Transporting Cats

It’s inevitable that if not for a holiday, a cat will need to be transported in a car even if just for a visit to the vet. Cats tend not to be as comfortable in moving vehicles as dogs but will become used to it if started early in life, even when they are kittens.

Cats should never be allowed to roam free in a vehicle as they are incredibly quick and it will only take seconds for them to distract the driver or get down at their feet amongst the pedals. A scared, unrestrained cat in a moving vehicle is a recipe for disaster.

Travel crates come in various sizes and materials and are the best option for transporting a cat, making sure that it feels secure whilst everyone else in the car will be safe as well. Make sure the cat is used to the crate before it has to ride in it in the car and start with short trips of just a few minutes, gradually building up to longer ones. 

Don’t be too concerned if the cat meows continuously, especially in the beginning as this is just its way of letting you know it isn’t happy. Eventually it will settle down and may even relax and enjoy the trip.

Sometimes a cat that is not used to travelling will defecate quickly once the car starts moving and this can certainly be uncomfortable for everyone, including the cat. 

A good tip is to put two layers of bedding in the crate with the top one being disposable. This layer can then be removed quickly leaving the crate and the car clean for the rest of the trip but only attempt this from inside the car with the doors closed to prevent the cat from escaping if it gets out of the crate.