Taking your furry friend on a car ride is always an exciting adventure. But, how do you make sure your beloved feline stays safe and comfortable during the journey? The key is to find the perfect spot for their cat carrier in the car.
Depending on the size of the vehicle and the type of carrier, the best spot could be the backseat, the floor, or even the trunk.
No matter where you decide to place your cat’s carrier, make sure you secure it with a seatbelt or other securing device so your kitty won’t be thrown around in the event of sudden stops or turns. With the right positioning, your cat will stay safe and enjoy the ride!
Additionally, research has shown that our furry friends are less stressed while traveling if they can see out the window. Therefore, positioning the carrier where your cat can look out the window is ideal.
Where To Put A Cat Carrier In A Car? 3 Places!
1. Back Seat
When it comes to transporting a cat in a car, the back seat is the most suitable place to put the cat carrier. This is because the back seat provides the most protection from the elements and keeps the cat from being jostled around during the drive. The cat will also be able to stay safe in the car, reducing traveling stress.
“When transporting a cat in a car, it’s best to put the carrier in the back seat. This will help keep the cat secure and limit distractions while driving.” – PetMD.com
The advantages of placing the cat carrier in the back seat are that it provides a secure and comfortable space for the cat and keeps the car interior clean.
The cat is also kept away from the driver, reducing distractions and increasing safety. The cats are also less likely to experience motion sickness if they are positioned further away from the driver. However, there are some disadvantages to placing the cat carrier in the back seat. One of the main drawbacks is that the cat may be exposed to a greater risk of injury in the event of an accident.
The American Veterinary Medical Association states, “The safest place for pets in the car is in a pet carrier that is secured in the back seat with a seatbelt or other car restraint device.” This reinforces the idea that the back seat is ideal for cat carriers. Using a car seat accessory while driving is also important, as it will ensure that the cat remains safe and secure.
Yet they also point out that “Small pet carriers are less likely to protect pets if the vehicle is involved in an accident.” Also, placing the cat carrier in the back seat may increase the risk that the cat becomes overheated since the car’s back seat can become much hotter than its floor.
2. Floor of the Car
The floor of the car is one of the most common places to put a cat carrier in a car. This is because it is the easiest and most convenient spot for the driver and passengers to access the carrier. The floor of the car also provides the most stable and secure place for the cat to ride.
The most obvious advantage of placing a cat carrier on the floor of the car is accessibility. The floor of a car is easily accessible, allowing you to quickly move the carrier in and out of the car. Additionally, the floor is typically much more stable than other areas of the car, such as the seats, making it less likely that the carrier will shift or move while the car is in motion.
There are a few potential drawbacks to placing a cat carrier on the floor of the car. The main downside is that the floor of the car can get hot, especially during the summer months. This can be an uncomfortable environment for cats, who are particularly sensitive to changes in temperature. Additionally, the floor of the car can also become filled with debris, such as leaves and dirt, which can make the carrier uncomfortable for your cat.
In a study conducted by the American Animal Hospital Association, 68% of veterinarians surveyed agreed that the floor of the car is the safest area to put a cat carrier while traveling in the car.
However, they also noted that it is important to ensure the floor of the car is clean and free of debris before placing the carrier. Additionally, if the temperatures are particularly high, it may be best to use a carrier that’s designed to keep air circulating or to place a cooling pad in the carrier.
3. Cargo Area
Using the cargo area of your car to keep your cat’s carrier is another great way to protect them during long trips. The cargo area is the area in the back of the car behind the seats, and it can provide a secure and comfortable place for your cat to rest during the journey.
This area is large enough to fit most carriers and is typically cooler than the front seats. Additionally, it offers your cat more privacy, as they can’t see out of the windows and won’t be disturbed by other passengers.
“It is important to secure the cat carrier properly to the cargo area of the car to ensure that it does not move around during the journey. This will reduce the risk of injury to the cat as well as the driver and passengers.” – Dr. Carl Weideman, Veterinarian
Unfortunately, the cargo area may be a bit too cold for your cat in some climates. Additionally, the area can be quite dark, and cats need access to natural light to stay healthy. Finally, the cargo area may be filled with other items, making it difficult for your cat to move around.
In conclusion, using the cargo area of your car to store your cat’s carrier is a great option if you are taking a long road trip. Keeping the area ventilated will prevent your cat from getting injured.
For long car rides, you should also provide fresh water and food. Despite the potential drawbacks, the cargo area can be a great place to store your cat’s carrier.
3 Tips for Placing a Cat Carrier in a Car
1. Secure the Carrier to the Seat
To prevent the cat carrier from moving around while driving, it should be secured to the seat of the car.
This can be done using a seat belt or similar straps, or by using bungee cords to secure the carrier to the seat. The straps must also be properly fastened, and they should not be loose. This will help to keep the carrier in place even in the event of a sudden stop or swerve.
2. Use a Seat Belt for the Carrier
Many cat carriers come with seat belt loop to help secure them to the seat. Using the seat belt loop is the best way to securely fasten the carrier to the seat. It is important to ensure that the buckles of the seat belt are properly engaged to keep the carrier from moving around in the car.
3. Place Something Soft Between the Carrier and the Seat
Ensure that there is something soft between your cat’s carrier and your seat to protect the cat from any bumps or jostles while driving. A blanket or towel can be used to provide a cushion between the carrier and the seat. This will help to keep the cat comfortable and safe during the ride.
Conclusion
The proper way and place to secure a cat carrier in a car are important to understand. Knowing how to secure the carrier will ensure the safety of the pet and the driver.
The carrier should be placed in the back seat of the car, with the opening away from the driver. It should be secured with a seat belt and/or a pet restraint, to prevent the carrier from sliding or tipping over during sudden stops or in the event of an accident.
You should also adjust the seat belt or pet restraint so that it keeps the carrier in place without causing the pet discomfort.
FAQs
What should I do if I don’t have enough space for a cat carrier in my car?
If you don’t have enough space for a cat carrier in your car, you may want to consider using a soft-sided carrier that can be folded flat for storage when not in use. Alternatively, you can use a cardboard box that’s large enough for your cat and secure it with tape to keep your cat safe. You should also make sure to secure the box with a seat belt or bungee cords to keep it from sliding around while you drive.
What type of cat carrier is best for traveling in a car?
Hard-sided cat carriers with plenty of ventilation and adjustable, secure fastening systems are the best for car travel. Cats in hard-sided carriers are more likely to survive an accident, and they will feel safer and more secure. For a secure fit in the car, choose a carrier with a sturdy handle for easy carrying.
Is it safe for my cat to stay in a carrier for a long car journey?
It is not recommended to keep a cat in a carrier for a long car journey, as it can be stressful for the animal. If you must take your cat on a long journey, it is best to let them out of the carrier every few hours to stretch their legs and use the litter box. Make sure they have plenty of food and water and consider investing in a pet car seat cover to help keep them comfortable.
My name is Britney Green and I am the editor and founder of the website Little Happy Cats. I am passionate about helping cats and the people that care for them. I have been working in the pet industry for over 10 years and have always been devoted to the well-being of animals. I started Little Happy Cats as a way to share my knowledge and experiences with others.