How to Calm Down a Cat In The Car

How to Calm Down a Cat In The Car – Of course, you don’t want to be distracted while driving, right? If so, then you need to know how to calm down the cat while in the car.

Driving moments are fun moments, and need focus if you are the one driving. However, sometimes there are distractions that make you feel uncomfortable, and make you not concentrate. One of them is when you bring your beloved cat.

In fact, you may not want to take your cat with you. However, there is no one to look after them at home, so you have to take them with you.

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How to Calm a Cat in a Car

If that’s the case, then you need to know how to calm down a cat in the car. Follow some tips below:

1. Use A Cat Carrier

First, how to calm down a cat in the car is to use a cat carrier.

The Carrier that is usually used for your cat everyday will make it more comfortable, because it smells familiar.

Moreover, when in the carrier, you can give his favorite snacks, as well as comfortable bedding in it. Keep your cat in the carrier as long as he is comfortable.

This will also keep them in control, without you having to worry if they will mess up.

Do not use a small carrier that will overcrowd the cat. Adjust to its size, the important thing is that they can move quite freely.

2. Make Your Cat Tired

Before going on a trip, make sure your cat is tired by playing with him first. That way, while on the way he will be easier to sleep because of fatigue.

Encourage the cat to chase his favorite toy and run around the house, before putting it in the carrier.

If you do that, your trip will be comfortable, because there will be no more distractions from your beloved cat.

3. Feed Enough Before Trip

Before starting the trip, it’s a good idea to give your cat enough food and water first.

This you need to do just in case during the trip it is difficult to give him food or drink.

Also, it’s a good idea to make sure your cat pees before going on a trip.

4. Let the Cats See You

Some cats will feel more stressed if they can’t see their owner. Instead of placing the carrier in the back seat, try placing it near you, so your cat can see you. He will be calmer once he knows that the owner is there for him.

Asking someone to sit next to the cat is also a good idea. Most importantly, your cat knows the person, such as a member of your family.

5. Give A Little Attention

Next, how to calm down a cat in the car is to pay attention to him during the trip.

Like the previous point, some cats will also feel calm when they hear their owner’s voice. You can use a gentle voice calling his name, or give him a little caress to relieve his anxiety.

If you do so, it indicates that no matter how busy you are, you still pay attention to him. And he felt cared for.

6. Create a Comfortable Atmosphere in the Car

Keeping your car’s temperature comfortable will make the trip feel better for the cat. Using an air conditioner or heater is a great way to make your cat comfortable. Make sure your car’s temperature is the same as it feels in your house. Like humans, drastic changes in temperature will make cats annoying, it is not impossible that they will be stressed.

In addition, calm music can help some cats, especially if you choose music that your cat usually listens to at home.

Related: How to Keep Cats Off Your Car

7. Prepare Medication

Your cat may experience motion sickness. For that reason, you need to bring medicine for your cat. For this, you can first consult with your trusted vet.

There are several signs your cat has motion sickness, including:

The cat meows or howls loudly continuously during the trip.
Pacing and restless in the pet carrier.
Excessive licking of the lips.
Excessive salivation.
Lethargic or inactive (unusually).
Vomit.
Diarrhea.
His voice lowered.
No appetite.

8. Bring His Favorite Toys

Last but not least, how to calm down a cat in the car is to bring his favorite toy. Don’t forget to bring a scratching post or cardboard cat scratcher!

By nature, cats like to scratch. You will not be willing if your seat becomes their target. For that, you need to bring their favorite toy to distract them from your car seat.

Cats need to scratch to stretch their bodies and muscles. And for sure, it’s their instinct!

Cat toys are also useful so they don’t get bored along the way. There are more interesting things for them than worrying about the trip.

Related: Liquid Food for Sick Cats

Those are some tips in how to calm down a cat in the car.

There are a few more important notes related to cats during the trip. Check out the tips below:

Never Do

It’s best never to leave your cat alone in a car, even if the window is open. Your cat could die from overheating and lack of oxygen in the car.
Don’t let your cat not wear their ID collar during the trip. You never know how good they are at sneaking out of your car.
Don’t let cats get out of their carriers and roam freely in your car. If something surprises them, they will hide in hard-to-reach corners. Especially if they run to your pedals. Nightmare! If your cat enjoys looking out the window, that’s fine, as long as you put them on a leash, and have other passengers control their movement.
Never leave your cat in a carrier for more than eight hours without feeding, drinking and access to the litter box. If your trip is long and time-consuming, take at least a few hours to rest, as well as take your cat out of the carrier (with supervision).