Going for road trips, whether long or short, can provide an excellent way to unwind from the daily routines of life and bring the much-needed mental relaxation that we all crave. Carrying a pet is a different ballgame altogether, as you need to ensure the overall safety of the pet. Going for road trips with a cat can be interesting, given how cats behave as if they are the owners of their masters rather than the other way around.
Going on a road trip with a cat need not be stressful, though, because, with proper planning, the cat will also enjoy the outdoors and not give the nasty side eye they are used to whenever they are mildly inconvenienced.
While preparing for a trip with your furry friend, there are several considerations that should be put in place to ensure an optimal experience for everyone involved. We shall have a look at some of the things that must be thought through.
Basic Considerations
Health of the cat
Always ensure that the cat is healthy and able to travel. Traveling with a sick cat can be disastrous and a guaranteed way to ruin the road trip. It is important to have the veterinarian have an overall look at the general well-being of the cat before every road trip. This will also help the cat relate better with future trips instead of having a trauma response.
Nutrition
A nutrient-dense diet is important for the cat when on a road trip, as it will ensure the cat remains energetic throughout and is also able to keep warm during the cold moments. A proper diet also gives the cat a fighting chance against any illnesses that may attack their system. Always consult with a professional on the best types of food that you can carry along during a road trip with a cat. A sure way to stay on top of the nutrition needs of the cat is to ensure the food has plenty of proteins as well as high-energy treats to be snacked on frequently. Your feline friend will thank you for this.
Safety
Cats are tiny and extremely slippery. They can abruptly run off and pose a danger to their lives without being aware. To this end, cats should not be left unattended, especially in cars with cracked windows, and should be on a cat leash. Having a carrier bag is also helpful, as it ensures that the cat is always secured. This is not to mean that the cat should not be allowed to stretch at every opportunity they get. The goal is to ensure their safety while they are having fun. Another safety consideration is the cat’s personality and, thus, its level of aggression. Some cats may be a danger to the general public, and thus, care must be taken when they are interacting in public spaces.
Pet Policies
If the road trip will include overnight sleepovers or spending time in recreational parks, it is important to understand the pet policies of these areas. Some hotels strictly do not allow any pets, while others are pretty Zen with the idea. While interacting in open spaces such as parks, it is good to be mindful of other park users who may have problems with pets getting near them. As such, keeping your cat on a leash or carrier pack may be a considerate thing to do.
Mental Wellness
Not all cats may be comfortable going on a road trip. Depending on their personalities, some cats prefer the familiar home environment, while others are up for an adventure at any given time. Taking a cat for a road trip while they prefer being in the familiar home environment may cause a lot of anxiety as well as aggression from the cat. This may eventually lead to trauma. Additionally, the cat may refuse to feed while in a strange environment, which will make a bad situation worse. It is easier to train a kitten to go for road trips as opposed to an older cat that is set in its way. This is, however, not to mean that all hope is lost when it comes to vintage fur babies.
To ensure the cat adjusts well during a road trip, one can practice going short distances with the cat in a carrier bag at the back. This will help the cat adjust to the car smell and even get used to being inside a carrier bag as well as being on a leash.
Must-have items
Cat carrier
Cat carriers are basically like tiny homes for the cat while they are on a road trip. The cat feels safe, and it also makes carrying the cat around easier. A great cat carrier should be strong enough to hold the cat’s weight and should not be easily torn by any scratches. It should have a breathable mesh for proper airflow. The carrier should be of the right size to allow the cat to stand and stretch at any time, in addition to being soft and comfortable.
Proper health documentation
Always ensure to carry important documents for the cat during a road trip, such as updated copies of vaccination certificates, as well as information on any allergic reactions they may have.
Information tags
Felines are very adventurous and slippery. One moment, they are sleeping on your lap, and the next, they are up on a tree. A well-detailed information tag containing emergency contacts is essential in case the cat stray away.
Food and water
Carry plenty of food, water, and snacks for the cat to enjoy along the way, even as you plan for any emergency top-ups that may be needed. The food should be high in proteins, and the snacks should be high in energy. Clean water should also be in plenty to avoid dehydration.
Feeding bowls
It would be sad to carry food and forget feeding bowls, forcing the cat to eat from the floor during a road trip. The bowls also bring a sense of familiarity, and the cat will become less nervous.
Portable power station
A high-capacity portable power station is a must. A portable power station will keep all your devices fully charged while on a road trip with a cat, as well as ensure everyone stays warm during the cold seasons. One of the best portable power stations in the market that one can consider is the BLUETTI Elite 200 V2 portable power station, which allows several gadgets to charge at the same time, thus ensuring everything is well powered up.
An alternative portable solar panel can also be carried along to provide all power needs during the road trip. The beauty of a portable solar panel is that it uses natural energy to harness the solar power and is very easy to carry around. A portable solar panel should, however, be able to withstand extreme weather conditions, and the BLUETTI SP200L solar panel is one of the great products on the market that does just that.
Charger
The portable power station needs to be charged, and having an alternator charger that is compatible with different power stations is a must. A great charger should charge at very high speeds and should come with smart protection to prevent your vehicle’s battery from being drained. A compatible charger for most portable power stations is BLUETTI Charger 1.
Litter box
The beauty of cats is that they love being decent while going about their poop business. Having a litter box is a great way to ensure the cat doesn’t wander off looking for a place to relieve themselves. The litterbox should be emptied as frequently as possible and refilled.
Comfortable car space
The car space where the cat will be placed with the carrier bag should be comfortable enough for the cat. Luckily, a majority of the cats are not too big and can thus enjoy ample space at the back of the car.
GPS tracker
Given the restlessness of cats, it is advisable to have a GPS tracker or microchip installed on the cat to keep track of their movements at any time during a road trip. This will reduce anxiety for the owners.
Toys
The cat’s favorite toy will make him feel at home due to its familiarity. The toy will also keep the cat busy and distracted in case the road trip is long, and the cat is prone to anxiety attacks.
Basic Etiquette
- Always have a litter box
- Be mindful of park or hotel users who might not be comfortable near cats
- If the cat is prone to panic attacks, it is wiser to leave them behind with trusted caregivers.
- Do not leave your cat alone in the car.
Conclusion
While cats may seem more demanding, especially when considering a road trip with them, they are bound to bring joy and keep the owner company on the road. A little preparation beforehand will go a long way in ensuring a smooth road trip with your cat.
So don’t be afraid to get the cute feline on the road; just prepare in advance and have the adventure of a lifetime.
