It’s a common stereotype: cats hate car rides. Many cat owners can attest to the chorus of meows and frantic scratching that can accompany even short trips. Like many, our cats Lumos and Noxie initially fit this stereotype perfectly. Early car journeys were filled with pitiful cries, desperate attempts to escape their carriers, and, admittedly, a few tears of frustration from us as we worried about their distress.
However, the payoff was always the same. Upon arriving at our destination, Lumos and Noxie transformed into happy, excited explorers, eager to investigate their new surroundings. This stark contrast between car travel misery and destination joy sparked a mission: to find a better, safer, and happier way for our beloved “Car Cats” to travel.
The Myth of Car-Hating Cats
While the stereotype of car-hating cats exists for a reason, it’s not necessarily because cats inherently despise cars. More often, their aversion stems from unfamiliarity and discomfort. Car travel is outside a cat’s normal, controlled environment. The motion, unfamiliar sounds, and new smells can be overwhelming and trigger anxiety. Understanding this is the first step in transforming your cat from a car travel hater to a more relaxed passenger, or at least, a safer one.
Why Letting Your Cat Roam Free in the Car is a Bad Idea
Lumos and Noxie, like many curious cats, are fascinated by the car itself when it’s stationary. They love to peer out the windows, observing the world outside. And yes, they would absolutely love to roam freely inside the car while we are driving.
However, and this is crucial, allowing your cat to roam freely in a moving vehicle is extremely dangerous. It poses significant risks to both the driver and your feline companion.
Distraction Danger
Imagine trying to navigate busy roads with a furry missile launching itself onto your head. Noxie has a penchant for perching on our shoulders, and Lumos expresses affection through enthusiastic headbutts. While endearing at home, these behaviors become incredibly hazardous when driving, especially at high speeds. A sudden headbutt or a cat deciding your head is the best vantage point can lead to dangerous distractions, compromising your focus on the road. Furthermore, cats are notorious for squeezing into tight spaces. A curious cat exploring under the seats could easily end up near the driver’s feet, potentially interfering with the pedals and causing a severe accident.
The Projectile Risk
Think of your cat as an unrestrained passenger. Just as seat belts are vital for human safety in cars, the same principle applies to your cat. In most countries, the life-saving function of seat belts is well-established – they prevent passengers from becoming projectiles during sudden stops or collisions. A cat is no different. Without proper restraint, in the event of an accident or even a sudden, sharp braking maneuver, your cat could be thrown around inside the car, suffering serious injuries.
Car Safety for Cats: Restraints and Carriers
Our own experience with a car accident in April 2018, where seatbelts and airbags thankfully minimized our injuries to minor cuts and bruises, prompted us to seriously consider car safety for our cats. This incident raised a critical question: were we taking cat car safety seriously enough? Were their carriers and any restraints actually crash-tested and designed to protect them in a real accident?
Our research led us to the Center for Pet Safety, an invaluable resource highlighting a concerning reality: the vast majority of pet “car-safety” harnesses and carriers on the market have not undergone crash testing. This means many products marketed for pet car safety may offer little to no protection, and could even cause injury in a crash.
The Shocking Truth About Pet Car Safety Products
The Center for Pet Safety rigorously crash-tests various pet carriers and harnesses. Disappointingly, they found that many products fail to provide adequate protection. While some dog harnesses have passed crash tests, unfortunately, as of now, no cat harnesses have met the Center for Pet Safety’s standards.
Crash-Tested Cat Carriers
However, there is good news for cat owners! The Center for Pet Safety has certified several cat carriers that have passed their crash test standards. These certified carriers offer a much safer way to transport your cat in the car. Among the certified options, Sleepypod carriers are a standout choice. While Sleepypod carriers are an investment and can be smaller than some cat owners might prefer, their proven safety makes them a worthwhile consideration for protecting your “car cat” during travel.
Our Journey to Safe Car Travel with Lumos and Noxie
Our journey to prioritize car safety for Lumos and Noxie began with realizing the limitations of our initial approach. We started using Sleepypod carriers, appreciating the peace of mind that came with knowing they offered crash protection. While still working on making car rides completely stress-free for them, knowing they are safe in their carriers is a significant step forward. We are committed to continuing to improve their car travel experience, ensuring that our adventures together are as safe and enjoyable as possible for everyone, especially our feline first mates.
