How to Travel with a Cat in a Car in Hot Weather
Ideally, cat owners would never have to transport a cat by car in hot weather. The risks of leaving a cat in a hot car even for a short time are significant, including heatstroke and death. However, if care is taken to ensure that the cat does not overheat and is never left unattended, safe car travel with cats is possible even in very hot weather. Using air-conditioning and a crate fan can help to keep cats cool, while offering regular access to fresh water helps to avoid dehydration.
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Things You'll Need
- Cat carrier
- Crate fan
- Bottled water from home
- Water dish
- Cat food
- Medical records
- Litter box (optional)
- Litter (optional)
- Calming pheromone spray (optional)
Instructions
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Confine your cat to a cat carrier. Hard-sided plastic cat kennels are more likely to protect your cat and prevent its escape in the event of an accident.
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Secure your cat's carrier using a shoulder belt wrapped around the crate and buckled safely. Loose cat carriers may become dangerous projectiles during a traffic collision, injuring the cat or other passengers in the car.
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Attach a battery-operated crate fan to the front of your cat's carrier and turn it on if you are loading the cat into a car that has been parked in the sun. The fan will help to keep your cat cool while your air conditioner starts working.
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Use your car's air-conditioning system to maintain a comfortable temperature in the car. Make sure that some of your air-conditioner vents are turned so that they blow cooled air toward your cat.
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Stop regularly to offer your cat fresh water. Bring enough water from home to last through your car trip. Many cats will not drink if they are offered water that tastes or smells differently from the water they're accustomed to.
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Allow your cat to eat and use a litter box at least once every six hours during long car trips. If your cat experiences car sickness, talk to your vet about how and when to provide meals while traveling.
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Tips & Warnings
Visit a veterinarian before your trip in order to ensure that your cat is healthy enough to travel.
Consider using a calming pheromone spray in your car and on the cat's carrier to reduce your cat's stress levels while traveling.
Always carry your cat's medical records in your vehicle when driving with your cat. This will help an emergency veterinarian treat your cat if a crash occurs and you are unable to give directions for your cat's care.
If your cat is especially frightened of riding in the car, consider asking your veterinarian to prescribe a mild sedative for situations when you must travel with your cat in your car.
Antinausea medications can help cats cope with car sickness. If your cat has ever vomited or otherwise become ill while riding in the car, speak with your vet about medical solutions.
Never leave your cat in a parked car, especially in hot weather. Heatstroke can develop very quickly.
Don't ever allow your cat out of its carrier at rest stops or any outdoor location while traveling. Even a very calm cat can be frightened in a new place. If you need to stop to let your cat eat and eliminate, do so at a pet-friendly hotel.
If you'll be staying at a hotel, don't leave your cat unconfined unless you're in your room with the deadbolt locked to prevent someone from suddenly opening the door. Use a pet tent or wire cage to keep your cat safe if you must leave your hotel room.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit cat image by petar Ishmeriev from Fotolia.com
