Taking your feline furiend on a multi-day road trip might sound like a daunting task, but with the right preparation, it can be a fun and rewarding adventure for both of you. Whether you’re traveling across the country or exploring nearby cities, bringing your cat along doesn’t have to be a stressful experience—after all, cats deserve to explore the world, too!
Receiving our registration with the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), we recently helped one of our inventors plan their first multi-day road trip with their new cat bound for Florida.Â
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about hitting the road with your cat, from prepping for the journey to making sure your kitty stays calm, comfortable, and happy during your trip.
Prepare Early: Get Your Cat Ready for the Road
Before you pack up the car and set off, it’s crucial to make sure your cat is ready for the trip. Cats are creatures of habit, so traveling can sometimes be a stressful experience for them. Here’s how to prepare them ahead of time:
Get Them Used to the Carrier
A sturdy and well-ventilated carrier is a must for any road trip. If your cat isn’t already used to being in a carrier, start introducing it well in advance of your trip. Leave it out in their favorite room with some cozy bedding inside, and reward them with treats and positive reinforcement when they explore it on their own.Â
Practice Car Rides
Before setting off on your multi-day journey, take your cat on short car rides to help them get accustomed to the motion of the car and the sounds of the road. Start with a few 10-15 minute drives and gradually increase the duration as they get more comfortable.
Vet Checkup & Health Certificates
Make sure your cat is healthy and ready to travel by scheduling a vet visit before your trip. If you’re crossing state lines or traveling internationally, check if you’ll need a health certificate for your cat—PadsPass can help you connect with a veterinarian who specializes in travel-related certifications!
Packing Essentials for Your Cat’s Comfort
Just like you’d pack a bag of road trip essentials for yourself, your cat will need a set of supplies to stay comfortable on the road. Here’s a checklist of must-haves:
Travel Carrier
Choose a carrier that is secure, comfortable, and well-ventilated. It should be large enough for your cat to turn around and lie down, but not too big that they’re sliding around. We really like the ones made by TravelCat as they're made specifically for the comfort of cats.
Litter Box
A portable, travel-friendly litter box is essential for multi-day trips. Make sure to bring their regular litter to avoid any surprises. Having 2 is helpful, one for the car and one for the hotel room and they even make waterproof recyclable ones if you'd like to leave it behind like this one.
Food & Water
Pack enough of your cat’s regular food for the whole trip with +2 extra days in case there are any car issues, as well as portable water dishes. It’s also a good idea to bring some bottled water from home so they have a familiar taste. If you’re traveling in the winter, be sure to bring the bottled water inside your accommodation on any overnight stops to avoid it freezing.Â
Comfort Items
Bring along your cat’s favorite blanket, toys, or bed to create a sense of familiarity in the car or at your overnight stops.
Medications & First Aid
If your cat takes any medications, pack enough for the entire trip plus a few extra days in case of delays. It’s also wise to bring a basic pet first-aid kit.
Harness and ID Tags
In case of an emergency, or an escape, make sure your cat has a collar or preferably a harness with updated ID tags. Be sure your cat is microchipped and their microchip is registered with all the relevant authorities you’ll go through on your road trip.Â
On the Road: Keeping Your Cat Calm and Comfortable
Now that your cat is ready and packed for the trip, it’s time to hit the road! Here are some tips to make sure your feline furiend stays comfortable during your journey:
Secure the Carrier
For safety, make sure your cat’s carrier is securely placed in the back seat and properly strapped in with a seatbelt. This will prevent it from sliding around during turns or sudden stops, keeping your cat safe and secure.
Stick to a Routine
Cats love routine, so try to stick to their normal feeding and bathroom schedule. Stop every few hours to give your cat a break that would align with times of their usual feeding and litter box routine at home. Set up the litter box in the car or during stops in a quiet and secure area where your cat feels comfortable.
Create a Calm Environment
Cats are sensitive to loud noises and sudden changes in their environment. Keep the car environment calm by playing soft music or keeping the windows up to reduce loud road noises. Consider using pheromone sprays like Feliway to help reduce anxiety and create a calming atmosphere inside the car.Â
Check out this Cat Playlist by Spotify
Temperature Control
Make sure the temperature inside the car is comfortable for your cat. Cats are sensitive to heat, so never leave them alone in a hot car, even for a few minutes. Keep the air conditioning or ventilation running to maintain a cool, comfortable space.
Offer Treats & Positive Reinforcement
Reward your cat throughout the trip with their favorite treats or a bit of attention when they’re calm and relaxed. This will help create positive associations with the travel experience and make future trips easier.
