Most people who have dogs are accustomed to taking them places in the car; dogs seem to like cars and are natural travelers. Cats are another story, however, and not too many people take the cat along on a trip to the store, or to the mountains. While most cats remain at home when the owner is away, there are a lot of cats that seem to enjoy car trips. Many people consider the cat an integral part of the family, and it goes everywhere with them, including on vacations.

If you find yourself planning a trip with your cat, whether a vacation, a move or some other reason, and you have not traveled by car with the cat before, it is a good idea to take some short trips with him prior to the big day, both as a road test to see how he acts, and as a conditioning experience, to get him used to the idea. Always keep the cat in a carrier just in case he spooks. There are few things quite as exciting as being trapped in a car with a panicked cat, especially at 70 MPH.

Some people keep the cat in the carrier whenever it is in the car, while others let it ride loose in the car, if it has proven to be a good traveler. The carrier should always be used when you stop for the night or arrive at your destination, as a familiar place for the cat to rest while it gets used to the new surroundings.

Bring along enough of the cats regular food for the entire trip, so that you don’t have to buy whatever is available on the way. Changing foods may cause digestive problems that can really mess up a car. Always keep a litter box available, either in the carrier or on the floor in the back seat area. Feeding the cat one meal at the end of the days travel may be easier on the digestive system, and can help prevent a stinker in the litter box that always seems to come at a time when you can’t pull over to scoop it.

Water is another concern when traveling with a cat. Strange water can cause diarrhea in cats. If bringing along enough water from home for the entire trip is impractical, consider a popular brand of bottled water that can be found in most places. Start using the water before you leave home. If using tap water from another location, introduce small portions of it into the water you bring from home.

Fleas are no fun for you or the cat, so it is a good idea to use a flea preventative, even if your cat has never had a flea. Use a good, safe one from the vet and travel flea free.

Be sure the cat’s vaccinations are current, and carry any medications the cat needs. It is a good idea to keep the number of the National Animal Poison Control Center (800-548-2423) with you just in case.

Always keep a collar with a leash handy for exercise breaks. A cat harness is another option since many cats object to being led around by the neck, (lot of cats will not think much of a harness either) but with time and patience they can learn to live with it. Never let a cat outside in a strange place, especially not a highway rest area, without some sort of restraint.

As is true at any time, never leave a cat or dog in the car parked in the sun in warm weather. Even on a mild day, the inside of a car can heat up to a dangerous level in a short time.

Traveling with a cat involves making concessions that wouldn’t be necessary when traveling alone, but the pleasure of their company makes it all worthwhile for a lot of people.