Having your cat as a travel companion can be a delightful experience, but it requires some planning and preparation to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip for both of you.

Car travel with cats poses risks like stress and anxiety, motion sickness, escaping, extreme temperatures, inadequate restraint, accidents, and unfamiliar environments. Proper carrier usage, adequate ventilation, regular food and potty breaks, and never leaving it unattended can help mitigate these dangers.

However, considering the risks involved, being prepared with cat insurance NZ can be helpful. If you haven’t bought a policy already, contemplate requesting and comparing pet insurance quote from popular cat insurers and signing up for a plan that best fits your furball’s health needs and your budget.

In the meantime, read this article for tips when traveling with your four-pawed companions.

Basic car safety tips to follow when traveling with your cat

1. Allowing your kitty cat to roam freely inside the vehicle can be tempting but have dangerous implications. A carrier acts like a seatbelt, protecting your four paws during accidents and preventing distractions while driving. Keeping kitty safely secured in the carrier ensures a safer and more focused travel experience for both of you.
2. Give kitty a calming chew. A calming chew is specially formulated with calming and soothing ingredients, helping cats stay calm in various stressful situations. Such chews often contain natural compounds like chamomile, valerian root, L-tryptophan, or melatonin, which are known to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety in kitty cats. As with anything, you should consult your vet before introducing new treats to your cat.
3. By harnessing and leash training your cat, you can allow it to explore the outside world safely. Kitties, like humans, benefit from stretching their legs and enjoying the fresh air. Remember to choose a well-fitted harness and allow your furball to get comfortable before hitting the road. Prioritize your pet’s safety and well-being while enjoying the adventures together.
4. Preparing for bathroom breaks while traveling with your kitty is crucial to avoid unwanted messes. To minimize the risk, line the bottom of your cat’s carrier with pee pads that help absorb any accidents that may occur during the journey. On top of the pads, you can add a blanket or bed to create a comfy and cosy space for your feline companion. This setup ensures a cleaner and more pleasant travel experience for both you and your cat.
5. Cats can be sensitive to changes in their litter, and switching to a new product during travel may make them hesitate to use it. The familiar scent and texture of their usual litter will make them more comfortable using the travel litter box, lowering the risk of accidents.
6. If your kitty is uncomfortable with car travel but you must take it along, seeking assistance from your vet can be beneficial. Vet experts have access to various medications that can help alleviate stress and anxiety, making the journey more manageable and less traumatic for your feline companion.

Follow these tips; however, consider being prepared with cat insurance in NZ so that unanticipated health issues are more manageable. If you haven’t bought a policy already, contemplate seeking and weighing pet insurance quote from several insurers and purchasing a plan that ideally suits your munchkin’s health needs and works for your budget.