18.12.23 December 18, 2023 Owning a Cat

How to Travel with Cats in a Car for a Long Distance

Traveling with feline companions can be a rewarding experience, yet ensuring their comfort during long-distance car journeys poses a significant challenge for pet owners. Whether embarking on a road trip or relocating cross country, proper preparation and the right equipment, notably a reliable cat car carrier or crate, are essential for a smooth and stress-free journey. Selecting the Ideal Cat Carrier for Car Travel Choosing the right cat carrier for car travel lays the foundation for a successful trip. Opt for a carrier that's spacious enough for your cat to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Consider the following features: Size Matters: For extended journeys, a spacious carrier is crucial. Look for carriers specifically designed for car travel that offer ample room without being too bulky for your vehicle. Airflow: Ensure the carrier has proper ventilation to keep your cat comfortable. Clear View: Cats are often reassured by being able to see their surroundings. Look for carriers with transparent walls or ample windows. Safety Features: Opt for carriers with reliable locking systems to prevent any accidental openings during transit. You'll also want to make sure it's a durable carrier with a solid build to ensure the safety of your cat during the journey. Our Favourite Cat Carriers For Car Travel Catit Cabrio Cat Carrier - This is one of our most popular cat carriers and it’s easy to see why. It fastens into the car using the seatbelt making it perfect for car journeys, it also has a 360° accessible design plus removable bowls for food and water provide convenience and comfort. Trixie Easy Soft Travel Carrier - If you’re looking for more space for your cat then why not try the Trixie Easy Soft Travel Carrier, it comes in 3 sizes so you’ll be able to find the perfect size for your favourite feline. The base mat inside is made from the softest sherpa which is perfect for snuggling on, there’s also mesh sides for ventilation and there are easy carry handles making it perfect for travel Mobile Dog Gear Pet Carrier Plus - Although designed for dogs this pet carrier is also perfect for travelling with your cat, it fastens into the car with the seatbelt so is great for car trips. It also has a tether inside which is great if your cat wears a harness as it will keep them nice and secure. The bag has a handy shoulder strap so is easy to carry if you’ve got any walking to do on your journey. Preparing Your Cat for Car Travel Gradual Acclimatisation: Introduce the carrier to your cat gradually by placing treats or their favourite toys inside. Encourage them to explore and associate the carrier with positive experiences. Trial Runs: Before the long journey, take short drives to help your cat get accustomed to the motion and sounds of the car. Familiar Comforts: Line the carrier with your cat’s bedding and include items that carry familiar scents from home to provide comfort during the journey. Tips for Long-Distance Travel with Cats Plan Regular Breaks: Schedule breaks every few hours to allow your cat to stretch, use the litter tray, and have some water. Hydration and Feeding: Offer water at regular intervals to keep them hydrated. Offer a light meal a few hours before the journey to reduce the chances of motion sickness. Safety Measures: Place the carrier on a stable surface within the car, preferably secured with a seat belt to prevent excessive movement during travel. Natural Calming Aids: Consider using pheromone sprays or natural calming aids to help keep your cat relaxed during the journey. We love the Beaphar cat calming range, it comes in spot-ons, plug-in diffusers and sprays so there’s lots of options to suit your cat. The calming medications promote feelings of reassurance and well-being using pheromone technology Traveling long distances with cats in a car requires thoughtful planning and consideration for your feline friend's comfort and safety. Investing in a suitable cat carrier designed for car travel, coupled with gradual acclimatisation and strategic preparations, can significantly alleviate stress for both you and your cat. With patience, preparation, and the right equipment, traveling with your beloved feline companion can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for both of you.

By Megan Willis

Selecting the Ideal Cat Carrier for Car Travel

Choosing the right cat carrier for car travel lays the foundation for a successful trip. Opt for a carrier that's spacious enough for your cat to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Consider the following features:

Size Matters: For extended journeys, a spacious carrier is crucial. Look for carriers specifically designed for car travel that offer ample room without being too bulky for your vehicle.
Airflow: Ensure the carrier has proper ventilation to keep your cat comfortable.
Clear View: Cats are often reassured by being able to see their surroundings. Look for carriers with transparent walls or ample windows.
Safety Features: Opt for carriers with reliable locking systems to prevent any accidental openings during transit. You'll also want to make sure it's a durable carrier with a solid build to ensure the safety of your cat during the journey.

Our Favourite Cat Carriers For Car Travel

Cat being secured in a cat carrier ready for travel in the car

Catit Cabrio Cat Carrier - This is one of our most popular cat carriers and it’s easy to see why. It fastens into the car using the seatbelt making it perfect for car journeys, it also has a 360° accessible design plus removable bowls for food and water provide convenience and comfort.
Trixie Easy Soft Travel Carrier - If you’re looking for more space for your cat then why not try the Trixie Easy Soft Travel Carrier, it comes in 3 sizes so you’ll be able to find the perfect size for your favourite feline. The base mat inside is made from the softest sherpa which is perfect for snuggling on, there’s also mesh sides for ventilation and there are easy carry handles making it perfect for travel
Mobile Dog Gear Pet Carrier Plus - Although designed for dogs this pet carrier is also perfect for travelling with your cat, it fastens into the car with the seatbelt so is great for car trips. It also has a tether inside which is great if your cat wears a harness as it will keep them nice and secure. The bag has a handy shoulder strap so is easy to carry if you’ve got any walking to do on your journey.

