Most cats are not natural travelers, and car rides are associated in their minds with stressful visits to the veterinarian. But with proper preparation and gradual desensitization, most cats can become significantly more comfortable with travel — which matters when you need to transport them for any reason.
Choosing the Right Carrier
The best carrier is one that is easy to carry, provides good ventilation, is large enough for the cat to stand and turn around, and can be secured safely in a car. Hard-sided plastic carriers are generally the safest for car travel and are easiest to clean. Soft-sided carriers are lighter and less institutional-looking, but offer less protection in an accident. Whatever carrier you choose, it must be secured with a seatbelt or placed on the floor behind the front seats.
Getting Cats Comfortable with Car Rides
Start with the carrier placed in the home with the door open, treats inside, and the cat entering voluntarily. Once the cat is comfortable entering and spending time in the carrier with the door open, close the door for brief periods. Place the carrier in a parked car for short sessions, then progress to short drives around the block, then longer trips. Reward calm behavior in the car with treats and praise. Do this several times before a long trip.
Long-Distance Travel
For longer trips, ensure the cat has been examined by a veterinarian and is healthy enough to travel. For travel across state lines in the United States, most states require a health certificate from a veterinarian issued within 10 days of travel. International travel requires extensive preparation — consult your veterinarian and the destination country's import requirements months in advance. Never leave a cat alone in a car in warm weather — even with windows cracked, temperatures inside a car can reach dangerous levels within minutes.