot. 

Once your cat seems comfortable spending time in the carrier, try closing the carrier’s door for short time periods and see how your cat handles this. (Placing a few treats inside can sweeten the deal.)

Once your kitty seems comfortable inside the closed carrier, you may be ready for the next step: going into the car.

The safest place in the car for your cat is the back seat or on the floor behind the front passenger seat .

• Place the carrier in a secure location where it won’t slide around too much.
• Some carriers are equipped with clips for a seat belt to slide through. This provides additional security and will help your kitty feel safer during the ride.
• For a hard-sided plastic carrier, thread the seat belt through the handle.
• Also make sure you avoid placing the pet carrier where it will be blasted by the heater or air conditioner . You want your kitty to be as comfortable as possible.
• Keep the cat carrier out of the path of an airbag if an accident should occur.

💡Most car seats slope backward. To create a level surface for the pet carrier to rest on, roll up a towel and place it under the back edge of the carrier .

The first time you place the carrier in the car, don’t drive anywhere at all ! You want your little buddy to get used to this new, strange environment first.

So here’s to get started:

• Load the pet carrier into the back seat (with kitty already inside), hop into the driver’s seat, and close all the doors. (Leave a window open for ventilation if it’s hot out.)
• Talk gently to your cat to keep them calm. If you can have another person in the car to interact with the cat in the back seat, that will be even better.
• Don’t start up the car or drive anywhere on this first try – that’s the next step!

Once your kitty seems comfortable being in a non-moving vehicle a few times, turn on the car and leave it parked .

• Of course, open the garage door when your car is running to avoid life-threatening carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Keep music low and offer treats as needed to keep kitty happy.
• Continue to speak gently to your cat.
• If your cat becomes agitated, turn off the car and head inside. You don’t want to turn this exercise into a battle. (Hint: you will lose!) Give your kitty lots of love once you’re in the house. 

Once your cat is comfy hanging out in a non-moving but running vehicle, try driving a very short distance – maybe around the block at first.

• Having someone in the back seat to comfort and engage with your cat will help to keep your cat calm.
• Continue to make car rides a positive experience. As your cat gets accustomed to short rides, gradually try longer rides . Your cat will become “king of the road” before you know it! 

Cats are very scent-oriented, so introducing familiar scents into the carrier and the car may help your kitty to feel more relaxed.

• Tuck their favorite blanket (or a piece of it) in the carrier, or toss in one of your old t-shirts – unwashed, so it smells like you.
• Avoid using scented air fresheners in the car. Those scents may be overpowering for your kitty’s sensitive nose.

If you have more than one cat, you love them both, but you know that they have distinct personalities. As you plan your trip, consider how to best accommodate each cat’s particular needs.

Most importantly, keep each cat in their own separate pet carrier for the duration of your trip. You’ll reduce stress for everyone and prevent the two kitties from fighting. It’s OK to position the carriers so the cats can see each other. 

Plan rest stops

Both you and your cat may need a few pit stops, especially if your trip is a long one. Plan in advance where you can stop , stretch your legs, and use the restroom. Or the litter box, in your cat’s case.

Highway rest areas are located along most interstates and state routes, and you can map these out in advance. Some of these rest stops have pet exercise areas.

This could be an option for your cat but ONLY if they are leash or harness-trained. If you plan on taking your cat out of the carrier, do so ONLY if kitty can be leashed while the car doors are still closed .

⚠️ Do not open the carrier if your cat is unleashed and the car door is open. Besides getting hit by another car, your cat might end up running down the highway, hiding under another car (without being noticed) – or worse.

Read more : How To Harness Train A Cat In 7 Easy Steps

If you aren’t on a road with a highway rest stop, travel plazas are a good alternative. These usually include gas stations, coffee shops, fast-food restaurants, and rest rooms.

Also: give some thought whether you can leave your cat in the car while you pop into a restroom or get a quick bite to eat.

• If it’s warm out, your cat could quickly become overheated if left inside a closed vehicle .
• If possible, take the entire cat carrier into the rest stop with you.
• Or, if you have a human travel companion, take turns staying with the cat while the other uses the facilities.

Read more : Heat Stroke In Cats: Common Causes And How To Help Your Cat To Cool Off

💡Or if you want the smart, stress-free option , strap a cat GPS tracker to your buddy’s collar.

So with just a glance at your phone, you can immediately start tracking them in real-time – and find them in no time.

Track Your Cat

If your cat is used to doing their business outdoors and is leash-trained, use a pet exercise area at a highway rest stop. Be sure to leash up your cat BEFORE opening the car door to the outside. 

If your cat is accustomed to going in a litter box, bring along a portable litter box and a bag of cat litter . These offer an an easy way to take care of your cat’s needs while on a road trip.

• Give your cat access to the portable litter box during a rest stop or keep it in the pet carrier .
• Or, if your trip is only a few hours long, offer the portable litter box once you reach your destination. 
• A portable cat litter box should fit into your pet carrier and be large enough for your cat to use comfortably.
• Make sure it’s easy to clean, waterproof, and collapsible for easy storage.
• Choose a low-dust, odor control, disposable cat litter to fill the portable litter box – preferably the same type that you use at home.
• Bring along a scoop and bags to collect used litter and dispose of it in a trash container.

💡Some cats can be very finicky about changes to their litter box situation. You might find it handy to sprinkle a litter box attractant in the portable litter box to make it more enticing for your cat. It may also help to let your cat try out the new portable litter box a few times at home, before you hit the road. 

Many cats eat only once or twice a day, so it may not be necessary to feed your cat during a long car ride . However, kitties who are accustomed to snacking all day may need a few nibbles along the way. Intermittent snacking can also help cats who get motion sickness

Remember that eating stimulates the digestive system, so your cat may need to potty soon after eating. This may be a good reason for feeding your cat lightly on travel day .

💡 Make sure to offer water to your cat at every pit stop. Cats normally drink very little water, so don’t be alarmed if your cat doesn’t drink much during the trip.

Though if you’re concerned that your cat isn’t drinking enough water , offer some wet canned cat food , which has a higher moisture content than dry food.

Some travel food bowls can attach to the wire door of a plastic cat carrier . Or you can purchase a collapsible bowl that you pop open at mealtime.

Bring enough of your cat’s preferred food to last for the entire trip. Cats are famously finicky eaters, so the middle of a road trip may not be the best time to introduce a new diet if you run out of their favorite kibble. They could develop digestive issues, or they could end up refusing to eat at all .

Before you start your trip, plan out exactly where you’ll spend the night. Not all hotels are pet-friendly. Even hotels that advertise themselves as pet-friendly may only have a few pet-friendly rooms. However, many major hotel chains offer pet-friendly accommodations , as do some rental properties.

That’s why it’s important to book your lodging well in advance . When making your reservation:

• Specify that you will have a cat with you and need a pet-friendly room .
• Find out what types of restrictions the hotel has, if any.
• Sneaking your pet into a non-pet-friendly hotel room isn’t a great idea – just don’t do it. 

⚠️ Just be sure to keep in mind: a pet-friendly hotel room has probably been used by lots of other pets , including dogs and other cats.

• It’s possible that these other pets are not on regular flea or parasite protection.
• Make sure your cat is protected from parasites before you leave home , in case your cat encounters unwanted pests.

Read more : How To Prevent & Get Rid Of Ticks On Cats (For Good)

If you’re staying with family or friends, remember that not everyone loves cats (hard to believe, but true). Let them know in advance that you’re bringing your kitty along , and assure them that you’ve got all the details covered for your cat’s comfort and safety.

You’ve set off on your adventure, and you only have….10 hours to go! How will you keep your cat happy on the trip? Here are some ideas:

• Play calm music. Cats actually tend to be partial to classical pieces!
• Keep the car’s temperature similar to the temperature inside your home. 
• Place a sheet or blanket on top of the carrier to provide extra privacy and reduce the level of disturbance that your cat might experience from passing 18-wheelers, honking horns, rough weather, and bright streetlights
• Choose a quiet time of day to travel , with as little traffic as possible to reduce disturbances for your cat.
• Bring some of your cat’s favorite toys along on the trip. At each rest stop, swap out the toys with different ones. Or, surprise your kitty with a brand-new toy for the trip.

It’s possible that your cat could become extremely anxious or carsick on a long ride. Here are a few options for dealing with these situations.*

• Calming spray for cats : A few spritzes of a calming pheromone spray on a towel or blanket in your cat’s carrier could help your cat relax into the ride. 
• Catnip : A little catnip sprinkled into the carrier could distract your cat for a bit and keep them entertained. You might try catnip spray, also.
• Calming treats : Specially-formulated cat treats can help to reduce nervousness in your furry friend. 
• Anti-anxiety jackets for cats : Also known as calming vests, these weighted jackets can help anxious pets to relax.

If your cat is prone to vomiting, urinating , or defecating during car trips , speak to your veterinarian . They may be able to offer medications that will make the trip more pleasant for you and your cat.

*Try these remedies out at home before you begin your road trip to determine if your cat can tolerate them.

A calm and peaceful environment will make the car ride more pleasant for everyone, including your cat. 

So you should:

• Avoid playing loud music. 
• Don’t allow the pet carrier to slide along the seat. Your cat will feel very insecure if they can’t predict where they’ll slide to next. Keep the pet carrier buckled in place with the seat belt.
• Don’t leave your cat alone in a hot car – ever!
• Avoid making sharp turns or braking suddenly while your cat is in the car. Try to drive as smoothly and evenly as possible.

If your cat has a history of disliking car travel, you may need to start at square one to acclimate them to riding in a vehicle. This can be more difficult than acclimating a cat who has no past history of car travel problems, because you must overcome the negative association that your cat has with the car. 

Start with introducing your cat to the pet carrier, then to a stationary car, then to short rides around the block as described at the beginning of this post. You may need to take it very, very slow, allowing your cat several weeks or months to get ready for a trip. But it will be worth it when you and your kitty enjoy an adventure together!

