How To Transport Your Cat In The Heat

Cats in cars

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No matter the time of year, the safest way to transport your cat in the car is to keep them in a carrier in the backseat. Remember, just because your cat is in the carrier, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buckle them in! By securing the seat belt around the front of the carrier, you’ll prevent it from bouncing around and potentially injuring your cat.

Heat hazard

Even though 72°F weather doesn’t sound very hot, this temperature could be life-threatening to a cat left in a car. It only takes one hour for the inside of a car to reach 116°F – and that’s only when it’s 72°F. On an even hotter day, it only takes 10 minutes reach temperatures over 100°F.

That being so, you should never leave your cat in a car during the heat of summer. Such conditions will put your cat at risk for heatstroke, a fever caused by the body being incapable of regulating such high temperatures. The symptoms of heatstroke range from agitation and heavy panting, to coma and death if left untreated.

Keep your cat cool

If you’re going to be in the car for awhile, keep the air conditioning on or the windows open to allow ventilation. Make sure not to cover your cat’s carrier in a way that will prevent air flow through the carrier’s holes. Another way to keep your cat cool is to place an ice pack wrapped in a towel or sock inside the carrier.

Pit stops

If your journey requires pitstops, try to park in a shaded area with the windows completely down. You should never leave your cat unattended – a quick run into the convenience store could easily turn into a 10-15 minute ordeal. If you need to get out of your car for a rest or bathroom break, place the carrier in a grassy, shaded area and give your cat some water. Have someone watch your cat while you’re away, and look for any signs of heat stroke.