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Cats often dislike travelling. Any change of location can be stressful for these sensitive creatures as unfamiliar noises and odours can make even the most robust feline friend nervous. Your cat is likely not a fan of car journeys, but with a bit of preparation, you can ease its fear of riding in the car.
The most critical element of any journey with a cat is training with the transport crate – whether travelling by car, airplane or train. If your cat associates the transport crate solely with unpleasant trips to the vet, resistance is inevitable.
During the car ride, your cat must be safely secured. This is only achieved in a transport crate made of hard plastic, a wicker basket or a sturdy textile bag approved for animal transport. Although it may be tempting to use a collar, harness and lead, these do not adequately protect your cat from injuries in the event of an accident.
A cat roaming freely in the car can be a dangerous distraction, quickly jumping onto the headrest, into a lap or hiding under the accelerator pedal.
Before Your Cat Joins You in the Car
Securing your cat in a transport crate is the first step towards a safe journey with your feline friend in the car. To make entering the crate more appealing, try making it an attractive place for your cat. Instead of bringing out the crate only for trips, introduce it into the living area days or even weeks beforehand. Valerian and catnip can make the scent of the transport crate more inviting and help to relax nervous cats.
Pheromone sprays like Feliway have a similar effect. Use small treats and incorporate the crate into your daily play sessions. This helps your cat associate the transport crate with positive experiences.
Transport boxes not only prevent your cat from exploring the car, but they also provide more protection in the event of an accident
Gradually Increase Training
Once the fear of the large, unfamiliar-smelling crate diminishes, you can try coaxing your cat into the transport bag with a toy, a cat wand or a treat. Next, close the transport crate for a short moment. If this works well, occasionally take your cat in the crate into the car without actually driving. The more patience you show during training, the more relaxed future car rides will be.
During the Car Journey: Cat on Board
On the day of travel, ensuring your cat’s comfort in the transport crate is even more critical. A favourite toy or a few treats can help. An old towel in the crate makes the stay more comfortable and can absorb any accidents since even the calmest cats may have an unexpected bladder release. Unfortunately, some cats may also experience nausea and vomiting during car rides.
Inside the car, secure the crate to the seat. This prevents it from sliding off the seat during braking or accelerating, reducing the risk of injury. It also allows you to avoid taking your hand off the wheel to reposition a slipping crate.
Additional Tips for a Relaxed Car Journey
Create a pleasant atmosphere in the car before the journey by ventilating it well. During the drive, keep all windows closed as long as temperatures permit, as most cats are sensitive to draughts. Their hearing is also very delicate, so it’s best to turn off the radio and stereo.
In unfamiliar situations, you are your cat’s go-to person. Speak calmly to your cat. This not only relaxes your feline friend but also you as the cat owner. Also, maintain a calm driving style.
Depending on the length of the journey, take regular breaks. Feed your cat and offer it water during these pauses. You may also need to change its bedding. To ensure your cat doesn’t escape, never open the car door and the crate door simultaneously.
After the Car Journey with Your Cat
Finally – you’ve made it! Your cat may feel a bit wobbly after the car ride and might have even vomited. In any case, it will likely want to groom itself and settle in. Give your cat the time it needs to feel safe again.
Ideally, leave the transport crate in your cat’s vicinity for a few days and repeat the familiarisation exercises you did before the journey.
zooplus Editorial Team
The zooplus editorial team consists of a dedicated team of experts with many years of experience in the field of animal husbandry: Luisa with her White Swiss Shepherd Elyos, Laura, Julio, and Florian. Together with a large network of animal experts, we work to make the zooplus magazine a trusted source of information for all animal owners and lovers. Our goal is to provide exciting animal knowledge and relevant information on the proper care of pets.
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