Many people enjoy traveling with their ragdoll cats because they are very playful and love to be around people. Ragdolls make great travel companions because they are low-maintenance and don’t require a lot of attention. They also typically get along well with other animals, making them a good choice for families who enjoy including their pets in their travel plans.
So, do Ragdoll cats travel well? How can you take your Ragdoll cat with you on vacations, and how can you make sure that your cat is comfortable on the car journey? Read on for more information.
Do Ragdoll Cats like car rides?
Ragdoll cats are typically very calm and placid animals, and most will tolerate a ride in the car but some Ragdolls may enjoy car rides.
My Ragdoll Cat Huey used to love coming on the school run every morning. Whenever he heard us getting ready to leave the house, he would trot along and hop into the car with us.
If you plan on taking your Ragdoll on car journeys the best way is to give them time to get used to the car itself. If you keep your car in an enclosed area such as a garage you could leave the car doors open and allow your Ragdoll to explore the car at their leisure.
If they are comfortable around the car, try turning on the engine to see how they react. Start taking them out in the car on short journeys and at low speeds until they get used to the sensation of driving.
If your Ragdoll Cat loves going on car rides you’ll soon know about it. The only problem is they may expect to come with you every time you get into the car!
Tips for Traveling with a Ragdoll Cat
There is no one definitive answer when it comes to whether or not to bring a ragdoll cat on your next trip. It all depends on the specific situation and the individual cat. However, some general tips for traveling with a ragdoll cat include appropriate space for the animal, being aware of their needs (food, water, litter), and ensuring they have access to a comfortable place to sleep. Additionally, be sure to keep any new toys or treats reserved just for your Ragdoll Cat so they don’t get bored on your trip!
Stop Often: Take lots of small little rest breaks so that they can get out and use the bathroom. Remember that your pet has a smaller bladder than you do so they’ll need to use the bathroom more frequently. Take several disposable litter trays with you so you can easily change the litter as needed and not stink out your vehicle! If you plan to take your cat outside of your vehicle make sure that your cat is on a harness and leash and has proper collar identification any time that you venture outside. Make sure your cat is microchipped, that way if you unthinkable happens and they do manage to escape you have a good chance of being reunited with your feline friend.
Stay Hydrated: Always keep some water handy so that they can re-hydrate at each rest stop. A trick that a lot of people swear by is bringing ice-cubes along with them on any long road trip. This cuts down on the space needed compared to bringing water jugs and is fun for your pet to eat.
Don’t Leave Them Alone In The Car: Don’t leave your cat alone in your car while you run errands. On hot summer days, the inside of your car can reach 120 degrees quickly even if the windows are cracked open. Pet thieves also prey on pets left alone in cars at rest stops, so be sure to keep them with you when running errands.
Don’t Let Them Run Around The Car: There are a variety of pet safety harnesses and cat carriers that can keep your cats restrained while in the car. These methods are the safest way to keep your pets safe while you’re on the road. Not only will they protect your pet from injury, but also keep them from distracting you while you are driving.
A pet safety harness is like a regular seatbelt, but it’s designed to protect your pet. Let your pet wear the harness for a while before you go on your first road trip so they get used to it and the belt can be adjusted for comfort. If your cat prefers the security of a cat carrier make sure that it has plenty of space to move around in. Always remember that the passenger seat is the last place your pet should ever be sitting while your car is moving.
Comfortable and Secure: The number one thing to focus on should be the comfort of your pet. If your pet is comfortable then the ride will go smoothly. Their comfort is as important as your own. Imagine having to drive on a long-trip sitting in a seat that hurts or is uncomfortable. It’d make for a pretty un-fun trip! The same goes for your pet. An easy trick to put your pet at ease is to bring along their favorite toy or blanket.
Motion Sickness: There are cats that can suffer from travel sickness, in which case it’s best to get the right medication from your vet before you travel. Do not use human medicines. For very stressed cats, you can buy a spray called Feliway which has been proven to help keep cats calm in stressful situations.
Create a Routine: Plan your trips so that your Ragdoll Cat knows what to expect and has a comfortable routine. This will help them adjust more quickly to new surroundings. Some tips for creating a routine include setting up a bed in a specific spot, providing food and water in specific places, and playing gentle games together before bedtime.
Medication:Â If you’re travelling with your pet, be sure to bring enough medication for the duration of your stay. If something happens while you’re away and they need medical attention, have the veterinarian’s number handy.
Find Cat-friendly hotels
If are you traveling with a ragdoll cat and intend to stay in a hotel, be sure to research whether or not your hotel will allow them to stay. Some hotels may have specific policies on bringing in pets, so it is always best to check ahead. Lucky for you we have done the hard work for you and put together a list of the best cat-friendly hotels.
So, should you take your ragdoll cat with you on your next trip? If your cat has no problems being in the car the answer is yes! They’ll love the adventure and so will you. Just make sure you prepare for everything ahead of time.
If taking your Ragdoll along with you when you travel is not an option then make sure you read our guide on what to do with your cat when you go on vacation.
