Despite differences in personalities, cats share common characteristics. First, they whine and scratch at a closed door until you open it, then stand in the threshold for several minutes trying to remember what they wanted. Second, they sleep about 16 hours a day - usually between 7 A.M. and 11 P.M. And third, they hate car rides.
You'll inevitably need to take your cat on a car ride at least once a year, even if it's just to the kitty doctor. Here's how to make the trip as tolerable as possible for your finicky feline friend.
Hell Hath No Fury Like a Cat in a Car
Whenever you take your cat in the car, confine her to a carrier so she doesn't interfere with your driving. If possible, use a seatbelt to secure the carrier, or at least place the carrier on the car floor where it is more stable.
When you uproot your cat from her favorite napping spot and confine her to the carrier, she undoubtedly will protest with plaintive cries - and if she's really ticked, a hiss or two. Try getting her used to short car trips with pleasant endings to make annual jaunts to the veterinarian better for both of you.
Don't forget to reward her with extra petting and low-cal treats. This approach may help reduce your cat's fear of car rides. Maybe she'll even start to enjoy them.
Long Trips Require Kitty Paraphernalia
For long trips, don't forget to take your cat's litter box, extra litter, scoopers, food and water bowls and toys. Some cats get upset stomachs when they drink strange water, so you might want to take some water from home.
Beware, some kitties suffer feline forms of motion sickness, including diarrhea and vomiting. And if they're feeling upset, the symptoms might be even worse.
Line your cat carrier with a towel or newspaper in case your kitty does get sick. And avoid feeding your cat within three to four hours of starting your trip. If your cat still gets motion sickness, discuss your options with your veterinarian.
Taking Travel Breaks
Offer your cat food and water and access to her litter box at rest stops. But don't be worried if your tabby rejects your kindhearted offers of water and treats.
Most cats won't eliminate or eat until they reach their nighttime destination. She'll be fine once she's on furlough. Just be sure to feed and water your cat and let her use the litter box when you stop traveling for the day.
When you let her out of her carrier at rest stops, harness and leash her. Kitty behavior can be unpredictable when they're frightened. You'll also want her to wear identification tags when you travel in case she gets lost.
Looking for fun? The world's biggest ball of twine may seem like a neat roadside attraction, but if your cat can't accompany you, skip it. You should never leave your pet unattended in the car on hot or cold days. She could get heatstroke or become hypothermic.
In milder weather, you can leave your cat for very short periods if you must. If there's no way around it, park in a shady area and leave the windows down partway so she can get some fresh air but can't escape.
Fun on the Road
If you hit the road in an RV, you're in a special situation for cat travel. If you can shut your kitty out of the cab while you drive, it's OK to let her out of her carrier during the trip. And despite their disdain for car rides, many cats almost enjoy RV trips when they're not cooped up.
This is about the only circumstance when you'd want to take your cat on vacation. Let your cat thoroughly investigate the camper before setting out, then enjoy your road trip together.