Preparing for the journey
Usually when a cat sees a cat carrier, it is because they are going to visit the vet. Some cats are often not very keen to get into it! Let the cat get used to the carrier by producing it long before the journey, even days before. Leave it open so that they can go in and out of it, and get used to it. Place some cat treats inside. Line it with cosy bedding. Around one hour before the journey, spray some Pet Remedy Calming Spray inside, in order to relax the cat while on the journey.
Withhold food for about four to five hours before the journey in case the cat is sick while travelling. Offer water up to the time you leave and again during the journey if possible. You can buy bowls which attach to cages so they are not spilled by the cat during the journey and are easy to fill without opening the cage should there be a delay during the journey.
In the car
Place the carrier in the car where it will be secure – such as the back seat with the seat belt fixed through the handle – if you suddenly have to brake you don’t want the carrier to fly forward. Don’t put the carrier in the boot, under lots of luggage, or in areas of poor ventilation – which may cause the cat to overheat.
It’s a good idea to use separate carriers for multiple cats. While they may be the best of friends within your house, a car journey is a different experience for them, and it may cause some stress. Separate carriers mean that they can still see each other, but maintain their own space.
It can be very dangerous to have a cat loose in the car – not only could it cause an accident by becoming entangled with the driver, but if a window or door was opened or an accident occurred, the cat could escape and become lost.
