Since we talked a few weeks ago about how to travel with your ARISTODOG in the car, many ARISTOPARENTS have asked us for tips for traveling in the car with your cats, so today we will talk about it.
Cats are the kings of the house, and in most cases, they don't usually enjoy a change of scenery very much. They are creatures of habit, and it's possible that if you're going on an express trip, it's best to leave them at home, as they tend to get stressed when they leave their environment. Cats, unlike dogs, can stay at home while a trusted person visits every one or two days (at most) to give them food, water, clean their litter box, and give them a little attention.
Timed Feeder | Drinking Fountain | Cat Litter Box
If we are going to travel with them, the best thing you can do is to make the process as pleasant as possible for them.
It is very important for the safety of all occupants, including your ARISTOCAT, that you comply with the appropriate safety measures when transporting them. Never leave them loose in the car. You can be fined, and worst of all, it can distract the driver and cause an accident. The Traffic Law is not very specific about how to carry your ARISTOCAT in the car, but it says:
“The driver of a vehicle is obliged to maintain their own freedom of movement, the necessary field of vision, and constant attention to driving, to guarantee their own safety, that of the rest of the vehicle's occupants, and that of other road users. To this end, they must take special care to maintain the appropriate position and ensure that the rest of the passengers maintain it, and the proper placement of objects or animals being transported so that there are no interferences between the driver and any of them.”
Harness + Leash Kit | Cat Harness
We recommend that you carry your cat in a carrier. As requirements for this, it must be large enough for them to move around, lie down, and turn easily. Preferably, the carrier should be hard-sided. Before the trip, leave it around the house so they can interact with it and get used to it. Once in the car, place the carrier in a safe spot: preferably at the feet of the rear seats. NEVER carry it on top of the seats, nor secure it with the seatbelt, as in the event of any sudden movement it could be launched.
TIP: Add an absorbent mat to your carrier for extra comfort. Your cat will also be able to relieve themselves without wetting the carrier.
Carrier | Absorbent Mat | Travel Bag
Make more frequent stops than usual. Take advantage of them to take your cat out of the carrier and let them move around the car, give them a drink, play a little, and use the litter box if they want.
To keep them calmer during the trip, include a blanket they particularly like or their favorite toy in the carrier. Avoid playing loud music and try to keep the windows closed. Your cat may meow, especially at first. To calm their nerves, talk to them during the trip, this will make them feel more at ease.
REMEMBER: Under no circumstances should you leave your cat locked alone in the car. Summer temperatures inside vehicles can be fatal for your pet in a very short time.
Rigid Carrier | Bag | Bag-Bed
Avoid feeding them a few hours before the trip to prevent car sickness, and also try to keep the car well-ventilated. Make sure the carrier is positioned so that air can circulate perfectly and they can breathe without any problems inside, with nothing obstructing its ventilation, and avoid placing anything on top.
Don't forget that you need to bring their documents and all the necessary products for the holidays: litter box, feeders, water, food, their favorite toys, a bed...
Have you already traveled with your ARISTOCAT in the car? How was the experience? You can tell us on our social media