Road Trips & Traveling with a Cat

Have you always wanted to go on a road trip with your cat but didn’t know where to start, what to do, and where to go?

It can be challenging figuring out how to travel with your cat in the car, but as long as you make your pet feel secure and comfortable, you should have no trouble traveling with them.

Here are some quick tips for traveling with your cat the next time you go on a road trip.

Tips for Traveling with a Cat

Keep Your Cat in a Carrier

Safety for yourself and your cat is a top priority when hitting the road. Cats roaming freely around the car while driving can pose a safety hazard. They could slip under the brake pedal, get stuck underneath your the seats, or even escape through an open window. No matter how well-behaved your cat is, it’s better to keep them in a carrier until you reach your destination.

Go on Practice Drives with Your Cat

Before going on an extended road trip with your kitty, practice going on shorter trips with your cat. Get them used to both the carrier and being in the car. You can also look for ways to keep them engaged, such as with toys or treats.

Give your cat time to adjust to the sound and vibration of the engine, as well as the air-conditioning, heat, and radio.

Make Sure Your Cat Is Wearing a Collar with Tags

If your cat goes missing in a worst-case scenario, you'll want to make sure your cat is wearing a collar with tags that includes your contact information. That way, anyone who finds your cat can contact you immediately.

Plan Stops Along the Way

After several hours of driving, you’ll need to stretch your legs. Your cat will need to take a break, too. Plan to stop every two–three hours while on the road and let your cat out of their carrier. Let them walk around, use the litter box, and have a drink of water.

Things to Pack for a Road Trip with a Cat

When taking a cat on a road trip, make sure to bring their medical documents, including vaccination certificates, rabies vaccination tag, and most recent lab work. Bring your cat’s favorite food and dishes so they are surrounded by familiar things. You should also bring water for them to drink.

If you’re traveling with a cat for several days, it’s a good idea to bring nail clippers. A cat’s claws can become pretty sharp quickly and you don’t want your cat scratching your car or furniture in a hotel.

Places to Go with Your Cat

You might be a little hesitant to go on a road trip with your cat if you aren’t sure where to go. Thankfully, there are many cat-friendly places to travel where both pets and their owners can enjoy themselves.

Hiking Trails

If you love hiking, try taking your cat with you. Some travel backpacks allow you to carry your cat on your shoulders so you can walk around while keeping them close. Check out the various hiking trails at national parks and local parks around the country.

Parks

Parks and green spaces are great places for you and your cat to visit. As long as you have your cat’s carrier and harness, you’ll be able to take your cat for a stroll.
Depending on whether your cat is more introverted or outgoing, it might take some time to coax them out of the carrier to explore their new surroundings. Make sure to give them enough time to adjust to their new environment. You want them to have an enjoyable experience on your cat road trip.

Beaches

If you’re thinking of places to go on a three-day vacation with your cat, beach destinations can be a great choice to sit back and relax while enjoying the sun and sand. However, make sure to keep an eye on your cat at all times for safety purposes.

Bring some fresh water in a bottle and your cat’s food. If you’re worried about them getting too much sun, you can check with your vet or a pet store for specially formulated sunscreen to apply to exposed areas, like the nose or ears.

Places to Stay with Your Cat on a Road Trip

There’s nothing like finding a place to rest your head after a long day on the road. You’ll want to get comfortable and eat something, and your cat will want the same, too.

If you know your route ahead of time, it’s best to do your research and book pet-friendly accommodations in advance.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts offers thousands of of pet-friendly hotels across the United States.

How to Find Pet-friendly Places

When you’re in the planning stages of your trip, make sure to thoroughly research cities you’ll be passing through and hotels on your route. Always check to make sure your overnight accommodations are pet-friendly to avoid any surprises when you get there.

How to Road Trip with a Cat

At the end of the day, it’s all about keeping your cat—and yourself—as comfortable as possible until you reach your final destination.

If you’re able to follow the tips in this guide, you’ll be on your way to planning the best way to road trip with cats.

Ready to Road Trip?

If you're ready for a feline-friendly adventure, book your road trip stay today.