How To Transport A Cat Across Country

Introduction

If you’re moving across country or just going on vacation, having to transport your cat can be a daunting prospect. Though cats are usually better travellers than dogs, they still require plenty of preparation, both in advance and during the trip itself. With some time and patience, however, you’ll be able to get your cat safely from A to B without any upset or unnecessary stress.

Find the right carrier.

The first thing to consider is whether the carrier you’re planning to use for your cat will be big enough for him. Make sure that he can comfortably fit inside, and that there are no sharp edges or protrusions that could injure him. The carrier should also have a secure latch so it doesn’t pop open while you’re traveling.

The second thing you need to think about is how easy it is going to be for you and others around you (especially those who may not know your cat well) to get your feline friend into his carrier without causing any harm or distress. You want something light enough for anyone with average strength, but not so flimsy that it seems like something a child would play with. And once inside, make sure all doors and windows are securely closed so no escape attempts are made!

Introduce the cat to the carrier.

To make sure your cat is comfortable in its carrier, it’s important to introduce the two beforehand. This will allow your cat to become familiar with it and get used to being inside. It’s also helpful for the carrier itself, since cats won’t scratch or claw at their carriers if they’re already used to them.

For this step, leave the door open on your carrier and let your cat explore for a few hours at a time over several days—your goal is for him/her to be completely familiar with its contents before you need to use it as transportation. After this period of exploration, put him/her inside for about two hours at a time (with some breaks) every day until he/she feels comfortable enough not only with being inside but also traveling in general!

Let your cat get used to travelling.

Let your cat get used to travelling.
Do it gradually. Don’t try to take more than one trip in a day at first; this will help the cat adjust to being in the carrier and harness for longer periods of time.
Start with taking the car on short trips around your neighborhood, then work up from there as you begin travelling further distances. The farther away from home you go, the longer your trip should be before you attempt another one back home again—this will give your cat time to get used to being out of its comfort zone and having less space in which it can walk around freely (which is why cats hate crates).
Make sure that both yourself and any other family/friends who are planning on helping take turns driving so that everyone gets equal practice driving with each other’s pets!

Avoid feeding your cat before travel, but make sure they have access to water.

Make sure the cat has access to a litter tray and food at all times during your trip.
Avoid feeding your cat for at least 24 hours before travel, as this may cause vomiting and diarrhea, which could be dangerous if you are on the road with limited access to bathrooms or litter boxes.

Consider getting your cat used to a harness and leash.

You may want to consider getting your cat used to a harness and leash. Cats are not naturally trained for leashes, so this process can take some time. You should introduce the harness with positive reinforcement and slowly let your cat get used to walking around the house with it on. When they seem comfortable, try taking them outside where there is less distraction from other animals or people. If you bring them outside too fast, they will become uneasy and possibly scared of going out in public again.

Once you have successfully introduced their new accessory and taken them for walks around the neighborhood without incident, add a leash! This can help keep your pet safer if he does decide to run away from home when left alone (which is unlikely but still possible). Just like before: start slow!

Keep toys and treats to hand.

There are a few ways in which you can keep your cat entertained and happy on the road.

Provide toys. A little bit of entertainment will go a long way toward keeping your cat’s attention and stress levels low during the trip. Try to get something that is lightweight, easily transportable, and can be thrown or dropped as needed. Cats love string toys (especially if they have bells) and crinkle balls, but don’t forget about other options like laser pointers or mice toys (available at most pet stores).
Provide food rewards (treats). Treats should be given sparingly when traveling with cats so they don’t become dependent on them for affection but they’re still useful at times when you need to reward good behavior or distract the cat when it’s getting stressed out by being locked in a car for hours on end! Make sure these treats are small enough that they won’t cause choking hazards; try giving freeze dried chicken pieces instead of rawhide chews for example which may expand once wetted down with saliva from chewing activity!

Ask people if they’ll keep an eye on your cat while you’re driving.

If you have friends or family who live in your cat’s new home, ask them to take over the care of your cat until you arrive. Make sure they know how to feed and water your cat, as well as provide a litter tray and safe hiding place. Being in an unfamiliar environment with people she doesn’t know may be stressful for your cat; having another familiar face around will help alleviate some of that stress.

If you don’t have friends or family available during the drive, consider hiring a professional pet sitter to look after your kitty while you’re making the move.

Make regular stops for exercise and toilet breaks.

Although you may be tempted to keep your cat in the carrier at all times, this is not recommended. Cats are den animals and need regular breaks for exercise and toilet breaks. Most cats need to go out every 3-4 hours and can become stressed if they are kept in a carrier for too long without being let out.

Cats should be allowed to use a litter box when you stop for fuel, food and bathroom stops along the way. It is easiest if you carry one with you – otherwise just provide an area where your cat can do its business before putting it back in its carrier for the rest of the journey.

With some patience and planning, you can take your cat with you on long journeys without stress or trauma.

A cat is a creature of habit, and they don’t like unexpected changes in their daily routine. If you are planning a long journey with your cat, it’s important to keep them as comfortable and happy as possible by keeping the same routine as much as possible. Don’t just shove the carrier into your car and then drive off; let them get used to the smell of their surroundings before leaving.

It is also important that your cat has time to acclimatize themselves with their new home before being taken on long journeys or even just moving house.

If you’re going on a long trip, it may be worth training your cat how to walk on a leash and harness so that they can spend some time outside during daylight hours (and also give them some exercise).

Conclusion

We hope this article has helped you to successfully transport your cat across country. With a little preparation and some careful attention to their needs, you can make the journey as pleasant as possible for your cat—which is exactly what they deserve!