Fast, Free Shipping in 1-3 Days on all US orders
Fast, Free Shipping in 1-3 Days on all US orders
Some cats simply do not enjoy riding in a car. Even a short trip can turn into a stressful experience for both you and your cat. But having the ability to take car rides – short and long – is necessary, whether for regular vet check-ups or family road trips. Wondering how to calm a cat in the car? These cat car ride tips are exactly what you need!
One car ride tip we can’t recommend enough is using a soft cat carrier. Crates and other carriers that completely close your cat in can feel pretty scary! They get stressed by the confinement.
Our fabric cat carrier is roomy for comfortable movement and has a heads-free design to help calm the fear of confinement. It has a Velcro collar that adjusts to secure him — the carrier is a very gentle restraint bag. Plus, it’s made of tightly woven cotton that’s scratch- and snag-resistant. Paired with a cat carrier liner (accidents happen!), a soft carrier is your solution to how to calm a cat in the car – and during vet visits, grooming sessions, and other stressful situations.
Planning a long trip? Try to get your cat used to the car before your getaway. Sit in the parked car with them and let them explore. Just a few minutes will do at first. You can gradually extend the time spent in the car and begin taking them on short car rides, rewarding them with treats for calm behavior. Be sure to introduce your gentle cat restraint bag as part of the experience, too.
Sometimes distraction is the best method for how to calm a cat in the car! Bring along an old toy so they have something familiar and comforting, or a new toy to stimulate them during the trip. Treats and familiar possessions – like an old blanket – may also help.
While you should always drive carefully on the road, it’s even more important when your feline friend is in tow. They don’t have any warning about speed changes or a change in direction like you do, so try to keep the ride as smooth as possible. Avoid sharp turns and sudden stops. You should also make sure your pouch carrier is secured with a seat-belt. The Cozy Comfort Carrier even comes with a seat-belt pass-through loop!
Another method for how to calm a cat in the car is talking to them in a soothing tone. This is one of our quickest and easiest cat car ride tips. Some cats find their owner’s voice comforting and reassuring when they’re feeling stressed. Talk them through the car ride, tell them about your day…it doesn’t matter what you talk about as long as you’re talking!
Other cats may find their owner’s touch comforting. Give them a few reassuring pets. This will be easier with a heads-free cat carrier like the Cozy Comfort Carrier rather than a crate.
Need to know how else to calm a cat in the car? Maintain a comfortable temperature – not too warm, not too cold, just right. Don’t have an air conditioner in your car? Roll down the window, but before your trip make sure the carrier’s collar is snug enough to prevent an escape.
Another one of our top cat car ride tips is to tire them out before they get in the car. Encourage them to chase their favorite toy, run around your home, climb, or play. This will help rid them of any excess energy before they’re put in their cat carriers.
Search how to calm a cat in the car, and you’re met with countless results – some more helpful than others. But one method that’s certainly worth trying is pheromone spray. They mimic a cat’s natural pheromones, which may help reduce stress-related behaviors and make them feel more calm or comfortable. All you do is spray it in/on your cat sling bag. It’s that simple!
It could take days or weeks for your cat to become calmer in the car. Others may not ever be 100% comfortable – and that’s okay! Every cat is different. But you can utilize a few cat car ride tips and tricks to make it a less stressful experience, whether that’s by using a soft cat carrier or introducing distractions during the trip.
From tips for how to calm a cat in the car to easier cat medicating, our blog has all the helpful info cat owners need. Read more, today!
Share:
