Riding in cars with Cats

Riding in cars with Cats

It can be very dangerous to have a cat loose in the car – not only could it cause an accident by becoming entangled with the driver, but if a window or door was opened or an accident occurred, the cat could escape and become lost. 

You will need to invest in a carrier which is strong and easy to clean should the cat urinate or defecate or become sick during the journey. There are a wide range to carry cages to choose from. We recommend the Airline approved PP20 Carry Cages. It is best to avoid the cardboard or very cheap, light plastic boxes as they are not  strong enough for longer periods, especially if they became wet. Also consider the weather you will be traveling in – both your present situation and the likely temperature of your destination. If it is likely to be very hot then you can put a frozen water bottle in the carry cage wrapped in a towel for something cool for the cat to lean up against. If it is going to be cold then make sure their carrier is in a draft-free spot in your car while still allowing a good air flow would be useful.

  It is wise to line the carrier well with newspaper and absorbent cloth in case an accident happens, and take some spare familiar-smelling bedding if you need to replace it.

Place the carrier where it will be secure if you have to brake suddenly but where it has a good air flow – ie, not underneath lots of other luggage in the back of the car. Do not put the cat in the boot and take care with the rear of hatchbacks – ventilation may be poor and the cat may overheat. You can secure the carrier behind one of the front seats or use the seat belt to make sure it is held securely on the seat.

The cat may meow initially or even throughout the whole journey – speak calmly and reassuringly to it but resist letting it out of its carrier. The noise will probably drive you mad but the cat is unlikely to be suffering; just voicing its dislike of the situation! Eventually the constant motion and noise of the car will probably induce it to sleep or at least to settle down.

Check the cat regularly, especially if the weather is hot – don't underestimate how rapidly the temperature inside a car can rise - bear this in mind if you stop for a refreshment break and leave the cat in the car. Put the car in the shade and leave windows open – if it is very hot take a picnic and eat it nearby with the cat secure in its carrier outside the car or with all the doors open. Heat-stroke can be a killer. 

*This information was gathered from http://www.fabcats.org