Cat in the driver's seat

As a frequent traveler, I can attest to the inconvenience of traveling with pets. In fact, I have had to complete more than 10 moves across the country with 2 cats! From the constant meowing, to having to eat in the car as opposed to a restaurant, to breaking up the trip into several days, traveling with pets definitely is not my preferred means of travel. Traveling with pets can be a major hassle, although sometimes necessary.  Trust me, I have had to take many road trips with pets. I have learned the hard way that you can never be too prepared! For cats, especially, you will want to be prepared in advance!

Take a look at a few of my tips and feel free to suggest some of your own!

Research pet friendly hotels in advance! The biggest mistake I have ever made was not checking if a hotel is pet friendly prior to a trip. You can sort hotels on sites like hotels.com and other booking sites to include only those that are pet friendly. Also call the hotel to verify. It is worth the extra effort or you could end up driving around all night going in and out of hotels to find one that accepts pets.

One great chain hotel that always accepts pets (and for free!) is La Quinta Inn and Suites. These hotels are nicer than your average 2 star and charge no pet fees (which can often be outrageous). In addition, they are often conveniently located right along the highway. There are plenty of locations throughout the country no matter where you are traveling. Update: As of 2024, some La Quinta locations now charge a pet fee. However, they are still the best choice due to pet friendliness and abundant locations!

For a luxury hotel, Kimpton is a wonderful brand. Kimpton has no size/breed restrictions, no fee, and even offers a host of pet amenities. Check the site for further details.

Stop for frequent breaks – Let your pet get out and walk around for a bit so they don’t get too antsy. When my cat is acting up in the car, I pull over a take a small break. Walking around a bit outside can really make all the difference. I usually try to stop in a grassy rest stop with some walkable space. A water break is always a good refresher!

Cat at a park

Limit food along the way – I usually just feed my pet before the trip in the morning, unless it is a really long drive. Most of the times they don’t need to eat again until you arrive at the hotel. This could lead to more of a mess along the way. On the other hand, I do stop to give water along the way.

Put your pet in a cage – I used to let my cat roam the car while traveling until I got sick of attempting to clean the hair all over the place. It is better to put them in the cage and take a few breaks along the way then to risk an accident and a dirty car! Plus, the meowing strangely simmers down when the cat is relaxing/napping inside the cage!

Make sure the cage is large enough – Pets will be happier if they have room to stretch and walk around comfortably. Being trapped in a cage doesn’t sound like any fun to you does it?…the same goes for a pet! Let your pet inspect a cage (if new) before the trip. A well ventilated cage is a must!

Use a calming spray – I use a natural cat calming spray, which I spray on the seats and bedding inside the cage. It really tends to simmer the cat down while on a long car ride (and without the use of dangerous chemicals). Also, you can check any Petsmart or Walmart/Target stores for calming pet collars. Typically, they use a relaxing ingredient like lavender to ensure pets stay more comfortable on the road!

Bring with a few pet toys – This will make your pet feel more comfortable on the road!

Pack essentials in an easy to reach spot – I keep pet bowls, leashes, and other essentials in the backseat in a separate bag so I can get to them easily. I don’t want to be digging around a trunk trying to find what I need. Having everything easily on hand equals less stress!

Roll down your windows – Animals love getting some fresh air especially when they are inside a cage. Also, every once in a while, it is a good idea to let the passenger pet, talk, or hold the pet for a while so they can get out of the cage for a bit.

Give your pet time to eat and go to the bathroom in the morning – Get up a bit earlier to feed your pet, let them eat, and then put the food away. This should help time the bathroom break perfectly before your trip, not during it!

Don’t forget the leash – You will need a leash when stopping at the rest areas. This is something that I will forget unless I remind myself in advance. I put it right in the backseat for easy access.

Pack disposable litter bags – I found out about these recently and the work great. This way you do not need to bring a scoop to the hotel. You can just throw the whole bag out and use a new one at your next stop. Also, I usually buy the cheapest litter box I can find and toss it.

Collapsible pet bowls – These are handy and do not take up any space. Oftentimes, I get to the hotel and can’t find anything to put the water in. Most today are BPA free too which is nice.

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