Hey there, I’m Zeeshan! I’ve always had two great loves in my life—cars and cats. My passion for cars led me to build CarWyapar while my love for cats made me a proud cat parent to IVY, my adorable and adventurous feline. Taking IVY on a long road trip isn’t always easy, but with the right preparation, it’s an unforgettable experience. Here’s how I make it work.

The first time I took Ivy in my car, she was 3 months old. It was a short drive to a Nexa showroom. I placed her on the back seat, and she seemed fine at first. She sat quietly, observing everything around her.

But soon, her curiosity kicked in. She started jumping down and exploring the car. I didn’t mind until I noticed something strange—Ivy was panting.

I didn’t know why she was panting. Was it suffocation? Or was she feeling anxious? The first thought that came to my mind was the heater. It was winter, and I had it on because I was in a simple hoodie. But maybe Ivy, being a Persian cat, was feeling too warm. I quickly turned off the heater and opened a window slightly for fresh air. I stopped the car and checked on her. After a few minutes of petting and calming her down, she stopped panting.

It was the delivery day for my Grand Vitara, and I wanted Ivy to be part of it. That’s why I decided to take her along. Besides, it was the first time she would need to be alone for 3-4 hours, so I thought it was better to have her with me.

After the formalities at the showroom, I returned home with Ivy. This time, I avoided using the heater. I kept a back window slightly open for fresh air. She seemed more comfortable and stayed calm during the ride.

That first short-distance trip with Ivy was just 24 kilometers, and somehow, she adapted by the end of it. After that, I’ve taken her on multiple trips, and she seems perfectly fine now. She either sits calmly in the back seat or settles under the co-passenger seat.

Tips for cat parent from a cat parent

1. Stay Focused While Driving Alone

Traveling alone with your cat can be challenging. Cats might meow loudly or move around, which can easily distract you. No matter how much your cat meows or demands attention, do not panic. Your primary and 100% focus must be on driving safely. Pull over to a safe spot if you need to check on your cat.

2. Keep Your Cat Away from the Pedals

Always ensure your cat is nowhere near the accelerator, brake, or clutch. Letting her roam in the front row can be dangerous. Use barriers or pet guards to block access to the driver’s seat. If possible, secure her in the back seat or a safe space under the co-passenger seat.

3. Travel with a Companion

The best way to ensure a smooth journey with your cat is to have at least one more person with you. Make sure they’re pet-friendly and comfortable handling your cat. While you focus on driving, they can keep an eye on your furry friend. If it is avoidable to travel with your cat alone, and you can put her in pet hostel, or leave your felines at your friend's place, do that.

When I am travelling with a co-passenger, I ensure they know how to handle a cat and ocassionally keep a check on her.

4. Train Your Cat for Regular Travel and New Places

If you need to visit a particular place frequently, it’s a good idea to train your cat for both car rides and adapting to new territories. In my case, I occasionally visit my grandfather’s house, which is in a rural area. The premises are wide open, lush, and surrounded by a boundary. While it’s a beautiful place with plenty of open space, there’s a challenge—the presence of street cats and dogs.

Some street cats can be territorial and dangerous for a Persian cat like Ivy. If I have to take her along, I make sure she has a safe space. I’ve asked a carpenter to build a tiny secure home for her, with enough room for a litter box, food, and water. This ensures she has a protected area to retreat to while still enjoying the trip.

5. Litter Breaks on Long Drives

If your travel time is around 4-5 hours or more, it’s important to halt once or twice for your cat’s comfort. Bring a portable litter box and place it in a quiet, secure spot during these breaks. Let your cat have some privacy to empty herself. Ivy is shy. She needs privacy.

If you’re traveling alone and can’t take frequent stops, consider keeping a small litter box at the back seat or under the co-passenger seat. Use one with high sides to avoid spills and line it with absorbent material. Cats are clean animals, so keeping it odor-free is important.

6. Reward with Treats

During long drives, it’s essential to take occasional breaks, not just for you but for your cat as well. These halts allow her to stretch, relax, and calm down if she’s feeling anxious.

My Ivy is crazy about tuna and salmon treats, so I always carry a stash of her favorite snacks while traveling. Just remember to give small portions to avoid upsetting her stomach during the trip. Treats also work as a reward if she uses the litter box during these breaks, reinforcing good behavior.

What if your cat becomes anxious

If your cat gets anxious while traveling, it’s important to create a calm environment and consider some calming methods. Cats can become anxious in cars due to unfamiliar surroundings, motion sickness, or just the stress of being confined to a carrier. Here are some tips to help ease your cat’s anxiety during travel:

1. Keep noise levels low, avoid loud music or sudden noises, and maintain a steady temperature in the car. A quiet, peaceful environment can help.
2. Bring along familiar items such as a blanket, your cat's favorite toy, or an old t-shirt with your scent on it. Familiar smells can help reassure her and make the journey feel less intimidating.
3. If your cat is particularly anxious, there are calming sprays available that use pheromones to help ease her nerves.

Although my cat, Ivy, is not typically anxious during car trips, and I have never had to use calming sprays, I understand they can be helpful for cats that are more sensitive or prone to stress. If your cat shows signs of anxiety, such as excessive meowing, drooling, or restlessness, these sprays can be a good tool to help her feel more at ease.

In a nutshell

The key is to prioritize safety, comfort, and a calm environment. Over time, with patience and consistency, your cat can learn to enjoy traveling with you, whether it's a short trip or a longer adventure. So, pack your bags, bring those treats, and hit the road with your feline friend!

Safe travels!