Can cat travel in car long distance

Cats have their own way of saying, "No thanks, I'll stay home!" From excessive meowing to hiding at the sight of their carrier—there is something about a trip in the car that many felines often dislike.

If you're like most of us cat lovers, you might be wondering if there are any kitties on earth who actually enjoy riding in the car. With all the hiding and meowing that happens ahead of a vet visit, it's tough to even imagine a world in which cats are willing to get in the car, let alone enjoy it. But pet pros say that with enough positive associations with the car and their carrier, it's possible for cats to actually learn to like an occasional ride here and there. With a little training and some help from his favorite treat, your kitty could be on their way to co-pilot status. So buckle up, because we've teamed up with two cat behavioral experts to determine how to make those wild rides just a little more enjoyable for everyone.

Cats are creatures of habit, and nothing can disrupt their routines quite like moving to a new home. Helping your cat prepare for the upcoming relocation will make the trip more pleasant for you and your purring companion.

Create a cozy cat space

Establish a room (or a large closet) as a temporary safe space for your cat where he can lounge and take his meals. Make the room comfortable by keeping his water, bed, toys and litter box there. This will be a place where your cat can stay isolated and calm while you’re packing and loading your things.

Get used to a crate

If your cat isn’t already used to traveling in a crate, don’t wait until moving day to introduce one. Start with keeping the crate open in the cat’s safe space and coax him into going inside with treats while leaving the door open. Later, allow your cat longer periods of time inside the crate to get comfortable with it and leave behind his scent.

Take short car rides

Your cat might only associate car rides with a trip to the vet, so it’s best to take shorter car rides prior to a long road trip. Gradually increase the duration of the rides to help your kitty get used to it. Offer plenty of praise and treats when the trips are over to help your cat associate the car with a positive experience.

Practice leash walking

You don’t usually walk your cat on a leash? It’s okay. While leash walking doesn’t come as naturally to cats as it does to most dogs, it can be done with some practice and patience. Start with getting him used to the harness and work your way up to using the leash in your yard or another safe space. You want to make sure your cat won’t dart away at any stops you make while driving to your new home.

Keep your kitty comfortable during the trip

An unhappy pet can make even a short car (or plane) trip stressful, so you’ll want a content cat for a long ride.

Confine your pet

It’s not safe to let your kitty roam the vehicle freely. Use a pet restraint, preferably a hard-shelled crate, to keep your cat contained in the car. If you’re flying to your new home, follow your airline’s recommendations for the proper crate or carrier. Make sure the carrier is secured and level in a seat with a vent pointing toward it for ventilation. If your cat is especially nervous in the car, try covering the crate with a thin blanket or towel to help him stay calm.

Pack essentials in the car

Whether it’s catnip or medication prescribed by your veterinarian, you’ll want to make sure your cat’s things are easily accessible in your car. Keep water, food, toys, pet waste bags and a portable litter box (you can pack extra litter in large zip-top bags) on-hand to make your kitty’s trip easier.

Plan feline-friendly rest stops

Pet stores are great places to stop for restroom breaks since you can take your cat inside with you.

Stay in cat-friendly hotels

Many hotels are listed as pet-friendly, but make sure to confirm that they’re not just dog-friendly. While you’ll need to check the rules at each location, these hotels are known to allow cats:

Days Inn
Extended Stay America
Hotels by Hilton
Marriott Hotels
Motel 6
Red Roof Inns

Help your cat adjust to a new home

Once you arrive at the new place, you’ll want to make your cat feel at home.

Make a new kitty hideaway

Remember that cozy cat space you created at the old place? Now’s the time to recreate it with the same items at your new home. Find a room or space for your cat with all his favorite things where he can relax while you set up your new household. As your cat becomes more comfortable, you can let him explore more of the home by moving a few of his things outside the safe space.

Keep cats indoors for two weeks to establish a routine

As territorial animals, cats have been known to try to return to previous homes. You don’t want to lose your friend, so most veterinarians recommend keeping cats inside for at least two weeks after a move. Supervise any outdoor visits or put him on a tether for brief time alone in the yard. Make sure your cat’s tags or microchip are updated with your new address in case he wanders off.

More questions about moving with cats?

If you have any other questions about moving with your cat, let us know in a comment below. To speak to a consultant about moving with U-Pack, call us at  844-362-5303844-594-3077  or  click to learn more about our moving service.

Hear from a cat owner’s point of view. Celebrity cats  Cole and Marmalade have moved with us twice!

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How long can a cat ride in a car?

Most cats can stay inside their carrier for long hour drives as long as you take breaks every 2-3 hours to offer them water, food, and the opportunity to use the litterbox.

Can cats go on long car trips?

Most of the time, cats travel quite well with no need for any medication. Some cats, on the other hand, do experience stress when traveling. Consult your veterinarian to create the best travel plan for your cat if she does not travel well.

How do I transport my cat long distance?

Helping your cat prepare for the upcoming relocation will make the trip more pleasant for you and your purring companion..

Create a cozy cat space. ... .

Get used to a crate. ... .

Take short car rides. ... .

Practice leash walking. ... .

Confine your pet. ... .

Pack essentials in the car. ... .

Plan feline-friendly rest stops. ... .

Stay in cat-friendly hotels..

How long can a kitten travel in a car?

The cat should be allowed out of its carrier every four to six hours. Here are some tips for traveling with a cat in your car: Make sure the cat has a carrier. It is unsafe to attempt driving with an unrestrained animal in the car.