How To Protect Your Sphynx Cat During Car Rides

Did you know that an estimated 10,000 pets are killed in car crashes each year in the U.S.? While this stat is sobering, it should make pet owners take safety precautions when traveling with their cat seriously. It's completely fine to have your pet as your travel buddy, but taking extra steps to keep them safe along the way is key. Below, we'll explore safety tips to utilize to protect your Sphynx cat during car rides. 

Buckle Up For Safety 

In a car, any passenger along for the ride should buckle up, and your cat is no different. One of the best and easiest ways to fasten them in is to buckle them in their cat carrier, either through the top or back handle of the carrier. You could also try a pet car seat or a secure carrier. Both of these products will give your cat the comfort and safety features you need and are looking for. However, it's important to keep in mind that the safest place for your cat to be in your car is the back seat. The seats in the front are made for people who weigh 65 pounds or over. When in a car crash with a cat in the front seat, they are at risk of serious injury and even death caused by the airbag deploying. The backseat is the safest place in the vehicle for your cat. 

What To Look For In A Pet Car Seat

When shopping around for a car seat for your Sphynx, look for features that check safety and convenience boxes. A good car seat for a pet should include:

• Secure straps along the back for threading the seatbelt through.

• A built-in safety hook to attach your cat’s harness directly to the seat.

• A removable, washable cover. This would come in handy since cats can be relatively messy passengers. 

Keeping Your Travel Buddy Calm

It's not uncommon for cats to become nervous when in the car. There's a lot going on, and it can become overstimulating. To ease anxiety for your cat before you hit the road, a natural calming aid like NERVOUS SYSTEM SUPPORT / Calming Remedy (nerve relax) or NERVOUS SYSTEM SUPPORT / Calming Remedy (tranquility formula) could help. Both drops are gentle, all-natural options made for both cats and dogs. Other ways to calm your cat in the car are to play calming music, bring their favorite blanket, or feed them treats and reward them for doing well on the trip.

A Quick Safety Checklist Before Hitting The Road

• Ensure your cat's car seat is secure.

• The front seat should be off-limits for your pets. 

• Pack calming support, like calming remedy drops.

• Bring water, food, treats, and a blanket. 

In Conclusion

The key to keeping your Sphinx cat safe on the road is to be prepared. Using calming remedies, ensuring their car seat is secured, and packing treats can help make the travel experience more comfortable and safer. There's no better travel buddy than your hairless cat, but keeping them safe is priority number 1. Traveling safely is the only way to travel!

With Love,

April Arguin A.S., C.P.N., M.P.H.

(aka) PetCoach-April