You may end up driving with cats, whether you are moving across the country or not.

“Traveling with your cats can be a rich and rewarding experience,”Lynn Hayes, a family travel and lifestyle expert, says “The key is doing your research, then creating and executing a plan.”Hayes gives these tips to travel with cats:

Plan ahead. Plan ahead. If you plan to take a road trip or fly to your destination, make sure to allow plenty of time for preparations. Even if it’s just a short trip to the vet, think about how your pet has handled car travel. Are they comfortable? Is there a carrier or a container for your pet? How far will it take? Are there any other family members or close friends who will be joining you on the journey?

– Get the gear. Two leashes, a collar and an ID will be required for your cat. You will need a small carrier or crate for your cat. Your cat cannot snuggle around your feet when your foot touches the brake.

Remember to change your cat’s litter. Although you might not believe a change to your cat’s litter would make a significant difference in their lives, it could have an impact on the success of your trip. Bring your cat’s favorite litter to make them feel at home. World’s Best Cat Litter is 100% all-natural, so it can easily fit into your travel plans. You can also flush it, which makes disposing of litter easy. Visit www.flushable.com for more information. www.worldsbestcatlitter.com.

Practice makes perfect. Consider putting the cat’s crate in your home for at least a few weeks to practice with crate travel. Keep the door wide open and offer a treat. The spot will become a retreat for your cat.

You can also use the same approach to leash your cat if it is not part of your routine. Consider taking your cat on test drives to see how they handle the situation. Make sure to use a seat belt to prevent your cat from sliding around in the car.

Safety first. Make sure your cat’s ID is securely attached. Check that your cat’s vaccinations have been up-to-date and that any medications are prepared for the trip. If you’re crossing states, it is worth taking your cat’s medical records with you. Keep in mind that small animals can be seriously injured by hot cars.