How to Make Your Cat's Road Trip More Comfortable
Road travel is a convenient way to get around. It allows you to be mobile and independent while visiting friends and family. However, if you are taking Fluffy the cat with you, she may not agree! How can you make your cat's road trip more comfortable?
Securely Fasten the Kennel
Cats should never be allowed to roam free in the car while a vehicle is in motion, as this can be dangerous for the driver as well as the cat, especially if there is a road traffic accident or you have to brake suddenly. Cats should always be securely housed inside their kennel, with a seat belt holding it firmly in place to ensure it does not move around too much. Check the kennel and seat belt before you set off to make sure everything is positioned and adjusted correctly.
Let the Cat Lay on a Soft Blanket
Cats can sleep just about anywhere, from window sills, tile floors and even on damp grass. But when you are taking the cat with you on a long road trip, you should consider the cat's comfort. After all, the cat will be confined to a small space for hours, without the ability to come and go as it pleases. Line the bottom of the cat kennel with a soft blanket for the cat to sleep on. Even if the cat is wide awake for the entire journey, the blanket will at least provide a measure of comfort.
Include Rest Stops for the Cat
Rest stops should include more than stopping for fuel, food and a toilet break. When you are taking your cat with you on a road trip you should also stop for the cat's convenience. This may mean stopping more often than you would like. Put a leash or harness on the cat when you stop at a rest area to prevent her from bolting into traffic and let her stretch her legs. Find a secluded tree for her to enjoy a toilet break and do not forget to offer fresh food and water before getting back on the road again.
Car travel may be your preferred method of travel, but do not assume your cat will have a great time caged inside her kennel for 10 or more hours. Make your cat's road trip more comfortable and memorable for all the right reasons by taking her comfort and well-being into consideration as you load her into her kennel. She will thank you for it.
More from this contributor:
Alternative Uses for a Cat Kennel.
Published by Sophie Spyrou
Sophie has been writing for the Yahoo! Contributor Network since 13th May 2007. She used her previous status as a Featured Contributor (Travel, then Pets) to share her personal knowledge about the UK culture... View profile
- Freedom is a road seldom traveled by the multitudes.When I first learned that I would have a two-week fall break that coincided with my friends wedding in San Mateo, CA my first thought was road trip. There is nothing like cruising America's highways. The more distance...
- How to Drive Your Husband to a Heart Attack (Part I)A two-part guide to hastening your husband's departure from this world, and making him look forward to it.
A Guide on How to Prepare for the Houston Hurricane SeasonWith Houston hurricane season well underway, I am prepared in case of an emergency. Are you? Here's how to make sure with this in depth guide.
Going to Hawaii? How to Spend a Week on the Big IslandWe spent the week of Thanksgiving on the Big Island. This article offers tips on what to see and do and insider information that can make your trip more enjoyable.
The Nervous Traveler: How to Calm Your Anxious Pets A trip with your pet can be a great vacation - make sure it's fun for everybody by helping your pet feel calm and comfortable.
- Tips for a Successful Road Trip
- How to Help Your Depressed Cat
- Top 10 Road Trip Planning Tips
- The Ultimate Road Trip - What Do You Need?
- Packing for a Road Trip
- Grab the Keys and Go: 10 Tips for a Great Road Trip
- How to Prepare the Car for a Long Road Trip