Traveling with cats long distance? If you are moving across country with a cat in a car, preparation is key to a successful journey. It’s important to keep your feline happy and comfortable during the ride.
Moving long distance with cats is totally possible, just plan appropriately for your kitty’s needs. Before you start your trip, make sure you go through this simple checklist below. Here’s the best way to travel long distance with a cat!
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Traveling With Cats Long Distance
In this post, I’ve listed helpful several tips for moving long distance with cats. Traveling with cats long distance can be stressful, but with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be! Below each tip I’ve also include a helpful product I felt had the most value for the cost.
Let’s get started!
Best Products For Moving Long Distance With Cats
1. Choose A Comfortable Cat Carrier
One tip for traveling with cats long distance is to choose the right cat carrier. A well made carrier will keep your cat comfortable during the long ride.
Make sure the carrier is an appropriate size for your cat. As a rule of thumb, the cat carrier should be 1.5 times the size of your feline. A too big carrier is dangerous and will cause your cat to tumble inside while the car is in motion. On the other hand, a small carrier is uncomfortable and can cause anxiety. Your cat should be able to sit, stand, and turn around.
While driving, always keep your kitty in the carrier. NEVER let your cat roam around your car when it’s in motion. Although adorable, your kitty can become a huge distraction! The last thing you want is an accident!
Best Budget, Quality Cat Carrier
Looking for a budget, quality cat carrier that will keep your kitty comfortable on a long car ride? If you plan to travel long distance with a cat across country, I highly recommend this soft-sided cat carrier. It’s an excellent sturdy carrier that will prevent your cat from clawing its way out!
Moving long distance with cats can be hectic and anxiety-inducing. A comfortable carrier will keep your kitty comfortable during this confusing time. I recommend introducing the carrier prior to the trip, so your cat feels more comfortable in it during traveling.
While traveling with a cat in a car, I recommend placing a soft towel or blanket on the bottom of the carrier. To keep your feline safe, place the cat carrier on the floor of the backseat of your cat. You should keep the windows closed all times.
2. Bring A Portable Cat Litter Box
When moving long distance with cats, it’s important they get breaks to do their business, especially on a long car ride. The best way to travel long distance with a cat is to bring a portable cat litter box.
Portable cat litter boxes are easy to transport and keep your car’s floors litter free. You could also bring the portable litter box into a hotel if needed.
Best Quality Portable Cat Litter Box
Your cat will need to take potty break at some point. It’s important to bring a litter box when this happens. I recommend placing the cat litter box on the floor of the backseat, so your kitty can conveniently access it during a short break.
This collapsible portable cat litter box is a must have item while traveling with a cat in a car across country. This litter box is waterproof and a perfect size to fit into the backseat floor of a car. It is compact and easy to transport.
3. For Extra Safety, Put A Harness On Your Cat
The best way to travel long distance with a cat is to put a harness on your feline. Although not completely necessary, a cat harness will add extra security and help prevent your cat from escaping and getting lost during your trip. It’s also a great way to allow your cat to get some fresh air outside during a break.
I recommend introducing the cat harness prior to the trip, so your cat feels comfortable in it. Allow your cat to wear the harness indoors before the trip. Make sure the cat harness is sized appropriately with your cat. You don’t want your cat escaping because of a too large harness!
Prior to purchase, I recommend measuring your cat to ensure the harness is a good fit. If you plan to walk your cat outside during a break, make sure your cat is already comfortable wearing a harness outside. Moving long distance with cats can be stressful. Keep your cat safe inside your car with a cat harness.
Most Comfortable Cat Harness
When choosing a cat harness, get one that snugly fits over your cat’s body. If you are looking for a comfortable and secure harness, I recommend getting in this cat harness and leash from Ribbitgoo.
This harness is lightweight and breathable. It’s an excellent comfortable harness to use while traveling with cats long distance. It has two snap buckles, so you can easily take it on and off your cat. The vest styled design prevents your cat from choking while on the leash. It’s a great secure harness to help prevent your kitty from accidentally escaping while traveling long distance.
Before the car ride, make sure to properly familiarize your kitty to the harness and leash. Prior to wearing, place the harness near your cat’s bed for a few days and give your cat treats while putting it on. It’s important your cat feels comfortable and safe while wearing the harness. NEVER force a harness on your cat.
4. Bring A No Spill Bowl To Keep Your Car Hydrated During The Long Trip
While moving long distance with cats, it’s important your animals are properly hydrated. Dehydration is a huge concern while traveling. I recommend keeping a no spill bowl in the car to keep your cat quenched during a long trip.