Don’t let the excitement of arriving at your destination lead you to fling open the car door and accidentally let your cat out! Keep your kitty safely in the pet carrier as you unload and carry your luggage inside.

Only when you are inside and have safely closed the building’s door should you allow your cat to exit the carrier. Set out the travel litter box and fill their travel bowls with fresh food and water. Give them time to sniff and rub against everything in their new temporary home.

💡 But of course, if you’re worried your cat might scamper away from safety the minute you let them out of their carrier…

Find Your Cat In No Time

This goes without saying, but car travel with a cat will be much more pleasant if you drive safely and arrive without incident. Just make sure to:

• Get your cat used to being and traveling in a carrier.
• Place your cat’s carrier in a secure, upright position – preferably in your car backseat.
• Get your cat used to just being in your car first – without driving.
• Start slow with short drives once they’re more comfortable.
• Plan rest stops along the way – and make sure to plan ahead for an escape attempt. (From being cooped up so long!)
• Consider investing in a collapsible litter box to carry along in your cat’s carrier.
• Make sure to book a pet-friendly hotel much in advance.
• Plan ahead for any car sickness. A calming spray or anti-anxiety medication can help.
• Don’t let your cat out of their carrier once you’re both safely indoors.

And most importantly…

• Secure your peace of mind with a cat GPS tracker . So you always know where your buddy is – no matter where they’ve escaped.

Know everywhere your cat goes

See where they are in real-time, no matter how far they go. Get alerts if they roam too far home. Find out where they’ve been and discover their favorite spots. Let others track with you.

Discover Tractive GPS

That’s the best way to start and end your amazing driving adventure with your little buddy – one that’s fun, safe, and enjoyable for both cat and cat parent alike.

And if you’ve liked this post, share it with a friend or a loved one – and let’s help build a safer kinder world for our furry friends together.

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How to Travel With a Cat: 15 Questions and Safety Tips

Medically Reviewed by

Tracy Isenberg, LVT

If you are planning a vacation, you may be wondering how to travel with a cat. There are lots of things to consider as a cat parent before booking a flight or starting a road trip.

Most cats aren't great candidates for a road trip or air travel. But, it's possible to teach your cat how to travel with you.

In this article, we answer five key questions you may have as a pet parent about how to travel with a cat. Plus, 10 safety tips for traveling with your kitty.

5 key questions from pet parents

Keeping your furry friends comfortable and safe while traveling is key to a pet-friendly vacation. From what essential supplies to bring to where your cat can go, here are five questions from pet parents about how to travel with a cat.

1. What do I need to bring?

Wherever your trip takes you, be sure you have your cat's essentials. Cats often need certain supplies to stay comfortable and happy on your trip.

Here's a list of the items you should bring while you travel with a cat:

• Your cat's regular food
• Water dishes
• Cat carriers
• Their favorite treats
• Harness and leash
• Their medications ( flea & tick treatment , vitamins )

2. What safety tips should I consider?

Pet owners should consider their cat's health condition, comfort, and happiness while traveling. Traveling with your cat doesn't have to be stressful. But, if you’re unprepared, it may be a bad idea.

Here are five essential pet safety tips for pet parents traveling with cats:

• Talk to your veterinarian about medications your pet needs.
• Keep your cat in a crate or pet carrier.
• On a road trip, stop regularly for breaks.
• When traveling by air, take note of your airline's regulations.
• Prepare an emergency kit for your pet.

3. How can I keep my cat calm?

Travel can be overwhelming and overstimulating for pets. And, many cats may get anxious during travel.

To help calm down a cat in the car, bring cat enrichment toys to keep them busy. Or, try calming tools like diffusers and treats to make car travel less stressful for your cat.

If your cat needs more help to stay calm during travel, ask your vet about anti-anxiety medications for cats.

4. What other health needs do I need to cover?

Aside from anxiety, pets may get nauseous during car rides. If your cat is experiencing motion sickness, they may show signs like:

• Excessive licking

Don't worry, there are plenty of ways to help a cat that is experiencing motion sickness in the car.

Try keeping the car windows cracked for fresh airflow in the back seat. If you're traveling in the car for longer periods, allow for rest stops and play time along the way.

Keeping your cat in a carrier while in the car can help them feel safe and secure. Put their bed inside the carrier and provide toys for enrichment and comfort. And, never leave your cat alone in a hot car.

If you know your cat gets car sick, visit your vet for a cat check-up and ask about anti-nausea medication for your kitty. Your veterinarian will suggest methods to keep your cat from getting sick during your road trip.

5. Where can I travel with my pet?

Humans and their pets can travel anywhere together, as long as the final destination allows pets. Camping is a great option for humans wanting to bring their kitty along on their vacation.

The process of flying internationally with pets is different from flying domestically. You may have to provide a health certificate or medical records for their cat before traveling internationally.

If you plan to go overseas with your cat, book early and allow for extra time at the airport to check in. If you are unsure about your transportation method's policy, check with the company about their pet policies ahead of time.

10 tips for traveling with a cat

Now that you've answered some important questions when it comes to cat travel, consider these tips for how to travel with your feline friend. Remember, all cats are different and there is no surefire way to travel with your pet successfully.

Here are our 10 best tips for how to travel with your feline friend.

1. practice traveling while they're young..

The best time to train a cat to travel is when they are young. But, if you have an adult cat, you can still teach them to travel.

If you have a new cat , practice taking them for a car ride a few times a week. This will help your cat get used to car travel and road trips.

2. Buy a proper pet carrier.

Before you start your road trip , be sure your cat has a carrier to travel in. Cat carriers keep cats safe during car rides and flights.

To get your cat comfortable in their carrier, introduce them to the carrier before your vacation. Make the carrier a part of your cat's environment, instead of only pulling it out for travel.

Your cat's carrier should be large enough for your cat to stand up and turn around in it. If you have multiple cats, be sure you have individual carriers for each cat.

Remember, not every pet carrier is the same. If you plan on flying with your cat, be sure their carrier is airline approved.

How to get your cat comfortable with their carrier

Try placing your cat's bed inside the carrier. Lure your cat toward the carrier and reward them with treats as they step inside.

As your cat gets used to the carrier, try closing the carrier door while they lay down inside. Reward them with treats as positive reinforcement, and open the door of the carrier for them to get out.

Slowly work up to more time in the closed carrier. Your cat's carrier should be a safe space, not a stressful one.

3. Consider your cat's breed, personality, and overall health.

Some cats have health problems that may make them unsuitable for travel. If your cat suffers from anxiety, old age, or preexisting health conditions, traveling may be dangerous for them.

Air travel in cargo holds can be dangerous for brachycephalic cat breeds , or cats with "pushed in" faces. Some common cat breeds include:

• Exotic shorthair

Traveling in an airplane cargo hold may be risky for these breeds due to their short nasal passages. This means these cats are extra sensitive to temperature changes and heat stroke.

Even if your cat's disposition makes them a good candidate for travel, you may learn that they don't enjoy traveling. Consider your cat's needs, personality, and health before bringing them along.

4. Bring a portable litter box.

A travel litter box is essential for traveling with a cat. Or, if space allows, bringing your cat's usual litter box can help your cat feel comfortable.

If you are traveling in the car, stop for potty breaks every few hours. At every stop, set your cat's travel litter box outside the car for them to use.

Cats need a litter box to maintain their hygiene and keep your car and living space clean while traveling. Cat parents can find travel litter boxes at their local pet store or online.

5. Stay up to date on vaccinations.

Before you leave for your trip, check with your vet to see if your cat needs any vaccinations . Talk to your veterinarian about your destination. They may suggest additional medicines or vaccines to keep your pet safe.

Vaccinating your cat to protect them from disease can help reduce stress while you travel. Accidents happen, but your pet getting sick with a preventable illness may put a damper on your trip.

6. Know the risks of flying with your pet.

If you plan to travel with your cat on a plane, consider keeping your cat in the main cabin of the airplane. If your cat needs tending to during a flight, get permission from a flight attendant to take them out of their carrier.

You may consider choosing an airline that allows for cats and service animals in the cabin instead of the cargo hold. The cargo holds of airplanes are pressurized, but temperature changes may still occur.

7. Keep your cat safe with a leash and harness.

While you're out and about on your vacation, be sure you can bring your cat along safely. Leash training is beneficial to keep your cat safe in a new environment.

Leash training isn't common for most cats. But, keeping your cat on a leash can keep them safe while you travel. Whether you're walking through the airport or stopping for a break during your road trip, keep your cat on a leash to keep them safe.

8. Find a cat-friendly hotel.

When you arrive at your destination, you'll need a place to crash with your furry friend. Most hotels allow service animals. But, if your cat is not a registered service animal, be sure your hotel allows cats.

When you check into your room, try to make it a cozy space for your cat. Set out water dishes, a travel litter box, and toys your cat likes to keep them entertained.

If your pet isn't comfortable around strangers, use the do not disturb sign to keep cleaning staff and other people away from your room. While you walk around the hotel, be sure to carry your cat or keep them close on a leash.

9. Plan a pet-friendly vacation.

Traveling with a cat is no small task. Be sure the effort of traveling with cats is worth it when you get to your destination.

When you plan your pet-friendly vacation, consider vacation spots that allow pets at:

• Lodging and hotels
• Activities and attractions
• Restaurants and bars

If you're unsure if your destination allows pets, call ahead and talk to a manager about their pet policies. Some lodging and hotels allow all small pets, while some only allow cats.

Not sure where to start? Check out our guide to pet-friendly vacations .

10. Consider leaving your cat at home.

If you decide in the end that bringing your kitty on a trip isn't a great idea, you have a few options. You can find a cat sitter, pay for overnight boarding, or leave your cat home alone.

Find a cat sitter

When choosing a cat sitter, consider choosing a trusted friend or family member. Bonus points if your cat is already familiar with this person and feels comfortable around them.

Prepare your home or cat sitter with your cat's essential supplies. And, be sure to leave a detailed list of your pet's health needs.

Pay for overnight boarding

Overnight boarding is a good option for cats that need lots of attention and play time. Social cats are great candidates for overnight boarding. When you drop off your cat, be sure to bring their regular food, favorite treats , and their bed.

Leave your cat home alone

If you have independent cats, leaving them at home may be the best option for you. You should cat-proof your house before leaving for vacation.

Put away any poisonous plants that may be sitting out. And, close doors to rooms with appliances and other potential dangers.

Remember to set out enough food and water for them, and clean their litter box before you leave. Consider investing in an automatic food and water feeder for your cat.

All cats have unique personalities and needs, and you know your cat best. No matter what option you choose, be sure your cat will be comfortable and safe while you're away.

There's no perfect way to travel with a cat. But, the most important thing to keep in mind is your cat's health, comfort, and safety.

Keep your cat healthy and happy while traveling with our vet-quality flea prevention.

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Article: Going on a Road Trip with Your Cat? Here's What You Should Know

Going on a Road Trip with Your Cat? Here's What You Should Know

Think it's impossible to take your fur baby with you on a road trip? Think again! Traveling with cats doesn't have to be stressful, and there are many ways you can prep in advance to make your road trip go smoothly. 

While cats do like familiar surroundings and can have a hard time adjusting to too much change, there are things you can do before your road trip to make sure they are as comfortable as possible & you can have an enjoyable experience out on the road together. Traveling long distance with cats can seem intimidating at first, but this comprehensive guide to road-tripping with your cat has everything you need to know for your cat-venture, plus lots of cat car ride tips from fellow cat parents. Let's hit the road!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ash (@ashhh_the_cat)

Table of Contents: 

Before the trip, packing the essentials.

Choosing the Right Cat Carrier

Features of a Good Cat Carrier

Where to Place the Cat Carrier in the Car

Train a Cat to Like the Carrier

Best Cat Carriers and Cat Backpacks for a Fun Road Trip with Your Cat

Litter Box, Scoop, and Litter Supply

Choosing the Best Litter Box

How will my cat use the litter box on a car ride?

The Best Portable Litter Box for Cats

Medical Documents

Cat Stress Medication & Anxiety Relief

Food & Treats

Feeding & Water Essentials

How do I travel with multiple cats or pets?

What not to do on your car trip.

What should I do if my cat gets carsick?

How do I entertain my cat during the trip?

View this post on Instagram A post shared by KittyMojito & Lynx (@kittymojito)

The best way to prepare for a long car ride with your cat is to help them get used to the car at least a few weeks before you plant to leave. 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. Your cat carrier or cat backpack will work as a cat car seat, making sure that they have a cozy place to call home when you're out on the road.  Now is a great time to also start leash training if your cat isn't already used to their leash. For some helpful tips on leash & harness training, see   this article .  

Visit a Veterinarian:   Make sure your cat is up to date on all of their shots before your road trip, and get a general check up to make sure your kitty is good to go. Bring along any paperwork just in case of an emergency vet visit on the road. 

Source a Cat-Friendly Hotel:   If you're planning an overnight road trip, make sure that you are staying somewhere that will welcome your kitty. There are tons of cat-friendly hotel options to choose from, like La Quinta & Hilton 2 Suites . 

Plan Pit Stops:  Plan some stops along the way so your kitty can get out & stretch, use their   portable litter box , or eat from   "The Travel Buddy" Foldable Food Bowl & Mat. 

Microchipping & ID Tags:  It's always a good idea to microchip your pet, just in case of emergency. Always make sure your pet's ID tag has your contact information printed clearly on it, so they can be returned to you ASAP if they are to get lost. 

Leash Training:  Leash training & harness training your cat will make going on a road trip that much easier. Taking pit stops, walking into the hotel, or even having your kitty attached to their leash & harness while in the car will give you peace of mind.  

View this post on Instagram A post shared by N E W T & E M U (@newttheadventurecat)

Tips from other cat parents:

"Harness Training! Good carriers that they are comfortable with. MICROCHIPS, and lots of patience!" @twintorties

"Practice before long rides. Build in stops to go to the litter box or eat. CBD oil is calming. Make sure you have a plan in case you need an emergency vet visit" @sherlock_thesiamesekitty

"We went for car rides before the big trip to get her used to being in the car for a long time."  @massy_masc

"Start harness training young. Let them adjust to it. Don't force it. Patience!" @ubliani

"Don't be sad if the first time he's afraid. By the second time, your kitty will be good!" @mariuxitapia 

@camerousseau

Cat Carrier

Choosing the right cat carrier is vital to making sure your cat feels safe & secure on your road trip. Cat carriers give your cat a place to call their own while they are riding in the car, and while they're out and about on your adventures! Check out our many different cat backpacks   here , all which are great for taking your cat in the car. We've got something for every Travel Cat!

Features of a Good Carrier -

• Strong - Obviously. You want your cat carrier to be made of high quality material! All of our carriers are made with top-of-the-line fabrics like oxford cotton & strong scratch-proof mesh. 
• Well-ventilated -  Your kitty needs a cat carrier that doesn't let them get too hot, and has plenty of airflow. All of our backpacks have multiple air holes or mesh paneling to make sure your cat gets all the fresh air they need!
• Size - Kitties are cute, in every size! Find the carrier that works best for your furry friend. We have cat backpacks for small, medium, and bigger boned cats that can hold up to 25lbs of floof. 
• Comfortable - If you aren't comfortable wearing your cat backpack, your kitty isn't going to feel comfortable either. All of our backpacks have adjustable straps and are super comfy for both kitty & hooman. 

"Take them on short walks in the bag and set them in the vehicle daily for 10-20 min. Maybe even drive around for a few min so they know what to expect during a car ride. Reward them with treats!" @ chernobylcat_n_mimo

Where to place the cat carrier in the car - 

Cat carrier backpacks and cat car seats should be placed on a secure surface where they won't slide, like the floor between the passenger's feet, or seat of your car. Never put your cat carrier in the trunk of your car, as there is not enough ventilation for safe airflow for your cat. Keep their carrier secure by fastening with a seatbelt, or placing between things to keep it in place. Avoid putting your cat carrier in front of a direct air conditioning/heating unit so your kitty doesn't get have to brave the elements! Make sure to bring your cat's favorite blankets for an extra cozy ride.

"Make the Backpack the safe space. they will always have somewhere to return to." @jules.adventure.cat

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lyra the Bengal Cat (@lyra_thebengalcat)

Train your cat to like the carrier - 

Making sure your cat feels at home in their secured cat carrier is important before you go on any road trips together. Practice by keeping the cat carrier out & accessible to them at home, so they can hop in and out whenever they want. Then practice by taking them outside, then on short walks, then longer walks. For more in-depth advice, check out   this article . 

"Bimini falls asleep in his fat cat backpack, and enjoys some of the trip looking out his space bubble" @bimini.the.ragdoll

Best cat carriers and cat backpacks for a fun car trip with your cat:

• "The Fat Cat" Cat Backpack for Larger Cats is a great backpack for a kitty who might need a little extra room, or if you're bringing more than one cat along for the ride!  
• "The Navigator" Cat Backpack for Adventure Cats is perfect for long car rides, because it has extra mesh paneling for optimal air flow, and it also converts into a normal carrier that lies on it's side, so your kitty can have extra space to stretch out in the back seat. 
• "The Jackson Galaxy" Convertible Cat Backpack is great for car trips because it also converts to a carrier that lays horizontally.    

"Transferred to his backpack when we made a stop and he did so well! No fights, no fits, so dreamy." @stephanielshulte  

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cali & Opie (@catventuresofcaliopie)

Travel Litter Box, Scoop & Litter Supply

Bringing a travel litter box along on a road trip is a must. Your cat needs a place to go, and you definitely don't want that place to be your back seat. Bring   "The Porta Pawty" Travel Litter Box   and use your cat's normal litter to keep their mess contained. This litter box zips up to keep mess from shifting around, and is seamless for an easy clean at the end of a long day on the road. Get your cat used to their portable litter box by starting to use it in your house, a few days before you set off on your trip. Put it in place of their normal litter box, using their normal litter to ease the transition.

"The Porta Pawty" Travel Litter Box

How will my cat use the travel litter box on a car ride?

Your cat might feel comfortable doing their business on the go, and if so, they could be let out of their carrier to go in their travel litter box if you pull over. But if your kitty prefers to go outside of the car, you might need to make a longer pit stop to set up their space. Since kitties like to eat & use the pawty shortly after, we recommend pulling over to do both safely & more conveniently. Thankfully, "The Porta Pawty" is super portable & easy to store away until you need it. Just unroll it, let your cat do their business, and zip back up to contain any mess once your kitty is done. 

Best Portable Litter Boxes for Cats:

"The Porta Pawty" Travel Litter Box is what we recommend. See more of its features,   here . 

Portable Travel Cat Beds

If you're planning an overnight trip, having a place for your kitty to sleep is a must, especially if you're going to an unfamiliar environment. Your cat will want a place to call their home and get away for a snooze sesh every now and then.

Don't forget to pack their favorite blankets, and "The Meowbile Home" Convertible Cat Bed & Cave is just that - a scent soaker bed that will help your kitty feel more at home, wherever you go. A scent soaker is something with your kitties scent or your scent on it and will help calm cats for travel because they'll be in a familiar-smelling place. "The Meowbile Home" is super lightweight and easy to transport in its drawstring bag. 

"The Meowbile Home" Convertible Cat Bed & Cave  

If your kitty needs some extra space to move around, try out "The Donut" Cat Bed & Cave . This bed is easy to transport and fits right on your car seat or in the back with the seats down, for a fun alternative to your cat backpack carrier. "The Donut" is not only a great place for a kitty snooze sesh, but it will also give your cat another way to play & entertain themselves on the road. 