Managing Rest Stops: How to Avoid Escapes
One of the biggest challenges when traveling with a cat is making sure they stay safe and secure during rest stops. Cats are known for their quick reflexes and can dart out of the car if given the chance. Here’s how to manage rest stops without risking an escape:
Keep Your Cat in the Carrier
During short rest stops, leave your cat safely in their carrier to prevent any accidental escapes. Cats may become anxious in unfamiliar surroundings, and rest areas with busy traffic or loud noises can spook them easily.
Use a Harness and Leash
If you need to take your cat out of the carrier for a bathroom or water break, make sure they are securely wearing a harness and leash. Practice using the harness at home before your trip to make sure they are comfortable with it. A properly fitted harness will give you more control over your cat in unfamiliar settings.
Car Window Safety
If you plan on rolling down your car windows during a short rest stop, ensure they are only slightly open to prevent your cat from slipping through. Many cats can squeeze through small gaps, so it’s better to err on the side of caution.
Plan for Safe Litter Box Breaks
During longer planned rest stops, you may want to set up your cat’s litter box in the car for a quick break. Park in a quiet area away from distractions, and give your cat time to use the box inside the car. You’ll need to plan to stay inside the car with them on this planned longer break to avoid escape. Keeping them in a familiar space will reduce their stress and eliminate the risk of escape.
NEVER Open Multiple Car Doors
When getting in or out of the car, be cautious about leaving multiple doors open at the same time. Cats are fast and can quickly dart through an open door. Make sure all doors are securely closed before taking your cat out of the carrier or even exiting the car yourself.
Overnight Stays: Finding Pet-Friendly Accommodations
When planning a multi-day road trip with your cat, it’s important to find pet-friendly accommodations along your route. Here’s how to make overnight stays as stress-free as possible:
Choose Pet-Friendly Hotels
Not all hotels welcome cats, so be sure to research pet-friendly options before your trip. Look for accommodations that explicitly allow cats, as some places only accept dogs.
PadsPass Furst 50 members can reach out to us and we will help you find cat-friendly hotels.
Set Up a Safe Space
When you arrive at your hotel or rental, create a cozy and familiar space for your cat in the room. Set up their litter box, food and water bowls, and a comfy bed or blanket from home. Cats can be nervous in new environments, so give them time to explore the room and settle in.
Avoid Free-Roaming
Even in pet-friendly accommodations, it’s best to avoid letting your cat roam freely outside. New environments can be overwhelming, and a startled cat could easily get lost. Instead, provide them with safe areas to explore indoors. For this trip we planned, the PadsPass users will be staying at a Staybridge Suites which has multiple rooms to be able to close off an area for the cat while entering and leaving the suite.Â
Emergency Preparedness: Just in Case
Traveling with your cat means being prepared for the unexpected. Here are a few things to keep in mind in case of emergencies:
Locate Nearby Vets
Before you leave, research veterinary clinics along your route and at your destination. Having contact information on hand will save you time in case of an emergency.
Preparing for emergencies by locating veterinarians on trip is something we do for all our investors when traveling, who have Very Impawtant Pets.
Pet First Aid
Learn the basics of pet first aid, such as how to handle minor injuries or illnesses on the road. A pet first-aid kit can be a lifesaver during emergencies.
Keep Your Cat Contained
In case of a car accident or unexpected stop, make sure your cat is always secure in their carrier. This will prevent them from running off in a panic.
Arriving at Your Destination: Settling In
Once you’ve reached your destination, your cat might need a little extra time to adjust to the new surroundings. Follow these tips to help them feel at home:
Unpack Familiar Items
Set up their litter box, food, and water bowls as soon as you arrive. Surround them with familiar items like their bed or favorite toys to help reduce stress.
Let Them Explore Slowly
Allow your cat to explore their new environment at their own pace. Start by confining them to one room and gradually allow them to explore more areas as they become comfortable.
Enjoy the Adventure Together
Taking a multi-day road trip with your cat doesn’t have to be stressful— with some thoughtful planning, it can be an exciting and rewarding experience for both of you. From getting your cat comfortable with the car to managing rest stops and planning overnight stays, every step you take to ensure your cat’s comfort will make the trip that much better.
Interested in having PadsPass can help customize these recommendations for your purrrrfect road trip? Become one of our early suppawters and join the Furst 50 and you’ll have access to office hours with our Chief Customer Experience Officer Aliza.Â
So however you choose to travel, we hope this helps you hit the road and enjoy the journey to visit furmily this pawliday season!
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