Thread: Car Training and Leash Training

I don't know your location but in the UK it is illegal to have unrestrained pets in a car. I'd stick with getting him used to travelling in his carrier, door closed. The carrier also has to be secured with the seatbelt.

If he is comfortable in the harness just persevere with that for a while and then after some time, attach the leash and carry him outdoors without walking him on the leash. Eventually he'll get the association of leash and outdoors but I don't think cats ever take to it quite as naturally as dogs.

It is not illegal in South Africa. I would keep him in the carrier but he hates it.

When I read up on car training the best bit of advice was
"Just because your cat is vocal it doesn't mean it's in pain, it's just letting you know it's not happy"

It's likely he'll always hate the car, it must be a very strange sensation. To make it easier for him you can try and make sure he toilets before you go. And give him treats at the end of the journey. Travelling at night might be easier, because there are fewer stimuli for him to be overwhelmed by.

I also think you should persist with the carrier, it's much safer. I use a small dog cage in the boot when transporting my lil ladies. You could also cover the carrier over to see if that calms him...

If it is the law or not, the carrier is really for the safe transportation of your pet. If you pet was not in a carrier or the door was left open in the carrier and then someone hit your car, just think about what could happen. The car could roll over, your pet could be injured, and your pet could get loose and the possilibity roam about unfamiliar streets. It is always best to put safety 1st and not comfort. Our guy gets car sick and throws-up in his carrier on long drives. We don't think he'll ever get used to it, but this is what needs to be done when we travel with him. We talk softly and pet him to reassure him, but he still hates every minute of it.

I forgot to mention for the leash training... After you attach the leash, try playing with him using his favorite toys. You can also entice him to move with some treats too while the leash is attached. Good Luck.