"Donuts!! These have been a life saver for us, so much less whining when they have these to hide in." - @birchandluna

Medication & Anxiety Relief

It is important to bring along any medical documents that your cat might need on your road trip, like vaccination certificates, etc. just in case of an emergency. If they are on any medication, make sure to have those documents & the appropriate dosage to last the entirety of the road trip (plus extra). 

Prepare for your cat to feel some stress during the road trip, and if your cat is extremely prone to anxiety attacks, consider leaving them with a trusting friend or family member while you're gone. We do not recommend cat sedative for travel, but there are plenty of anxiety relief medications and solutions that would offer a safe alternative. Be sure to ask your vet what they would recommend you bring if your cat needs a little extra help calming down. We love Jackson Galaxy's "Easy Traveler" All-Natural Holistic Solution.  

Food & treats are also a great way to calm nerves, and entice an otherwise skeptical kitty. Try using their favorite treats while training them to ride in the car as well, rewarding after they get in the car and at the end of the drive. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zedd the Plant Cat (@plantcat_)

A hungry kitty is not a happy kitty, and you don't want to drive with an unhappy kitty. Continue using your cat's normal food & eating schedule while on your road trip, in order to keep things as familiar to them as possible. Store your cat's food in ziplock food bags to make sure it stays fresh, & mess free.

Keep your cat hydrated throughout the duration of the road trip with portable water bowls, especially if you're traveling somewhere on the hotter side. Make sure to bring more than enough food for the duration of your trip, along with plenty of treats! Check out our cat travel accessories &   food/water bowls , made to help your travels go a little smoother. Whether your cat likes dry or wet food, this silicone travel bowl is super easy to clean and store away when you're not using it.

"The Travel Buddy" Foldable All-In-One Double Bowl & Mat 

"The Go Anywhere Bowl" Collapsible Travel Pet Food and Water Dish

While your cat might enjoy peeking out the window for a bit, it won't entertain them for hours on end. Bring along your cat's favorite kickers, teaser wands, and other toys that will help them feel at home & entertain them while on the road. Check out these super fun & portable toys:

"The Rainbow Dancer" Cat Teaser Toy Wand

Traveling with Multiple Cats or Pets

The more floof the better! Going on a road trip with more than one furry friend might pose different challenges, but none that any cat-loving parent can't weather. Just make sure to have plenty of food, a carrier big enough for them or multiple carriers , and follow your cat parent instinct. Remember to take plenty of stretch/food/bathroom breaks, and bring treats galore. Having multiple cats come along might mean your cats can help entertain themselves, so the ride might be a little extra fun. Even if that means less - quiet 😹

If you're traveling with different types of pets, make sure your cats are well-adjusted or have time to meet & greet their road trip companions. If you're going on the road trip with some pet parents, try planning a little play date for your kitties and pets to meet before the big day. 

"If traveling with dogs AND cats, put the cats in the vehicle first and let them be used to the environment prior to letting the dogs in."  @chernobylcat_n_mimo

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Penelope and Juniper (@penelopelovesjuniper)

What not to do on your road trip:

Never leave your cat alone in the car.  This is especially important on extremely hot or cold days. If you are traveling and want to explore a bit on your own or go out to eat, we suggest finding a cat friendly hotel to stay at for the night, or pet sitter in the area! If you need to go to the bathroom, either bring your cat with you in their cat backpack, or if you're riding with a friend, have them sit in the car with your cat. 

Try not to let your cat out of their carrier. They might want some freedom & space to move around, which is why it's important to find a cat carrier that they are comfortable in. It is not safe to keep your cat out of their carrier while you are driving, in case of an emergency. They might protest at first, but try & build in plenty of walk breaks so they can stretch their legs, eat & use the bathroom, and give them lots of treats.

Don't leave the windows open too far, and always make sure they are locked. Having a cracked window might help keep your kitten calm, but there should never be enough space for them to escape. Always keep your windows locked, even if they are cracked a bit, so that curious paws don't lower them.

"Windows cracked (and *locked*) help keep kitties calm. Plus breaks for walks!"  @birchandluna

Whether or not your kitty is an experienced car traveler, accidents happen. If they end up getting carsick, keep calm & give lots of comfort, clean them up, and try to clean their carrier as best you can. In order to make clean up easier, pack wipes just in case, and line your car & their carrier with towels or pee pads that you can easily remove. Unless your kitty is seriously ill, carry on with your road trip & don't let it ruin those awesome adventure vibes.

How do I entertain my cat during the road trip?

A bored kitty is a loud kitty 😹 Bring their favorite toys, treats, and make sure to take plenty of rest stops so they can eat, stretch their legs, & be stimulated by the scenery along your drive! If your kitty likes looking out the window, position their bag so they can peer out & check on their whereabouts while you're on the road. Depending on how long your trip is, they will probably sleep a lot too! 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vincent_Dante_TheMaineCoons (@vincent_dante_themainecoons)

When You Arrive at the Destination

Yay! You did it. 

Reward your kitty with lots of treats & kisses, and give yourself a pat on the back for a road trip well done! And maybe take a nap 😽 💤

We hope you enjoyed these tips & experiences from our community 😽

Disclaimer: You know your cat best. Please use caution & travel with your kitty's safety as top priority! 

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8 Essentials for a Road Trip With Cats: Our 2024 Vet-Reviewed Guide

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A ride in the car is an exciting and fun adventure for many pets. Cats typically aren’t too fond of spending any time in a vehicle, so cat owners often resign themselves to a life without road tripping with their kitties. While it is admittedly harder to train a cat to be okay with car rides than a dog, with the right equipment and a lot of patience, you and your cat could be hitting the road sooner than later.

Keep reading to find eight essentials you need to pack if you’ll be road tripping with your cat and tips on getting your cat used to the idea of car travel.

• The 8 Essentials for a Road Trip With Cats
• 1. Travel Bowls
• Our Choice: Prima Pets bowls

You should be prepared to offer your pet both food and water periodically throughout the road trip. They may be too stressed to eat or drink, but you wouldn’t go all day without fueling yourself, so you shouldn’t expect your cat to, either.

The best travel bowls are collapsible, so they take up the least amount of space possible. We love the Prima Pets bowls as they’re affordable, space-saving, and convenient. Plus, they come in cute colors and two size options, so you can customize them to your needs.

• 2. Large Travel Carrier
• Our Choice: Sport Cat Car Seat Crate

While it may be okay for dogs to roam free in a vehicle on a road trip, the same rule does not apply to cats. Not only will an unrestrained kitty become a distraction for you if it were to climb on you or hide under your pedals, but it can also become a projectile in the event of an accident or sudden stop.

The safest place for your kitty in a vehicle is in a secured travel carrier.

We really like the Sport Cat Car Seat Crate as it’s both secure, cozy, and breathable. It attaches to your vehicle’s seat via seat belt loops and is spacious enough for a small litter box and travel bowls.

We recommend getting your cat used to its travel carrier well before your departure date. Make the carrier a part of their environment in the weeks leading up to your road trip. Let them sniff it, rub their scent on it, and even sleep in it. You can also spray the carrier with pheromones to help them form a positive association with it (see more below).

• 3. Litter Box
• Our Choice: Nature’s Miracle Disposable Cat Litter Box

While cats are fantastic at holding the urge to urinate, you don’t want to risk accidents. The last thing you want is to have to smell cat pee for the duration of your trip. Packing a small litter box can help prevent accidents and allow them the opportunity to relieve themselves when nature calls.

A disposable litter box is a fantastic option as you can simply toss it once you arrive at your destination. We love Nature’s Miracle Disposable Cat Litter Box as they’re made with baking soda to provide extra protection against odors. In addition, their eco-friendly material is easy on the environment and convenient to dispose of.

Bring along a supply of cat litter that your pet is used to. Don’t forget the litter scoop and bags to dispose of soiled litter.

Calming Treats

• 4. Pheromone Spray
• Our Choice: Feliway Classic Calming Spray

Pheromone spray is a drug-free solution that can help reduce the signs of anxiety and stress in your cats. It mimics a mother cat’s natural pheromones, which can promote calmness. A few sprays of the solution in the carrier or on a towel or mat you’re placing in the carrier can go a long way. Spritz the area around 15 to 30 minutes before putting your cat in the vehicle to prevent irritating their nasal passage

There are several pheromone sprays on the market, but we really like the Feliway Classic Calming Spray . It’s vet recommended and can even be used throughout your home if your kitty is on the anxious side.

• 5. Calming Aids
• Our Choice: Pet Naturals’ Calming Cat Chews

While pheromone sprays work great for calming, you might want back-ups in your arsenal just in case it doesn’t work as expected on your pet.

Calming aids like chews are a tasty way to help your cat relax. Pet Naturals’ Calming Cat Chews are boosted with vitamin B and L-theanine to promote a relaxing effect without causing drowsiness or changing your cat’s personality.

Homeopathic remedies such as Rescue Remedy’s supplement are an option preferred by some. This product provides natural stress relief and is often recommended to help calm dogs and cats during stressful situations.

A ThunderShirt is another viable anxiety-reducing option. This garment is designed to apply constant pressure to your pet to produce feelings of relaxation and calmness. The gentle hugging sensation is similar to what humans experience using weighted blankets, which studies show can reduce anxiety .

Entertainment

• 6. Scratcher
• Our Choice: Catit Scratcher with Catnip

Cats not only love to scratch, but they need to scratch, too. They do it for various reasons, including expressing emotion, scent marking, stretching, and giving themselves a DIY manicure. Bring one along if you don’t want the area where you’ll be staying on your road trip to become a scratching post.

This small and affordable scratcher from Catit is compact enough to fit your vehicle easily. It will give your cat a healthy place to scratch so they won’t destroy furniture or carpets in hotel rooms. Catit also includes a catnip spray to get your cat interested in the scratcher.