Preparing Your Cat for Car Travel

Gradual Acclimatisation: Introduce the carrier to your cat gradually by placing treats or their favourite toys inside. Encourage them to explore and associate the carrier with positive experiences.
Trial Runs: Before the long journey, take short drives to help your cat get accustomed to the motion and sounds of the car.
Familiar Comforts: Line the carrier with your cat’s bedding and include items that carry familiar scents from home to provide comfort during the journey.

Tips for Long-Distance Travel with Cats

Scottish Fold cat poking their head out of a red cat carrier

Plan Regular Breaks: Schedule breaks every few hours to allow your cat to stretch, use the litter tray, and have some water.
Hydration and Feeding: Offer water at regular intervals to keep them hydrated. Offer a light meal a few hours before the journey to reduce the chances of motion sickness.
Safety Measures: Place the carrier on a stable surface within the car, preferably secured with a seat belt to prevent excessive movement during travel.
Natural Calming Aids: Consider using pheromone sprays or natural calming aids to help keep your cat relaxed during the journey. We love the Beaphar cat calming range, it comes in spot-ons, plug-in diffusers and sprays so there’s lots of options to suit your cat. The calming medications promote feelings of reassurance and well-being using pheromone technology

Traveling long distances with cats in a car requires thoughtful planning and consideration for your feline friend's comfort and safety. Investing in a suitable cat carrier designed for car travel, coupled with gradual acclimatisation and strategic preparations, can significantly alleviate stress for both you and your cat. With patience, preparation, and the right equipment, traveling with your beloved feline companion can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for both of you.

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29.01.24 January 29, 2024 Health

Why Is Chocolate Harmful To Pets?

When it comes to indulging in sweet treats, most of us are well aware of the pleasures and potential pitfalls of consuming chocolate. However, what many pet owners may not realise is that chocolate can pose a serious threat to the health of their furry friends. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore why chocolate is harmful to pets, particularly focusing on the questions: Can cats eat chocolate? Can dogs eat chocolate? And what should you do if your pet ingests this tempting yet perilous treat? Understanding Chocolate Toxicity: Chocolate contains substances known as theobromine and caffeine, both of which belong to a class of compounds called methylxanthines. While humans can metabolise these substances relatively easily, pets, especially dogs and cats, process them much more slowly. As a result, theobromine and caffeine can accumulate to toxic levels in their systems, leading to various health issues. Can Cats Eat Chocolate? No, cats cannot safely consume chocolate. While felines are generally less inclined to eat chocolate compared to dogs, it's crucial for cat owners to be vigilant. Theobromine and caffeine in chocolate can cause adverse reactions in cats, leading to symptoms such as increased heart rate, restlessness, and even seizures. In severe cases, chocolate ingestion can be fatal for cats. Is Chocolate Poisonous to Cats? Is Chocolate Toxic to Cats? Yes, chocolate is poisonous and toxic to cats. Due to their smaller size and differences in metabolism compared to dogs, cats are more sensitive to theobromine and caffeine. Even small amounts of chocolate can cause serious health issues in felines. Is Chocolate Bad for Dogs? Yes, chocolate is indeed bad for dogs. The theobromine content in chocolate can cause a range of symptoms in dogs, including vomiting, diarrhoea, increased heart rate, and even tremors or seizures. The severity of these symptoms depends on factors such as the type and amount of chocolate consumed, as well as the size and breed of the dog. Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs and Cats: Chocolate poisoning occurs when pets ingest a toxic amount of theobromine and caffeine. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate contain higher concentrations of these substances, making them more dangerous than milk chocolate. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning may include: Vomiting Diarrhoea Increased heart rate Restlessness Tremors or seizures Elevated body temperature What to Do if Your Dog Eats Chocolate: If you suspect your dog has ingested chocolate, it is essential to act promptly. Contact your vet immediately and provide them with information such as the type and amount of chocolate consumed, as well as your dog's size and breed. Your vet may recommend inducing vomiting or other appropriate treatments based on the severity of the situation. Dog Chocolate Toxicity Calculator: To assess the potential toxicity of chocolate for your dog, various online calculators take into account factors such as the type of chocolate, the dog's weight, and the amount ingested. While these calculators can offer a rough estimate, they are not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult with your vet if your pet has ingested chocolate. Can Chocolate Kill Dogs? Can Chocolate Kill Cats? In extreme cases, chocolate ingestion can indeed be fatal for both dogs and cats. Theobromine toxicity can lead to severe complications, including cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, and respiratory failure. Immediate veterinary attention is crucial to increase the chances of a positive outcome. While chocolate may be a delightful treat for humans, it poses a significant risk to the health of our beloved pets. Pet owners should be aware of the dangers associated with chocolate ingestion in dogs and cats, and take preventive measures to ensure their furry companions are kept away from this potentially lethal temptation. In case of accidental ingestion, swift action and consultation with a vet are paramount to safeguard the well-being of your pet. Remember, when it comes to chocolate and pets, prevention is the best medicine. Keep your pets out of mischief with some pet friendly treats. We’ve got a wide range of both dog treats and cat treats for you to choose from here at Lords & Labradors.

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How to Travel with Cats in a Car for a Long Distance

Selecting the Ideal Cat Carrier for Car Travel

Our Favourite Cat Carriers For Car Travel

Preparing Your Cat for Car Travel

Tips for Long-Distance Travel with Cats

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The Importance Of Correct Nutrition For Dogs And Cats!

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How To Cat-Proof Your Christmas

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