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Original poster

Can a cat be left in a carrier in a car for under 2 hours?

65 replies

Itshotoutthere · 03/01/2023 19:35

Friend has dental appointment at 9.30 then vets at 11.30. Will the cat be ok in the car for less than an hour whilst she has dental appointment?

OP posts:
Thatboymum · 03/01/2023 19:36

I don’t know about a cat but I know I wouldn’t leave my dog in the car for even 15 mins alone never mind an hour so I’d say no based on that

Bemyclementine · 03/01/2023 19:37

I wouldn't. It would be horrible if it needs the loo.

CluelessHamster · 03/01/2023 19:40

Not an expert but I would think it could be quite distressing for the cat if it's not used to being in the carrier.

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Runnerduck34 · 03/01/2023 19:40

I wouldn't, It would be extremely distressed. Cats hate cat baskets and cars and vets.
I would change the vets or dentist appt depending on which is the most important.
I can see why it's tempting but not really fair on the cat.

Flaxseedblueberry · 03/01/2023 19:40

My cat would be very upset if that happened

WhatDoYouWantNow · 03/01/2023 19:42

You've asked this on another thread, so I'm guessing perhaps you don't like these answers? I wouldn't ever leave a cat in a car for that length of time.

KirstenBlest · 03/01/2023 19:42

I've done it. DCat was ok. It's not ideal though.

paiop · 03/01/2023 19:43

I would! Fgs my cat has to drive 2 hrs with me from time to time

Original poster
Itshotoutthere · 03/01/2023 19:43

Yes- thought it would be more appropriate to post in The litter tray - sounds like that was a problem for you

OP posts:
crackofdoom · 03/01/2023 19:44

Well, sometimes you have to take a cat on a car journey of longer than 2 hours in itself, and they survive, so if needs must 🤷‍♀️

Fizzadora · 03/01/2023 19:45

Well if she had to transport the cat to a specialist vets that was 4 hours drive away, the cat would have to be in the basket in the car for over an hour wouldn't it?
Tell her not to be surprised though if some well meaning passer by has called the police though because they heard a baby crying🥴

Tamarindtree · 03/01/2023 19:46

I would not do that. I believe a pet should be treated as you would treat a toddler and you wouldn’t leave a toddler in a box in a car for a couple of hours.

At the very least can someone go along and wait in the car whilst ‘friend’ how’s to the dentist?

gogohmm · 03/01/2023 19:47

I leave the dog regularly but the cat gets grumpy after 5 mins

Original poster
Itshotoutthere · 03/01/2023 19:48

Tamarindtree · 03/01/2023 19:46

I would not do that. I believe a pet should be treated as you would treat a toddler and you wouldn’t leave a toddler in a box in a car for a couple of hours.

At the very least can someone go along and wait in the car whilst ‘friend’ how’s to the dentist?

Wow! ' the vipers are out tonight

OP posts:
Original poster
Itshotoutthere · 03/01/2023 19:49

WhatDoYouWantNow · 03/01/2023 19:42

You've asked this on another thread, so I'm guessing perhaps you don't like these answers? I wouldn't ever leave a cat in a car for that length of time.

Viper number 2

OP posts:
XenoBitch · 03/01/2023 19:52

I would.
There could be times the cat is in the car and carrier that long for the duration of a journey.
Anyway, some cats are pretty chilled in a carrier.

amylou8 · 03/01/2023 19:52

Cats will spend hours in a carrier when you take them on a plane, either in the hold or cabin. I don't expect he'll like it, but he'll be just fine for 2 hours.

lljkk · 03/01/2023 19:52

er... I was in USA airport last week, someone was transporting their cat in a carrier (on airplanes). I'd wager it had to be in there for >>>> 2 hours. Cats can do these things.

TellMeWhere · 03/01/2023 19:53

My cat gets distressed after 10 minutes so no, I absolutely wouldn't do this.

Very unfair on the animal. I'd rearrange whichever appointment is less necessary.

Yarnosaura · 03/01/2023 19:53

No, I wouldn't leave any animal in a car alone. It's less about the length of time and more about the lack of supervision/oversight.

Eixample · 03/01/2023 19:54

Possibly depends where you are and what the temperature in a parked car would be?

Wolfiefan · 03/01/2023 19:55

Depends. Mine would vomit and crap and be really distressed.

SaladBarNanny · 03/01/2023 19:56

Not good for the cat at all. Your friend needs to rebook one or other of the appointments if there's no time to go and collect the cat after the dentist.

HaddawayAndShite · 03/01/2023 19:56

Yes animals travel longer than 2 hours but you’re in the car. You can speak to them to reassure them, you’re in control of the climate settings, it could get too warm / cold. Can she not just go back in between the dentist and vet to collect the cat?

TellMeWhere · 03/01/2023 19:56

lljkk · 03/01/2023 19:52

er... I was in USA airport last week, someone was transporting their cat in a carrier (on airplanes). I'd wager it had to be in there for >>>> 2 hours. Cats can do these things.

I think it's different if the owner is present. Some cats also travel regularly so are used to carriers.

Mine have both done long haul as cargo. Yes they survived but they definitely didn't enjoy it.

One of mine claws at the bars so would potentially do himself an injury if he hadn't been trimmed in advance.

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