• 7. Comfort Items from Home

Cats are very sensory creatures that use their scent to enrich their environment. They have scent glands throughout their bodies, such as on their heads and even in their paws. You might have seen your cat scratching at your furniture or rubbing its head onto your leg as this is its way of scent-marking its territory.

Bringing your cat into an environment they’ve never been in, like your car, can make them very uncomfortable as they cannot smell any of those familiar scents they’re so accustomed to. That’s why we recommend bringing along some of your cat’s creature comforts from home. Whether it be some of their favorite toys, a blanket they like to sleep on, or even one of their pet beds, make sure you bring some things that will remind them of home.

We also recommend bringing along some of your cat’s favorite treats to use as rewards.

• 8. Collar, Leash & Name Tag
• Our Choice: Comfort Soft’s Mesh Harness and Leash

Cats can be slippery little critters, especially when they’re afraid. The last thing you want is to have your kitty slip out of your arms as you transport them to and from your vehicle. A collar and leash will help you keep a hold on them , and the name tag will provide peace of mind if they get loose.

Comfort Soft’s mesh harness and leash are an affordable and comfortable option for cats. It’s lightweight, breathable, and simple to put on and take off.

Frisco’s stainless steel personalized cat ID tag is an adorable and budget-friendly way to ensure your kitty can be identified if they were to run away on your trip. You can customize the tag with four lines of text of your choosing, but we recommend including your address, phone number, and your cat’s name.

• Will My Cat Get Carsick?

Your cat may experience motion sickness during your road trip . This may be caused by stress, anxiety, or even your cat’s inner ear which regulates equilibrium and balance.

• Excessive drooling
• Excessive meowing
• Restlessness

You can prevent motion sickness by desensitizing your cat to car travel.

• How Can I Desensitize My Cat to Road Trips?

First, you’ll need to make your cat comfortable with its travel carrier. As mentioned above, place the carrier in your cat’s environment before leaving for your trip. Leave treats or food inside to encourage them to enter and explore it. Use a calming spray in the carrier while training them to help reduce stress.

Once your cat is comfortable with its carrier , you can begin desensitizing them to your car. Put them in their carrier and place them in your vehicle with the motor running for several minutes. The next day, try reversing out of your driveway and returning. The next day, repeat the process but drive around the block. Be sure to offer lots of praise and treats once you’re back inside your home.

Try taking a few short trips in the car with your pet before you embark on your road trip.

• Final Thoughts

While cats and road trips don’t always mix, sometimes you have no other choice. If you pack the above eight items in your vehicle, you and your kitty are much more likely to be able to endure (and may even enjoy) the trip.

If you have time before your departure date, we recommend taking a few weeks to desensitize your cat before putting them through a long drive. It could surprise you by not minding the trip at all. You might have an adventure cat on your hands and not even know it!

• 7 Best Travel Litter Boxes – Reviews & Top Picks
• Does Amtrak Allow Cats? Company Info
• Motion Sickness in Cats
• Combating Cat Car Sickness

Featured Image Credit: Paweł, Pixabay

Chantelle Fowler

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How to Take a Car Trip With Your Cat

It's no secret that most cats hate car rides. During their lives, most cats only take occasional car trips. Car rides are often just to the veterinarian, leaving the cat with a negative impression of the car. Plus, people don't tend to take their cats on car rides very often, so they may never get used to the feeling of it.

If short trips are stressful for your cat, then long trips will probably be worse. If you are planning a long car trip with your cat, you may feel overwhelmed and worried, especially if you know your cat gets stressed out in the car. While you may never be able to get your cat to love car rides, you might be able to get him used to them enough to reduce his stress.

How to Get Your Cat Used to the Car

Chances are your cat associates car rides with vet visits . Most cats get very stressed at the vet, so this association can make car rides dreadful for everyone. Don't let this keep you from taking your cat to the vet for annual or biannual check-ups. Instead, start practicing the routine of a car until your cat starts to relax. This process can eventually reduce the stress associated with car trips.

First, begin leaving your cat carrier out with the door open so your cat can explore it. Put a soft bed or blanket inside along with a favorite toy and/or some extra tasty treats. Don't close your cat inside yet, just let him get used to it. Offer additional treats if he gets to the point where he is willing to remain in the carrier for a few minutes. If your cat is worried about the carrier, consider spraying the inside with a feline pheromone like Feliway to promote a sense of calm. However, do not directly spray your cat with pheromones. You can also try putting some catnip inside the carrier if this is something your cat enjoys.

Next, practice closing your cat in the carrier as if you are about to go for a car ride. Pick up the carrier and walk around with it. Afterward, let your cat out and offer valuable treats. Increase the length of time you walk around with your cat in the carrier. Once your cat starts to relax, try bringing the carrier out to the car, but don't go anywhere. Reward them with another high-value treat.

Then, add small trips to nowhere. Take a ride around the house, then bring your cat back home and let him out of the carrier. Once again, offer plenty of yummy treats .

Gradually increase the length of car trips without using your cat too far. If your cat is vocalizing loudly or panting, then the trips became too long too quickly. Slow down the process and see if your cat adjusts.

Preparing for a Long Trip

If you plan to take a longer trip, perhaps a few hours or more, then it's best to get your cat ready in advance.

Before the actual trip, be sure to get some things together. Make sure your cat is wearing an easy release collar or harness with identification. A microchip is also important in case your cat gets loose or lost and the collar or harness falls off. Make a list of emergency vets along the way in case your cat becomes ill.

The night before travel, put your cat in a small room with the carrier, a litter box, food, and water. This will make it easier to get your cat in the carrier the next day. Plus, it can help your cat adjust to a smaller space.

If the trip is more than two or three hours long, then your cat will need a break. Bring a litter pan, food, and water along with you on the trip. Take a break every two or three hours so your cat can relax, eat and drink, and use the litter box.

What to Do If Your Cat Won't Get Used to the Car

Some cats will never be able to calm down for car rides, despite your best efforts. These cats may benefit from calming supplements and/or medications. Talk to your vet about the best options for your cat.

Nutritional supplements like Solliquin can help your cat relax without the use of pharmaceutical medications. Test this out in advance before you venture out for a long trip.

If supplements are ineffective, then it might be time to try a stronger medication. Sedation may be the best option for the most anxious cats.

When You Arrive at your Destination

Whether you are moving to a new home or taking your cat on vacation, be aware that your cat needs time to adjust to his new environment. Gradually introduce your cat to his new space until he feels comfortable. Be patient as this can take time.

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Trap The Cat

• Circle The Cat

What's the Trap The Cat Game?

Trap The Cat  is a game in which you must trap a cat inside a board with markings and don't let it out in order to win.

The game is quite simple. It consists of trying to catch the cat by clicking on the spots to darken them. The cat will move in some direction every time you click on the panel, and you must keep it from escaping from your panel.

Trap The Cat is a game that may be played several times every day. It's a simple activity that has gone popular due to its simplicity and the fact that you only have a few chances to tackle its task.  Trap The Cat  is a 100% free game that does not need you to download or install anything. Trap The Cat includes a grid structure that allows you to concentrate all of your concentration on trapping the cat. Let's share your friends about it!

Trap The Cat Rules

The goal of cat trap gane is to trap as many cats as possible without letting them escape, such that if the cat gets to the final area and you haven't covered it, it will escape and you will lose the game. 

• Try to catch the cat by darkening the spots with your mouse.
• Every time, the cat moves in any direction.
• The color of the spots changes after each attempt to indicate how close you are to catching the cat.
• Don't Let the Cat Get Away.

After completing the day's game, players may play a new game called Cat Trap. After complete your daily Cat trap, all you have to do is return to free trap teh cat.

10 Tips For Road Trips With Your Cat

By Sara Eaker

Planning a road trip soon? You might be glad to know that road tripping with your cat is not only an option, but it can also be a great bonding experience.

You won’t have to find a cat sitter, and your kitty won’t miss you because they’ll be right there with you. However, as with every adventure, it’s important to be prepared!

Here are ten tips that can help you and your cat have the best, safest, and most fun road trip together!

Safe and happy travels to you and your cat. Enjoy your kitty companion, and enjoy the ride.

Do you have any road trip tips for cat lovers? Have you ever taken a road trip with your kitty? Let us know in the comments below!

Tips For Road Trips With Your Cat

Get your cat familiar with your car.

(Picture Credit: Getty Images)

Start by taking your kitty out to the car before you plan to leave. Sit in the back seat together and give your cat a few treats, then pet and brush them.

Give your cat a chance to sniff and explore the entire car. Bring their carrier out and place it where it will be when you travel.

Play some soothing music. Maybe take a few short rides around the block, nice and slow, so kitty can get use to the movement and so that you can see how they're going to respond to life in the car.

Talk To Your Vet About Treatment

(Picture Credit: fotoedu/Getty Images)

If your cat doesn't respond well to your test drives,  talk to your veterinarian about options to treat possible anxiety or motion sickness.

If you are planning a cross-country move, the distance may be too overwhelming for your cat. However, a carefully prescribed relaxant or herbal supplement to take the edge off might be the best idea depending on the length of your car ride.

Your veterinarian has a variety of options that can help soothe your kitty on your journey.

Give Kitty Food And Water Before The Trip

(Picture Credit: ablokhin/Getty Images)

Offer your cat food and water before you head out on the open road. Give kitty time to use the litterbox after they eat.

If your cat gets motion sickness, keep the feeding to a light snack.

NOTE: If your cat is likely to get very ill in the car, it's better to withhold food and water starting about eight hours before you hit the road. You may want consider other options and talk to your vet.

Keep Your Cat In A Carrier

(Picture Credit: vasiliki/Getty Images)

It's not safe for your cat to be free moving around your car. They could get under your feet and impair your driving, and if you have an accident, your cat could be seriously injured if not in a carrier.

