all good ideas..i would take dry and not wet food..it might be easier to dole out small meals of dry in case your out longer than planned..and in case you have to eat it the dry would go down better than that nasty canned stuff-----

Harnesses are not worth crap with cats. Or with dogs, now that I think about it. I'd take a choke chain collar.

Not that it's really your concern, but maybe a cheap small back of Benadryl or Loratidine in the carrier too. Lots of folks are allergic to cats, and if you're stuck in a shelter with someone, they might appreciate the thoughtfulness.

Granted, you shouldn't be "giving" drugs away, but if they ask for one, it's another matter.

Maybe some band-aids too. Cats can get a bit irritated, just like people, in new situations.

something for the cat to calm it down might be a good idea..
i know they make stuff to give to cats that are going to travel..
try Foster and Smith..i have seen "pet drugs" in their catalog.

If your cat does not like carriers or harnesses, may I suggest a pair of gloves to keep handy? Perhaps kevlar… with little ceramic trauma plates…

You mean like a rubber mallet?

Neither one tastes good. Never loose a bet with an empty wallet.

I happen to know that 50 joules of electricity delivered trans-thoracically will calm a small, annoying and highly agitated dog down, like all the way down. Wasn't me, but don't ask.

Catnip works for mine. Doppy, sleepy, drooly little nipheads.

If he or she won't take the carrier... Sucks to be in that car. But it is that, or leave them behind, too dangerous to leave a cat loose in car. Or a dog.