If your cat acts like the carrier is a personal betrayal… welcome to the club.

Whether you’re PCSing, moving, or heading out on a road trip, a little prep can make the drive much less stressful for both of you.

A few things that help:

Leave the carrier out early. Toss in a favorite blanket or T-shirt so it smells familiar instead of screaming, “We’re going to the vet!”

Buckle the carrier in. A secure ride means less sliding around every turn (and one less thing for your cat to judge you for).

Keep things calm. Soft music, a comfortable temperature, and your calm voice can go a long way. Yes, they may still sing the song of their people for a while, but many cats settle down once the ride gets going.

Pack a cat travel kit. Food, water, treats, a portable litter box, cleaning supplies, and any medications are must-haves for longer trips. Plus having a pet first-aid kit on hand can become handy…if you don’t have one visit the Military Pet Club Sweepstakes to enter in for a chance to win one this month!

The biggest tip? Be patient. Every cat travels differently. Some sleep the whole way, while others have strong opinions about your driving. Either way, the adventure is temporary, and before you know it, they will be exploring their new favorite sunny window. Safe travels, and may your next road trip have more purrs than protests!