Carriers provide a safe, quiet space for your cat and will help relieve at least some of the anxiety they may feel.

We hear stories all the time of cats being lost on road trips and at rest stops. A cat carrier is really important for so many reasons.

Prepare For Messes

(Picture Credit: Tsara Cole / EyeEm/Getty Images)

It might be a good idea to line your cat carrier with disposable liner or some old towels that can be thrown out or washed.

This will make a potty accident much more manageable and easy to clean up while you're out on the road.

Be sure to bring along a few trash bags for soiled towels. You may want to pack paper towels and cleaning solutions for some extra backup.

Plan Pit Stops

(Picture Credit: senata/Getty Images)

Map out pit stops along your route so that you can give your cat food, water, and a chance to use the litter box about every two to three hours.

If you have a kitty harness and leash, your cat can even step outside and stretch their legs. If you've never used a cat harness or leash, please be sure to test it at home to make sure your cat can't wriggle out.

Update Your Cat's ID Tags, Their Microchip, And Your Phone Contacts

Your cat should be wearing a breakaway collar with an identification tag that has your current information on it. Kitty should also be  microchipped, especially when traveling,  just in case.

If your cat is already microchipped, make sure the information associated with that microchip is up to date.

Your cat might not normally wear a collar and tags at home. However, when you're traveling, it's important to make sure that kitty can quickly be reunited with you should they be spooked and run away.

It's a good idea to bring along your vet's information and to look up information for animal emergency care at your destination. Animal Poison Control can be reached 24 hours a day at (888) 426-4435. Be sure to program your phone with any and all information you may need on your travels.

Bring Fun Toys

(Picture Credit: Vasuta Thitayarak / EyeEm/Getty Images)

It's a good idea to bring along some new and exciting toys that your cat can play with when you travel. This will help to keep them busy and happy.

You can make your own toys and swap them out so they always have something new. Your cat might even start to associate fun, new, surprise toys with road trips.

Make It Feel A Little Like Home

(Picture Credit: DjelicS/Getty Images)

Our pets often feel the same emotions that we feel. Your cat may feel homesick while traveling, just like you might.

Consider adding an old t-shirt that smells like you, an old bed, or their favorite blanket to their carrier so they can travel with a reminder of home.

The scent of these objects will help make the car feel more familiar, reduce your cat's anxiety, and give them a greater sense of well-being.

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TNR Scenarios: Hard to Trap Cats

When you’re conducting Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), some cats may be particularly hard to trap. They might be too suspicious of entering the trap, or maybe they keep getting the bait without triggering the trap door. Don’t worry–you’ll get them! Try these 18 tips:

1. Get them comfortable with the trap.

Feed trap-shy cats out of unset traps in their normal feeding locations for a week or two before trapping again. Start with the food right by the entrance of the trap and gradually move it closer to the back each day.

2. Use a larger trap.

Cats don’t like to feel trapped or boxed in. A larger trap with a taller opening and wider sides can be more inviting to a cat wary of entering an enclosed space.

3. Cover the trap.

By placing a dark towel over the trap, without blocking the door, you create a space that looks dark, hidden, and safe to cats.

4. Try a more exciting bait.  

Something extra smelly and tasty, and perhaps out of the ordinary, might pique a cat’s interest. We have lots of  suggestions for safe and tasty treats ! Try jarred baby food, canned mackerel, or chicken.

5. Make a food trail.

Coax wary cats into the trap with a trap of tiny food scraps leading up to and then inside the trap. Gradually increase the size of the bait scraps as you place them on the trigger plate and beyond. Make sure you don’t use too much; you don’t want the cat to get full before she reaches the trigger plate! You can also try using the smelly broth of canned cat food or meats as your bait trail.

6. Change the trap’s location.

Move the trap to a quieter, protected place so the cat feels safer going into it. The more secluded, and the less people around, the better.

7. Observe habits.

Just like you have paths you walk every day, so do community cats! Be observant and watch for the trails that cats most often take. Note if there’s a certain tree or bush they like to sleep under, and what time of day they’re most likely to be in a specific area. Set up the traps at these places and times.

8. Use distraction techniques.

Some cats can be guided into a trap with a laser pointer, which you can control from a distance. Or try hanging a piece of cooked chicken from a string above the trigger plate to trick the cat into springing the trigger.

9. Camouflage the trap.

Try covering the trap with natural material like burlap. Then, place leaves, small branches, palm fronds, or whatever is in the natural environment around the top, sides, and on the floor inside the trap. Just make sure your disguise doesn’t interfere with the trap door closing! Run a test before setting it up for the real deal.

10. Hide the trigger plate.

A cat may have learned to recognize the plate that closes the trap door and how to avoid it. To keep her from tiptoeing over and around the plate, try covering it, and a bit of the trap floor in front of and behind it, with newspaper or cloth.

Or cut a piece of cardboard a little narrower than the width of your trap and a couple of inches longer than the trigger plate. Duct tape the cardboard to the middle of the plate and loosely to the floor of the trap. The cats won’t be stepping around that trigger so easily!

11. Put a stick in it.

For cats who have learned to step lightly to avoid triggering traps, slide a stick through the side holes of the trap just in front of the trigger plate and a few inches off the trap floor. The cat will be forced to step over the stick and her paw will land harder on the trigger plate just beyond it, springing the trap.

12. Spring the box trap yourself.

Prop the box trap door open with a stick or a full water bottle with string tied around it. Use enough string so you can hide a few feet away and hold the end of it. When the tricky kitty walks into the trap, pull the string to manually shut the door.

13. Use a drop trap.

If the standard box trap just isn’t doing it, try using a drop trap  It’s a large mesh box that you prop up and trigger manually with a rope or string. Make sure to set the drop trap on flat ground and to have a partner, as the traps’ size makes them awkward to handle alone. Prop the trap up with a wooden stick or a full bottle tied with string, leaving enough string so you can hide a few feet away and hold the end of it.

Bait the trap with plenty of food just in case cats you don’t want to trap wander in before your target. Don’t spring the trap until your target cat is inside; if she sees other cats being trapped, she’ll stay away! Once you’ve sprung the trap and caught the cat you want, immediately place a sheet over it and get a box trap ready. Transfer the cat to the box trap to easier hold and transport her.

14. Lure the cat into a more confined space .

It’s easier to trap when you don’t have to do it in the great outdoors! Place food into a smaller space you can close in, like a garage or shed. Hide and wait for the cat to enter, then shut the door behind her. Before you lure kitty in, get the room ready.

Clear the space of any possible hiding places, then lean a single large board against a wall. Set up a box trap and hide it behind the board. When the cat is locked into the smaller space, she’ll immediately try to find the nearest hiding spot. Since you only left her one option, she’ll dart behind the board and possibly right into the trap.

15. Place traps side-by-side.

If your hard-to-trap cat likes to circle around the back of the trap instead of entering it to figure out how to get the food, use that to your advantage. Place two box traps right next to each other, with their entrances facing opposite directions. When kitty circles around one trap, she may walk right into the one set up beside it.

16. Use a mother cat’s kittens to trap her .

Kittens are a powerful lure for avoidant mother cats. If you manage to trap her kittens first, put them in a carrier or another box trap and place its door against the back end of the trap you plan to use to catch mom.

Place a dark sheet or towel over everything but the entrance of mom’s trap. Mom will think she’s seeing her kittens through a dark tunnel and will enter her trap to get to them. If it’s chilly out, keep the kittens warm by lining their carrier or trap floor with a towel and placing a couple of hot water bottles beneath it.

17. Go high-tech .

If a shy kitten or a mother cat refuses to enter a trap, your cellphone may just help you out. Find a video of kittens meowing and play it on your phone, then place the phone at the back of your box or drop trap. Kittens who are scared and alone may race to join the “other kittens” in the trap. The mother cat may think her kittens are calling for her and enter the trap to find them.

18. Take a break from trapping.

Unless the cat is in need of immediate medical attention, take a break for a week or two. Give yourself and the cat a rest, and then try again. You’ll get her eventually!

What Not to Do When Trapping

The last thing you want to do while trapping is put yourself or the cats in danger. Even if you’re frustrated from failed attempts to trap a cat, never resort to the following techniques.

DO NOT use trapping equipment that is not specifically meant for cats. You could injure or even kill a cat with alternate trapping methods.

DO NOT try to catch a cat with your hands.  Even the most socialized cat can panic when grabbed, and can scratch or bite you. You can also harm the cat in the attempt if she struggles to escape you.

DO NOT withhold food for more than 48 hours before trapping. It’s dangerous to a cat’s health to go without eating for more than two days.

DO NOT withhold water . This will not help you in your trapping efforts. Instead, you can do harm to cats’ health and wellbeing.

DO NOT give up!  Be patient, persistent, and clever. If you keep trying, you  will get that cat into that trap .

More on TNR preparation:

• Prepare Cats and the Community for Trapping Day
• 5 Steps to the Final Countdown to TNR
• A Little Bait Goes a Long Way to Trap a Feral Cat

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Since 1990, Alley Cat Allies has led the movement to protect and improve the lives of ALL cats. Today, over 1 million supporters join us in our mission, and people worldwide look to Alley Cat Allies for leadership in humane, evidence-based programs for cats and kittens. Please join us as we build a world where all cats are valued and every community has policies and resources to defend them.

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How to Trap Cats

Last Updated: March 17, 2024 References

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 19 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 87,951 times. Learn more...

Since pet cats are usually so cute, warm, and cuddly, it's all-too-easy to think the same of feral cats in your neighborhood. Unfortunately, left unchecked, feral cats can be harmful to themselves and others. Feral cat populations can multiply quickly, leading to overpopulation, competition among cats for food and living space, and nuisances like loud cat calls, foul-smelling urination from male cats, and more. [1] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source To fight the problems caused by feral cat populations, most animal societies recommend trapping cats and taking them to a veterinarian for spaying or neutering.

