comments:
I got this double carrier and another single of the same carrier for my two kitties. I travel with them twice a year, each time a 2 day road trip. The carriers zip together and all 3 of them fit perfectly in my back seat, and have straps to put the seatbelts through. I put a litter box in the middle carrier and puppy pads as well, just in case. They don't eat or use the bathroom until I stop for the day, but they have the option to. I cover it with towels sometimes to make them feel more secure. I get the carriers out about a week before each trip and leave them around the house to the cats can get used to them and associate them with food and playtime rather than just travel. Both of my kitties wear a harness when I travel, and they have a leash clipped to the top of the carrier ready to go. I never ever open the carrier when the car door is open unless I've already clipped their leash on and am holding the end. However, I almost never have to open the carrier and the car at the same time. I just take the whole carrier inside- it's a bit awkward but it's so much safer. When I stop, I park in the shade, run the AC at max for 5 minutes, then turn it off and sit for 5. If the temperature in the car is not too bad, I run the AC again for 5, then turn the car off and set myself a 5 minute timer to run in and use the bathroom. I know it's a risk but I feel it's safer than risking my cats escaping by trying to bring them inside. If you can get them to take gabapentin (easily available from your vet), it will zonk them out pretty good and they won't be too distressed.