A non-spilling bowl will keep your cat hydrated during breaks and prevent your car’s floors from getting doused with water. Prior to the trip, familiarize your cat to the new drinking bowl. Allow your feline to drink out of the bowl at home.
The best way to travel long distance with a cat is to keep your kitty hydrated! During the car ride, keep the water bowl away from the litter box, but accessible to your cat during breaks.
Best Budget No Spill Bowl
Looking for a budget non-spilling water bowl for traveling? I highly recommend this No Spill Bowl from Petmate. This bowl is splash-proof and portable. It’s the perfect bowl for car rides. You can hold it upside down and it won’t spill!
This is an excellent water bowl to use at home or traveling. If your kitty enjoys knocking over bowls, this is a great product to prevent wet floors. This is a huge must have item while traveling with cats long distance.
One of the best features of this product is it’s easy to refill and clean. The bowl is also dishwasher safe. If you are traveling with your cat for more than one day, you should replace and refill the water bowl with fresh water daily. Hydration is important while traveling long distance with a cat. Make sure your kitty has access to water during breaks!
5. In Case Of Emergencies, Keep A Pet First Aid Kit In Your Car
A safety tip for moving long distance with cats, is to keep a pet first aid kit in your car. Although not completely necessary, a pet first aid kit is an important item to have in case of emergencies. Familiarize yourself with the various items inside your kit.
When traveling with cats long distance, anything can happen. It doesn’t hurt to be prepared for the worst. It’s also a handy item to have in case of natural disasters.
Best Quality Pet First Aid Kit
Looking for a quality pet first aid kit to keep in your car or home? This pet first aid kit by Rayco is compact and has everything you might need in case an emergency happens while traveling with a cat in a car.
It has everything you need: antiseptic wipes, gauze rolls, bandages, a styptic pencil, and more. When you travel long distance with a cat across country, it’s important to be prepared.
Summarized: Traveling With Cats Long Distance
In this post, I’ve listed the best way to travel long distance with a cat. Here are the most important points you should know while moving long distance with cats or other pets:
Best Way To Travel Long Distance With A Cat
- Select a comfortable cat carrier for a long trip. The carrier should be 1.5 times the size of your feline. Place the carrier on the floor of the backseat. While driving, your cat should stay inside the carrier at ALL times. Make sure to introduce the cat carrier prior to travel.
- When traveling long distant with a cat, your kitty will need to take potty break at some point. Keep a portable cat litter box inside your car.
- For extra security, place a comfortable harness and leash on your cat. Your cat should be familiar and comfortable wearing a harness prior to travel. NEVER force a harness on a cat.
- Keep your cat hydrated during a long journey. To prevent your water bowl from splashing around the car, bring a no spill bowl to keep your car dry. Make sure your cat has easy access to water during breaks.
- In case of emergencies, keep a pet first aid in your car.
Basic Items You Should Always Bring While Traveling
The traveling items listed above are important for any car ride. When traveling, remember to also bring your cat’s essentials:
- Food + Water
- Grooming Supplies
- Medications
- Scratch Post
- Cat Bed
- Toys + Favorite Items (Blankets, Pillows, etc.)
More Cat Travel Tips
In this post, I’ve listed items you should bring in any long car ride. To help you and your cat travel more comfortably, here are more helpful tips:
- To help reduce stress, familiarize your cat to traveling by taking short car rides with your feline prior to travel.
- Get your cat microchipped. If your kitty does escape, this is one way to help them return home.
- Make sure your car is at a cool temperature to prevent your feline from overheating.
- When traveling long distance, remember to take breaks often so your cat has time to rehydrate and use the litter box. NEVER leave your kitty inside a car alone. Temperatures can rise quickly on warm days.
- To prevent motion sickness, you should not feed your kitty 4 to 6 hours prior to the car ride.
Conclusion
In this post, I’ve listed the best way to travel long distance with a cat. Before you start your long journey, make sure to prepare for the long ride to ensure all your kitty’s needs are met.
Traveling with cats long distance can hectic and stressful. However, with preparation, it’s totally possible to travel long distance with a cat. If you are moving long distance with cats, make sure you have all the items listed above.
It’s important to keep your cat happy and comfortable during any long trip. I recommend introducing your cat to any new travel items prior to the ride. This way your feline can feel at home during this confusing time.
Good luck!
