What to Pack for a Road Trip with Your Cat
People typically think of dogs as the pets eager to go for a ride in the car, leaping into the back seat and sticking their heads out the window without a second glance. But don’t count cats out just yet! Your feline friend can make an equally great travel buddy, provided you have the right setup and supplies.
At Canna Companion, our goal is to support your cat’s health and happiness in all situations, whether she’s traveling across the country or curling up on the couch with you. Have a road trip coming up? We’ve put together a handy checklist of items to pack when it comes time to travel in the car with your kitty.
Cat Carrier
Your cat shouldn’t be roaming freely while your car is in motion. She could get stuck somewhere in your vehicle, or worse—wind up under your feet as you’re trying to drive. Provide a comfortable cat carrier to keep her safe and help her stay calm on the drive. To make her feel more relaxed in her carrier, consider leaving a comforting item inside of it, such as your unwashed pillow case, some catnip, or organic chamomile tea leaves. Covering the carrier while she’s inside can also help set her mind at ease.
If you’re gearing up for a long trip and your kitty isn’t used to cat carriers or being in a car at all, you may need to introduce the carrier and vehicle gradually to get her used to the experience. With time and patience, you can have her settled in and ready to go for a ride!
Extra Food and Water
Car trouble is never fun, and it seems to strike at the most inconvenient times. A flat tire, engine trouble, or a drained battery could leave you and your kitty stranded on the shoulder for hours as you wait for roadside assistance. Prepare for these kinds of situations by packing more cat food than you think you need for the trip, as well as additional water. You may also want to bring collapsible food and water dishes if you plan to be on the road for more than 12 hours.
Leash and Harness
Maybe you’re going on a relatively short trip and don’t plan to take your cat out of his carrier, but it pays to be prepared. You never know when you’ll run into car trouble, have to take a detour, or encounter some other issue that keeps you on the road for longer than expected. Cats can move quite quickly when spooked or uncomfortable, so it’s important to either keep your furry friend inside her carrier or on a leash at all times when you finally do get out of the car.
If you’re going on a longer road trip with a cat, make sure to take pit stops so she—and you!—have a chance to eat, drink, and use the restroom. Break out that leash and kitty harness so your cat has a chance to stretch her legs as well. And if she’s new to the harness, spend some time getting her used to it before the trip.
Pet Tags
If your cat isn’t already microchipped, consider getting the simple procedure done before heading off on a long trip. The last thing you want is for your feline friend to get lost in a strange place! Whether or not she’s microchipped, you should also outfit her with a breakaway collar and tags so anyone who finds her knows exactly who to contact. On the off chance that your cat does get away from you, she’ll have the necessary contact info attached to her collar, bettering the odds that you’ll get her back safe and sound.
Hemp-Based Supplement
Traveling with a cat can be stressful, both for you and your kitty. If he experiences anxiety, he might spend the whole drive meowing, scratching at his carrier, or even making a mess. If you know your cat gets particularly nervous on car rides, make things easier on the both of you with a hemp-based supplement. When administered regularly, Canna Companion can encourage a relaxed demeanor and help your cat stay calm during periods of elevated stress like she may experience on a car ride. Our high-quality supplement also helps to support normal GI tract health and mobility, working to keep your cat in great shape.
Emergency Info and Supplies
It’s impossible to predict accidents and injuries, but you can at least be as prepared as possible to tackle them when they happen. Make sure you have the contact information for your veterinarian and Animal Poison Control, as well as the details of any medication your cat may be taking. Pack extra doses of any medicine your cat is on or that you think she may need, and bring along a first aid kit so that you’re ready to treat minor injuries until you can get to a veterinarian.
Support Your Pet’s Health
We’re passionate about pet health, which is why our veterinary experts have developed a hemp-based supplement that provides natural support for your pet’s neurological, physiological, immunological, and endocannabinoid systems. Still debating whether hemp is the best choice for your cat or dog? We’re happy to help! Reach out today to schedule your complimentary veterinary consultation.
