How To Keep Cats Safe in a Car

  • November 10, 2009
  • 1,058 Views
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Most cats don’t have the word “joyride” in their vocabulary, but you can get them on board with a little TLC and preparation.

You Will Need

  • A cat carrier
  • Absorbent bedding
  • A portable litter box
  • A microchip
  • A cat collar with ID tags
  • A familiar toy or blanket (optional)
How To Keep Cats Safe in a Car: Choose a carrier

Step 1: Choose a carrier

Buy a well-ventilated, hard-plastic pet carrier that is large enough for your cat to stand up and turn around in.

How To Keep Cats Safe in a Car: Line the carrier

Step 2: Line the carrier

Line the carrier with absorbent bedding that will make your cat more comfortable as well as soak up any accidents.

How To Keep Cats Safe in a Car: Practice

Step 3: Practice

Familiarize your cat with the carrier by practicing at home and with short trips in the car.

Place a favorite toy or blanket inside the carrier to help your cat feel more comfortable.

How To Keep Cats Safe in a Car: Feed the cat

Step 4: Feed the cat

Feed your cat three to four hours before your trip and do not feed them while on the road.

How To Keep Cats Safe in a Car: Secure the carrier

Step 5: Secure the carrier

Secure the carrier with the vehicle’s seatbelt.

How To Keep Cats Safe in a Car: Don’t remove

Step 6: Don’t remove

Leave the cat in the carrier for the duration of the ride, postponing feeding or litter box use until you have reached your destination.

How To Keep Cats Safe in a Car: Never leave alone

Step 7: Never leave alone

Never leave your cat alone in the car. Vehicles quickly absorb heat or cold, and extreme temperatures can be lethal.

How To Keep Cats Safe in a Car: Identify the cat

Step 8: Identify the cat

Tag your cat with an identification microchip, available from your vet. Place a collar and your contact information around the cat’s neck when traveling.

Abraham Lincoln’s cat, Tabby, was the first White House cat.

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Video is in Hit the Road! (18 videos)