Preparing to Trap a Cat

• You may also want to alert your veterinarian that you intend to trap a feral cat (or cats) and will bring them in for treatment. However, since you don't know exactly which night you'll be catching a cat, don't commit to a firm date.

• In terms of food, you ideally want something both that tastes good to the cats and has a strong scent. Canned fish work well — tuna, mackerel, or sardines in oil are all good choices. Chicken, liver, and other meats also work, as does canned cat food.

• Be patient — taking the time to get a cat used to this trap now will make it much easier to trap the cat in the long run.
• You will want to use a standard, box-style live trap for this task. See the section below for more information on which types of traps are (and aren't ) appropriate.

• Stray cats (cats that used to have a home) generally: [2] X Research source Feel more comfortable approaching humans Are more likely to be by themselves Are more likely to have a friendly, open appearance (tail and ears up, eye contact, etc.) May make more noise
• Feral cats , on the other hand: Will usually stay away from humans Are more likely to live in packs or colonies Are more likely to have a guarded, tense appearance (low, slinking posture, tail down, etc.) Are usually silent Will often have fairly clean coats

Trapping a Cat Humanely

• Depending on their size, live traps can retail for anything from $20 to about $100. Generally, for a reliable trap, this money is worth it. Don't try to save money by improvising your own trap unless you're an experienced trapper — there's a risk the cat may escape or be injured.

• You may also want to put something heavy (like a rock) on top of the trap so that it is weighed down and won't move when the cat enters.

• Some people like to put a flattened cardboard box underneath the trap for easy clean-up. This isn't essential, but it can keep food bits from the bait trail from working their way into the ground.

• If you do cover the trap, ensure that the towel you use doesn't interfere with the mechanism of the trap before you leave it out.

• Note also: It is inhumane to leave a cat (or any other animal) in a trap for prolonged periods of time. Inside a trap, an animal has no access to food or water (unless you provide it), no room to stretch out, and no way to move away from its urine or excrement. In addition, in weather that is very hot or cold, staying in a trap for any length of time can be dangerous and may even lead to the animal's death from exposure, so it's extra-important to check the trap as soon as you can.

• Steel jaw traps (i.e., bear traps)
• Wire or rope snares
• Traps that grip or crush the body
• Any trap that hangs the animal by a limb

Dealing With a Trapped Cat

• If you notice that your trapped cat is a lactating female, you will need to take her to the vet and release her as soon as possible. [ citation needed ] Lactation is a sign that a mother cat has kittens, who can not generally survive on their own for long periods of time.
• If you end up trapping a neighborhood pet or a wild animal, simply release it according to the directions below.

• You may also want to elevate the trap on pieces of wood or bricks so that waste will fall through the wire. Place newspaper under the elevated trap.
• If you intend to trap more than one cat, put 1-2 more traps than cats you expect to trap out when you start the process.
• Avoid feeding the cat. Opening the trap gives the cat an opportunity to lunge for the exit or scratch you. In addition, if the vet ends up recommending surgery (such as spaying or neutering) for the cat, the procedure will be easiest if the cat has an empty stomach.

• Note that some vets offer discount rates for spaying or neutering feral cats as a service to the community. [6] X Trustworthy Source Best Friends Animal Society Nonprofit animal welfare organization dedicated to saving animal lives by operating and supporting no-kill animal shelters Go to source
• If the cat is unhealthy or requires serious medical care, be prepared to make a decision with your vet about whether to humanely euthanize them. For a feral cat in the wilderness, a major medical condition can mean a slow, painful death.

• Do not take the cat to someplace unfamiliar when you release them. The cat will usually become disoriented, get lost, and eventually die if you do this. [7] X Trustworthy Source Best Friends Animal Society Nonprofit animal welfare organization dedicated to saving animal lives by operating and supporting no-kill animal shelters Go to source
• After you release the cat, wash both the trap and your hands with bleach, soap and water.

Community Q&A

• Bring a flashlight with you if trapping at night, to help prevent tripping or stumbling over unseen obstacles. It will also help when checking traps from a distance. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• If you trap a female that is producing milk for kittens, locate the kittens and determine whether they are old enough to wean (4 to 6 weeks). If not, you will need to catch and feed them a substitute for mother's milk. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• Change your clothes before having any contact with your own pets to avoid spreading diseases from the feral cats. Wash the clothes separately to avoid cross contamination with your other clothes. If possible, use bleach. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 1
• Some diseases show no symptoms early on. Be sure to isolate all cats and kittens from your own pets and get them checked out by your veterinarian. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• After trapping a feral cat, do not try to get them out of the trap as they may bite you. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Cats may scratch and bite you if you try to enclose them, especially when they are eating. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Things You'll Need

• Protective gloves/clothing
• Cat food with cover or covered container
• Wood or bricks
• Kitten milk (if necessary)

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/feral_cats/qa/feral_cat_FAQs.html
• ↑ http://www.alleycat.org/StrayOrFeral
• ↑ http://bestfriends.org/Resources/No-Kill-Resources/Cat-initiatives/Helping-Community-Cats/Humane-Trapping-Instructions-for-Community-Cats/
• ↑ http://www.peta.org/issues/wildlife/cruel-wildlife-control/cruel-wildlife-trapping/
• ↑ http://www.alleycat.org/Rabies

About This Article

Before trapping a cat for spaying or neutering, get a box-style live trap with a slanted trap door at one end. Next, place the open, unset trap in your yard with a dish of food right next to it. After several days, start placing the food inside the open trap so that the cat gets comfortable with it. Then, set up the trap in a flat, secure area with a small dish of food placed behind the pressure plate. Throughout the day, check on trap as often as you can to ensure that the cat isn’t left inside it for too long. For more advice, including how to make the trap more secure and inviting to the cat, keep reading. Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Planning on taking a plane trip with your cat? This trainer’s travel routine will help ensure things run smoothly

Traveling with your kitty by plane doesn’t need to be complicated.

Do you travel with your cat? Many of us will travel with our pets at one time or another, whether it’s for a vacation, to move house, or just to visit loved ones. 

You might know how to travel with a dog, or perhaps you’ve never traveled with a pet at all, so what should you know when it comes to traveling with a cat? Apart from bringing some of the best cat toys with you, of course! 

Well, cat behaviorist Albert Colominas of OutdoorBengal has offered some advice in a recent Instagram post, to help you plan your next trip with your kitty!

A post shared by Albert & Mia | Cat Training & Adventures (@outdoorbengal) A photo posted by on

“Reflecting on our trips, the thing that stressed me the most when traveling with Mia was dealing with her litter box routine,” Colominas explains. “Then I learned about the other issues like leaving or entering countries or even training her how to be comfortable on her carrier.”

He outlines a formula he always follows when traveling with Mia, which involves planning ahead, ensuring that she’s trained and comfortable, making sure he has all the gear he needs, and being prepared to adapt and change plans if needed.

Three months before traveling with a cat , he recommends updating your cat’s vaccinations, and microchipping them if they don’t already have one, and then buying tickets and securing your cat’s place in the cabin two months before. One month before you go, Colominas advises checking all the paperwork you’ll need.

To ensure that your trip continues to go smoothly, he adds, “Don’t let your cat escape! Find a cat harness that gives you peace of mind and allows you to go past airport security.”

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As for Mia’s litter box routine, he explains that he’ll give Mia the chance to use her portable litter box before a flight, will take her to the plane bathroom during the flight, and will let her use her litter box as soon as they land, too. 

He explains, “This routine has made our travels much smoother, and Mia seems more relaxed knowing she has a comfortable place to go when she needs it. It’s a simple solution, but it has made a world of difference in our flying experiences.”

Making sure you’re prepared before the flight actually comes around will help you make the journey with your feline friend a lot smoother. Traveling with a cat might sound daunting, whether you’re doing it for the first time or you haven’t done it for a while, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. 

For more travel advice, here are 32 tips for traveling with pets , while here are the 33 best places to take your pet on vacation !

Sherpa Original Deluxe Airline-Approved Dog & Cat Carrier Bag $41.49 at Chewy Featuring mesh windows for ventilation, top and side entry with locking zippers for safety, padded carrying strap with adjustable no-slip shoulder and a machine-washable faux lambskin liner, this stylish cat carrier will ensure your feline friend travels in comfort. 

Adam is a freelance journalist covering lifestyle, health, culture, and pets, and he has five years' experience in journalism. He's also spent the last few years studying towards undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in journalism. While a cat person at heart, he's often visiting his parents' Golden Retriever, and when he's not writing about everything pets he's probably drinking coffee, visiting a cat cafe, or listening to live music.

Want to strengthen your bond with your cat? These five simple tips from an expert behaviorist have got you covered

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"Cat Chooses You": Video Of Boy's Magical Adoption Trip Goes Viral

A heartwarming video from a local animal shelter captures the unexpected bond between a young boy and a cat, as the feline affectionately embraces him..

Shared on Reddit, the video quickly goes viral.

A video of a heartwarming turn of events at the local animal shelter, where a young boy's visit to adopt a kitten took an unexpectedly affectionate twist, is going viral. As soon as he stepped into the shelter, a particular feline made a beeline towards him, wrapping its paws around him in an endearing hug. Social media users described the moment as nothing short of magical, with the bond between the boy and the cat palpable to all present.

The video was shared on social media platform Reddit with a caption that reads, "The boy went to the shelter with the intention of adopting a kitten, and as soon as he arrived, one of the cats hugged him. Cat chooses you."

The boy went to the shelter with the intention of adopting a kitten, and as soon as he arrived, one of the cats hugged him..🐈🥺Cat chooses you..🐾❤️ by u/Delicious-Let8429 in MadeMeSmile

The boy's identity is not known, but he was visibly touched by the cat's affectionate gesture. Despite the variety of kittens available for adoption, it was clear that this particular cat had found its soulmate.

