According to The Anti-Cruelty Society, you should not keep your cat in a carrier for an extended period of time. Up to 15 minutes should be fine.
Most cats find being in a carrier stressful, so it’s best to keep their time in it as short as possible. If your cat needs to stay in the carrier for more than a couple of hours, you’ll need to offer them some food and water. It’s also best to cover it with a blanket to keep them calm.
Factors Affecting How Long a Cat Can Safely Stay in a Carrier
- Age and health of the cat: Younger and healthier cats can tolerate being in a carrier longer than older and sick cats. Older and sick cats may need more frequent breaks, medication, or special care. If your cat has a chronic condition, such as diabetes, kidney disease, or arthritis, you should consult your veterinarian before putting your cat in a carrier.
- Size and comfort of the carrier: The carrier should be large enough for your cat to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. It should also have soft bedding, a secure latch, and a sturdy handle. Avoid carriers that are too small, too hard, or too flimsy. A comfortable carrier will help your cat feel more relaxed and less stressed.
- Length of the journey: The longer the journey, the more likely your cat will need breaks, food, water, and bathroom facilities. If you are traveling by car, you should stop every two to three hours to let your cat out of the carrier, stretch, and use the litter box. If you are traveling by plane, train, or bus, you should check the regulations and policies of the carrier company. Some may allow you to take your cat out of the carrier during the trip, while others may not. In any case, you should always keep your cat in a carrier when traveling in public transportation, for safety reasons.
- Weather conditions: Extreme hot or cold weather can affect your cat’s well-being and comfort. If it is too hot, your cat may overheat, dehydrate, or suffer from heatstroke. If it is too cold, your cat may freeze, shiver, or develop hypothermia. You should avoid traveling with your cat in extreme weather conditions, or take precautions to keep your cat comfortable. For example, you can use a carrier with ventilation holes, avoid direct sunlight or drafts, and provide your cat with water and blankets.
- Type of transportation: Different types of transportation may have different impacts on your cat’s stress level and behavior. Some cats may be more comfortable in a car than in a plane, while others may be the opposite. Some cats may get motion sickness, while others may not. You should know your cat’s preferences and personality, and choose the type of transportation that suits your cat best. You can also use calming products, such as pheromones, herbs, or toys, to help your cat cope with the stress of traveling.
Guidelines for Keeping a Cat in a Carrier
Proper Ventilation
The carrier should have enough ventilation holes to allow fresh air to circulate. This will prevent your cat from suffocating, overheating, or getting sick. You should also avoid covering the carrier with a blanket or a cloth, as this may block the airflow and make your cat feel claustrophobic.
Adequate Space And Comfort
The carrier should be spacious and comfortable for your cat. It should not be too tight or too loose, as this may cause your cat to feel trapped or insecure. You should also provide your cat with soft bedding, such as a towel, a blanket, or a pillow, to make your cat feel cozy and warm. You can also add some familiar items, such as a toy, a piece of clothing, or a scratching post, to make your cat feel more at home.
Food And Water
Your cat may need food and water during the trip, especially if it is a long one. You should provide your cat with a small amount of dry food and water in the carrier, using spill-proof bowls or bottles. You should also monitor your cat’s intake and output, and adjust accordingly. You should avoid giving your cat wet food, milk, or treats, as these may cause diarrhea, vomiting, or allergies. You should also avoid changing your cat’s diet before or during the trip, as this may upset your cat’s stomach.
Bathroom Breaks
Your cat may need to use the litter box during the trip, especially if it is a long one. You should provide your cat with a small litter box in the carrier, using disposable or biodegradable litter. You should also clean the litter box regularly, and dispose of the waste properly. You should avoid using scented or clumping litter, as these may irritate your cat’s nose or paws. You should also avoid using a new or unfamiliar litter, as this may confuse your cat or discourage your cat from using the litter box.
Interactions With The Cat
Your cat may need some attention and affection during the trip, especially if it is a long one. You should talk to your cat, pet your cat, or play with your cat, using a calm and soothing voice and gentle gestures. This will help your cat feel more relaxed and less lonely. You should also praise your cat, reward your cat, or treat your cat, using positive reinforcement and incentives. This will help your cat associate the carrier and the trip with something enjoyable.
Recommended Duration for Keeping a Cat in a Carrier
The recommended duration for keeping a cat in a carrier depends on the scenario and the individual cat. Here are some general guidelines for different scenarios:
Traveling
For journeys lasting under 6 hours, it’s acceptable to keep your cat in the carrier throughout. However, during longer trips spanning multiple days, it’s advisable to release your cat periodically for hydration and bathroom breaks. Cats can generally hold their bladder for several hours, but ensuring regular opportunities for bathroom breaks is crucial, especially during extended flights. Prolonged crating for more than six hours can negatively impact a cat’s mental well-being, so it’s recommended to avoid such extended confinement.
Overnight
Don’t leave a cat in a carrier overnight. Large animal carriages can be dark and stuffy. Most cats find carriers upsetting, so keep their time in them short.
If you must confine your cat, choose a larger crate. For normal crate time, don’t leave your cat there for more than six hours. More than a quarter of the day in the crate can harm her mental health.
Illness
If your cat is sick or injured, you may need to keep your cat in a carrier to isolate your cat, protect your cat, or transport your cat to the veterinarian. However, you should still follow the guidelines for keeping a cat in a carrier, and provide your cat with food, water, and medication. You should also monitor your cat’s condition, and seek professional help if needed. The maximum duration a cat can safely stay in a carrier when ill is 8 hours, but you should try to minimize the time as much as possible.
