People are usually in awe at the fact that I opt to drive, instead of fly, the 950 miles from here to my hometown. They are more surprised by the fact that the two cats accompany me (and my mother, who flies down to drive up with me) on the road trip. Here are some tips I've learned from doing this on multiple occasions: (note that a lot of these also apply to other types of pets as well)
1. Make them as comfortable as possible
I'm lucky enough that my cats don't freak out in the car. The only time one of them yowls is when she is confined in her cage. My cats are more comfortable being able to move around during the 16 hour drive (yes, they are confined to the car for a full 16 hours and we all survive). However, this does not mean everyone should do this as cats are notorious for being bad travel buddies. What I had originally done the first time I attempted this (and when I only had the one cat) was to have his carrier and a little pop-up pet tent facing each other so that his carrier contained a bowl of water and food, and the tent had the litter box. He only meowed a few times throughout the trip to "remind" us he was there. This seems to work for a few other people making similar trips for cat that may be stressed. After that trip, I started using a baby gate to separate the back seat from the front and let the cat (and eventually cats) roam free in the back. Now, I don't even use that and they know if they want to come up front, they have to sit with the passenger, not the driver.
2. Remember on trips: if you have to stop to eat and pee, they will need to too.
I always make a litter box, food, and water available for the cats. Though mine hardly ever use these things (except when we stop and the car if off), it's there if they want it. Also, I ensure that when we reach our destination, that they have all three available immediately once inside the house.
3. Keep the environment calm
Do not blare your music, it will make your cat miserable. Also, I've learned that at least one of mine does not like an open window, probably due to the noise when we're on the interstate. The trip will stress your cat enough, do not add to their misery.
4. Acknowledge them
They will feel lonely if they're tucked away in the back. Say their name occasionally or, if possible, pet them. Let them know they are not alone or being ignored.
5. Don't drug them
I have seen some people have their vets prescribe anxiety meds for their pets during travel. I have also read a number of reasons not to do this. It may calm the cat for the trip but once they wake up: they are groggy, have NO idea what happened throughout the day, and are now in a new place while dealing with the after effects of their meds. Important note: NEVER give your cat any human medication without discussion with their vet first.
6. An emergency occurs
If something happens to one of your cats while driving, DO NOT take your eyes off the road until you have safely pulled over. Remain calm: if you are stressed, your cat will be.
7. Careful when opening doors
When you make a stop, make sure you know where your cat is when you open the door. You don't want a lost pet in the middle of no where. For cats, they sell harnesses and leashes for walking your cat so if your cat is one to bolt out the door when you come home every day, I strongly suggest a harness in case you need to grab them quickly and easily.
8. Make sure they are identifiable
In the chance that they do get loose either while driving, at the airport, or at your travel destination, it is important that if found, your information is easily obtainable. Both my cats have collars on 24/7 with tags that list their name and my phone number. They are also both microchipped as the shelter they were adopted at does that for all cats they receive. Even if they don't travel with you and stay indoors all the time, I strongly urge them to have a breakaway collar (in case they get caught in something, the collar easily comes off when they pull to prevent injury) and microchipped because you never know what could happen.
9. Plan ahead for hotels
I usually do all my trips in one shot and don't stay overnight anywhere, however, if you know you will be stopping overnight somewhere, call ahead to make sure the place allows cats.
10. Cat carrier
Make sure you can easily get the cat in their carrier. This does not include finding your cat first but once you have picked up the cat and are trying to place it in their carrier. It also provides them a safe place while in the car so make sure they have plenty of room. If you are just going to leave the cat in the carrier, period during the trip, they probably would appreciate a larger carrier than normal to have during long trips, such as a large dog carrier.
There are plenty of sites out there that list other tips for travelling with cats. This site talks about what to do for different types of travel with your pet (car, plane, before leaving). This site also includes some quick tips on when accidents happen. Another one is this site which provides some general tips as well.
Have you found some things that have helped with travel? Or have tips for other types of pets? Feel free to share in the comments.
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