The viral social media video capturing this heartwarming encounter serves as a poignant reminder of the profound connections between humans and their furry companions. Numerous users are engaging with the video, commenting on the evident bond depicted within.

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"I wasn't convinced until the little boy turned around. That giant smile on his face told me all I needed to know," commented a user.

"I still remember the moment my friend's cat finally accepted me. This is after about a year of hanging at my friends consistently (our apartment buildings were close, so multiple times a week). He walked on my chest and put his forehead on mine. He stayed like that for about a minute, staring at me. After that, he'd always want to sit near me and let me pet him," commented another user.

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Cat Unapologetically Shares Her 'Opinions' About Mom Taking a 5-Day Trip

O ur pets may not be able to speak English, but that doesn't mean they don't have a lot of opinions about us and our lives... and that they don't find their own ways to make those opinions known! My pets all truly hate when I go on vacation, even though it means they get to hang out with my parents and sister while I'm gone (all of whom love and spoil them dearly). They know I'm going somewhere as soon as the suitcase comes out, and they've even been known to try to hop in while I'm packing. 

But some pets decide to lecture their humans after they've already gotten home from their travels, and that includes the very bossy cat in this TikTok video. Her mom might think twice before she ever goes anywhere without her feline BFF again... 

On Tuesday, April 23, @munchkinstevie shared this video of her Munchkin cat , Nonna, showing how she reacted when her mom finally got home from a five day vacation. Let's just say that Nonna had a lecture waiting when Mom walked in! 

Not only does Nonna have a sassy expression on her face, but she's also meowing a lot, a sure sign that she is laying down the law. I don't speak cat, but I'm pretty sure she's saying, "where on earth have you been? Don't even leave me again!" 

Commenters seem to agree with me on that one, with one person writing, "she would like to speak to your manager."

Yeah, that sounds about right!  

Do Cats Know How Long We're Gone?

Even though cats (obviously) can't read clocks or tell time, that doesn't mean that they have no  sense of time — just that they perceive it a bit differently than humans do.

Instead of relying on clocks, cats depend on different cues to tell them what time of day it is, like the inner clock that tells them if it's time to wake up or go to sleep for the night, if it's light or dark outside, and of course, their humans' routines. We tend to leave for work, get home, and serve meals around the same times each day, which helps them understand what time it might be. 

So while they won't know exactly how  long you've been gone when you're on vacation, they'll know that it's longer than they'd expect you to be gone during your usual routine... which could lead you to getting a bit yelled at the way Nonna did to her mom in this video.

That's okay. It just means they miss us! Poor kitties. 

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Breaking news, nevada couple reunited with missing cat after 5 years and a 1,200-mile trip: ‘it is a miracle’.

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A Nevada couple received their own “miracle” when they were reunited with their lost cat who somehow ended up more than 1,200 miles away in Arkansas.

Cindy and Jeff Hall were devastated when their rescue cat, Sam, a Russian Blue, went missing five years ago while at their former Arizona residence.

“We had him for seven years and then one day he got out,” Cindy told KARK News .

Sam, who was adopted at just 12 weeks old, was nowhere to be found, but last month, the Halls received a phone call that he had been picked up at an Arkansas animal shelter, where they called him Luke.

The cat was picked up by two volunteer workers who were transporting dogs and spotted the Russian Blue at a gas station in Brinkley.

“It is a miracle that he walked up to these two women that were in rescue,” Cindy said of the chance encounter.

The volunteers from handed the cat over to the Jacksonville Animal Hospital, where the staff were able to scan his microchip and alert the Pawsitively Cats pet shelter, where the Halls had adopted Sam.

“We contacted his family to find out how Luke wound up being left at that gas station; they were thrilled to know he was alive,” the shelter said in a Facebook post update .

After receiving a bit of pampering, Sam began the long journey back home as volunteers drove him to El Paso before handing him off for the second leg of the trip to Tucson.

The final stretch saw the Russian Blue drive out to Nevada, where he was reunited with his parents.

“When we got him it was surreal,” Cindy Hall told KARK. “It’s such a beautiful story.”

“This story just can’t underestimate the power of a microchip,” she added. “We are so grateful for everyone that was involved.”

Despite now being 12 years old, Sam is behaving the same as ever, the Halls said, with their domestic life finally back to normal.

While it remains unclear how Sam managed to find his way to Arkansas, Cindy said she’s just happy to have him back.

“Having him home makes our family feel complete,” Cindy Hall said. 

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Abbey's Road: How a spring break library trip led to a purr-fect addition to the Roy family

Our spring break started as most do, with a festive cleaning of bedrooms on a rainy day, plenty of loads of laundry and the ceremonial removal of plastic from the front window, which any Ohioan worth their road salt can tell you is a surefire way to usher in another snowfall. (We did it anyway — sorry.)

This was underwhelming for the girls, who are acquainted enough with our lifestyle to know they shouldn’t have expected a Tahitian getaway but were holding out for something a little less chore-y.

It was Mr. Roy’s idea to go to the library, and that felt innocent enough.

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Everyone found their library totes, I grabbed my knitting and we headed to our local branch to find some fresh material.

It wasn’t until we parked and the girls were halfway to the building that Mr. Roy nudged me.

“Pssst. Look in the back,” he said, indicating the rear windshield.

“I know, I’ve been meaning to peel off that bumper sticker forever,” I sighed. “I just love the Golden Flashes so much.”

“No, look inside ,” he said.

I did, and lo and behold, the man who, in May, “just happened to take a cat carrier to get a haircut” and came back with a cat had struck again.

“Why is there a cat carrier in the trunk?” I hissed.

He just shrugged. 

“Thought maybe if we had time, we could go to the humane society after this.”

Ever since we said goodbye to our sweet Watson , Tiny — whose lifelong goal, you may recall, is to live in the apartment complex closest to our house and own 100 cats — has been gunning for a new furry friend.

The other two had been less vocal but indicated they wouldn’t mind an extra companion. Sherlock, meanwhile, was enjoying the peace and quiet but seemed unhappy that there was no extra food to fight over and no whippersnapper to chase him around the house.

“‘Maybe’?!?” I said. And that was that.

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We chose our books and returned to the van, where the girls settled in with their new reads, and Mr. Roy took the helm.

No one noticed he was driving the opposite direction of home, or that the trip seemed to be taking longer than it should, or that we were in the middle of cornfields instead of a neighborhood.

It took until the moment he turned the van into the humane society for it to dawn on them what was about to unfold.

The Architect was the first to realize what was happening.

“Why are we at the humane socie… Ooooooh,” she said.

Tiny about lost her mind.

“WE’RE GOING TO GET A NEW KITTY!” she said, halfway out the door before the car was in park.

“We’re just going to look and see if there’s any here that might be a fit,” I said, and every person who has ever gone to a humane society or pet shop “just to look” knows how this inevitably ends up.

We were shown the cat room and the kitten room and invited to socialize with the residents, and this is where we first met Bert.

There were others that were cuter and others that were younger and others that might have made good pets, but Bert was the one who spoke to us.

We liked his white “socks” and the way he played with the scrap of brown paper in the corner; how he jumped up and sniffed in my knitting bag and pulled out a pair of double-pointed needles to claim for his own.

We liked that he would sit still and let us pet him but then was off to run and play, exploring his little space like it held treasures just for him.

Bert was the one; it was clear.

We brought him home and, after much debate, renamed him Milo after a cat in a movie from my childhood. (Tiny was adamant that we stop with the Holmes names.)

He’s getting along just fine. Sherlock is taking it in stride. We all agree that Watson would approve. The girls are over the moon. 

And once again, we are a family of seven.

Abbey Roy is a mom of three girls who make every day an adventure. She writes to maintain her sanity. You can probably reach her at [email protected] , but responses are structured around bedtimes and weekends.

Stowaway cat shipped 650 miles from home in Amazon box

LEHI, Utah (KSL) - A Utah couple’s missing cat was found more than 600 miles away after she was accidentally shipped out with an Amazon return.

Carrie Stevens Clark and her husband, Matt Clark, say their cat, Galena, has a guilty pleasure: she likes to hide in boxes.

“She’s a hider,” Stevens Clark said. “She loves to play in boxes. It’s just a part of her personality.”

But it got her into trouble April 10 when she mysteriously disappeared from the Clarks’ home in Lehi, Utah. The couple spent hours looking for any sign of their beloved cat.

“That was the worst part: we had no idea what happened,” Stevens Clark said. “We put tons of flyers up. We contacted friends and family to help us search. We searched for a whole week.”

Just as it seemed all hope was lost, the couple got a phone call last Wednesday – from a veterinarian in California. Galena’s microchip had been scanned 650 miles away near the city of Riverside.

“I just couldn’t even believe that she was in California. I thought it was a prank. It’s still hard to wrap my brain around,” Stevens Clark said.

It turned out that Galena had gotten trapped in an Amazon package her owners were using to return some shoes. She slipped inside the box while at home and managed to go undetected.

“We had no idea, so Matt took the package to the drop-off without knowing that our dear cat was inside,” Stevens Clark said.

Galena went six days without food or water in the box until she was discovered by an Amazon employee named Brandy. The employee took the cat under her care, even taking her to the vet, until she could be returned to her family.

“We are so thankful for Brandy and for everything that she did for our kitty,” Stevens Clark said.

As soon as the Clarks heard Galena had been found, they booked a flight to reunite with her the next day. They say the cat’s recovery was nothing short of miraculous.

Other than some mild dehydration, Galena was unharmed during her trip. The box she was in was split open enough to give her air, and the temperatures were such that she didn’t overheat or freeze. She is now home and back to her old self.

“It was just the best because I know that under other circumstances, she wouldn’t have been found. We’re just so happy to have her again,” Stevens Clark said.

Stevens Clark adds that she wants to encourage all pet owners to microchip their pets and “triple-check your Amazon boxes.”

Copyright 2024 KSL via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.

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