Car Travel

At the end of December I'll be bringing my cat home with me for my Christmas vacation (about 2.5 weeks). My apartment is on the smaller side so I decided it would be better to bring him home since he's social and doesn't get stressed easily, then to leave him here with a sitter I could really only afford every other day. So, we're talking a 9 hour drive home. I have a rather large carrier from the shelter (I believe this is it but I have an older model http://www.walmart.com/ip/Petmate-Pet-Taxi-Travel-Kennel-Multiple-Sizes-Available-Cats-Dogs/16785059) but I'm not 100% sure he could turn around easily and with a drive that long I'd like him to be comfortable. I'm curious what crates do people suggest for long distance travel? I think something more open would be better for him. I have a small hatchback so I was considering a small dog crate (maybe a soft crate?) and putting a sheet over it. That way I could also throw a litter box in when I have to stop for food, etc. briefly but I don't know if anyone has had issues with that.I've found a lot of information on how to travel but no crate suggestions thus far. The drive home from the shelter was about 45 minutes and he was perfectly fine the whole time, so I'm not worried about him being stressed about travel. Thanks!

I have my cat in their small carrier (like the one you linked to).  I put the seats down so there's a large area in the back and have an enclosed litter tray there.  Every couple of hours I stop (which a good driver should do anyway ) let the cat have something to eat in the larger area, and use the tray if necessary, then put her back in her carrier.  I know this won't work for everyone, but it's what I do... all cats are different.

I also have her harness and lead on.

The reason I keep her in the smaller carrier is because I think she feels more secure in there.  But I also think your larger crate idea is a good one, especially if your cat wouldn't like the idea of being put in and out of her carrier.

Since we're talking about car travel... do you put your carrier on the floor or secure with a seatbelt on a seat? I know answers will vary. We will also be traveling for Christmas. chester13, I read something about disposable litter boxes, but I have no idea where they are sold. I am going to lay down a piddle pad and bring extras as our ride is about half the length of yours.

I go to cat shows several times a year that are 5-6 hours away, and I have a friend who has taken one of my cats to shows that are 11-12 hour drives. I used to put them in wire dog crates, 2-3 cats per crate, for the long drive, but I think it works better to have them in regular carriers. They never used the litter I put in the crates, just scattered it all over the car. Plus I think they don't feel as secure in the large crates. They would all curl up together in one corner for the whole drive.

Always put the carriers in the back. Airbags are just as dangerous for cats as they are for children. If you're going to have them all the way in the back be sure you have some way to tie down the carriers so they don't shift around. I put mine in the back seat and secure them with the seatbelts. If there are more than 3 carriers, I stack them up with the seatbelt on the lower one and bungee cords to tie down the upper ones. Also, some kitties like to be able to look out the windows, so it's good to have them up high. The ones who sleep all the way go on the bottom. I don't put them on the floor because I don't think there's enough air circulating there.

How old are your cats? Adult cats can go all day without a litter box but kittens probably need a break or two along the way. If you're going to let them out to use the litter box be sure you have it in a location where you can get them out of the carriers and back in without opening the car doors. If that's not possible, have the cats in a harness with a leash attached before you open the doors.