Yes, you can travel long distances with your cat! Read on to discover the complete guide to traveling cross-country with a cat here.
Do you have a feline friend?
The great thing about having a cat is how independent they are. Unlike dogs, they can largely fend for themselves, yet they can also provide love and support when you need them to.
One thing they can’t do on their own is travel. If traveling cross-country with a cat sounds like a challenge, don’t despair.
There are loads of things you can do to make the journey for you and your cat as comfortable as possible.
Here’s everything you need to know about traveling cross-country with a cat in a car.
How to Keep Them Safe and Secure
Compared to dogs, cats are smaller and more agile. They also love curling up in corners and getting comfortable. It might seem like a good idea to let your cat cuddle up in your glove box or beside your feet as you drive, but this is not a good idea.
What if you have to stop suddenly? What if you crashed? Both of these scenarios could see your cat seriously hurt. Even if your cat isn’t injured physically, it could still be scarred emotionally.
Instead, place your cat in his or her carrier and then strap them in tightly to the seat of a car. Placing your cats’ carrier into the trunk of your car might seem safer, but you won’t be able to hear your cat if they have a problem such as if they need to be fed or they are uncomfortable.
Be sure to get your cat fitted with a microchip. If you were to lose them while you are traveling or are in a foreign place, you want a way to be able to find them.
If you are going to take your cat outside for a walk during a service stop, be sure to check out the best cat raincoats so your cat is prepared for all weather scenarios.
Methods of Travel
Traveling by car is not the only way to take your cat cross-country.
One of the best tips for traveling cross-country with a cat is to take the train. Train travel in the U.S is booming, so it could be an option for you. Trains travel in a predictable line, so there aren’t going to be any nasty surprises in terms of bumps in the road.
Another great feature of trains is that if you are traveling a long distance, you can book an overnight compartment with a bed. This ensures that you and your cat can get a good night’s sleep.
You could also afford to let your cat loose in the compartment so long as the door remains locked at all times.
Some entrepreneurial people have also set up GoFundMe pages to fund a gap year for their cat to travel by bicycle.
Traveling Cross-Country With a Cat Isn’t Hard
If you’re thinking about traveling cross-country with a cat, be sure to take safety and security seriously.
Microchip your cat before you leave so that you never lose them. Be sure to carry your cat in a carrier on the backseat with a seatbelt on rather than letting them roam wild inside your car. Alternatively, consider traveling by train.
If you are interested in learning more about pets, be sure to check out the rest of our site.