This article came to me after a discussion that I had at a cat show. The person was talking about letting her cat roam around in the car on the way home, so the cat would not be stressed. Now I understand that in this case, the cat had just been through all of the shelter trauma. I understand that what she wanted to do was be kind to that sweet baby, but that kindness could kill that sweet kitty.

In the past eight years of showing I have seen way too many people not only travel with their cats loose in the car, but every now and then I have seen them bring the cat into the show hall, from the outside, in their hand. The biggest argument, is that they don't want the cat cooped up for long hours. I respect that. However, you should only take them out of the crate or flight bag when you are stopped. Personally, I travel with oversized crates with a litter box in each one.

There are several reasons for this procedure. First is driver safety. You never know were that cat is going to go. Cats love to hide. They love to go low and under things. So your feet or under the driver seat is a good place for them to go. That can and will distract the driver. Do you want to live with yourself if you and your kitty cause an accident? The second is the safety of the cat. I have known of people that get in an accident on the way to or from the show and the cats get loose when the have the accident because they are not in a crate. Most of the time, the cat is never found. Now we can talk about trauma! This poor baby has really had their world turned upside down. Ok, now for the really ugly part, when they are not in a crate they become a projectile. This projectile can become a weapon against you and your passengers. This doesn't bring up the damage to them.

So am I painting a picture that you don't want to see? Then it's easy. First, put all of your babies in crates. Then secure the crates. Bungy cords work great. Then get in and put your seatbelt on. Will this guarantee that nothing will happen? Nope, but it sure gives you better odds. You never know when you will have an accident. So often going to cat shows we are packed to the top. If your cat is loose, then they are one more thing to get smashed up or fly around in an accident. They are called accidents because you don't know when they will happen. Even to the best drivers.

Kittens and adults can be eased into travel crate. I start them with a crate with no door that has a bed in it. A friend of mine puts a heating pad in there. Then later, you can add the door. Travel around the block, then further and further each trip. Give them a treat when you get back. I know a lot of people will talk to the kitties, but I normally say a word or two at the very start and then go on with a normal car ride. Then they figure it out and they are not dependent on my voice. They then travel very well with other people, often running right into the crate. I have very few cats that do not travel well.

It takes a little time but it is really worth it, because you don't know what will happen.

Kate owns and operates KAOS Cattery. She has been showing since 1995. “We started with a household pet and have raised Tonkinese over the past few years. Our boy, KAOS Maxwell Smart of Toytown, is the grandfather of the TICA 2001-02 International Winner, 2nd Best Cat of the Year, Sazicats Ring in the New Year of Blueyonder. We are owned by a Burmese, a Bengal, a Savannah and several household pets. KAOS Cattery is starting a Savannah breeding program and is a member of SIMBA. Over the years we have won numerous regional awards and two international awards. We still love to show Household Pets.”