Traveling with a cat can be a tricky business. Whether you’re taking your pet on a road trip, flying to another country, or visiting family across the state, there are several things you need to consider to make sure your pet has a safe and comfortable journey.
To help make your travels easier – and less stressful – here are 10 tips to help you get the most out of your journey with a cat.
Have Your Cat Use a Travel Carrier While on Public Transportation or Planes
When traveling by public transportation or plane, it’s important to have your cat use a travel carrier. This will help keep them safe and secure and also ensures that they are following the rules of the mode of transportation you are using.
Make sure that you line the bottom of the carrier with something comfortable – this will help keep your pet feeling safe on the go.
If this is your first time on a plane with your cat, make sure you research some more tips for flying with a cat and be informed about all the rules and regulations you need to follow.
Find a Vet in the Destination City
When traveling with a cat, it’s important to make sure you have the necessary resources in place before you leave.
One of the most important things to consider is finding a vet in your destination city who can provide medical care should an emergency arise while on your trip. Taking some time to research local veterinarians and scheduling an appointment prior to departure will help ensure that your pet is taken care of if something unexpected happens during travel.
Having all relevant paperwork available for easy access, such as recent vaccination records and health certificates, will also be beneficial in case any documentation needs to be presented at a veterinary clinic or animal hospital.
Research Pet-Friendly Hotels and Accommodations
When traveling with a cat, it’s important to do your research before selecting accommodations. Not all hotels and rental properties are pet-friendly, so make sure that the place you select will allow cats prior to booking.
If you will be staying in multiple locations during your trip, make sure to check each hotel’s pet policy prior to booking to avoid any surprises. If you’re not sure whether a hotel allows cats, don’t hesitate to call and ask – they may be willing to make an exception for your pet if given advance notice.
Some hotels may also charge additional fees for pets, so it’s important to factor this into your budget when planning for the trip.
Pack an Emergency Cat Kit
In the event of an emergency, it’s important to be prepared ahead of time. Having an emergency kit with items like food and water bowls, treats, medications and a leash can help ensure that you’re always ready in case something happens while on your trip.
Having a bed or crate may also come in handy if you need to take your cat to the vet or need a safe place for them to sleep while away from home. Taking some time ahead of time to ensure you have everything your kitty may need can help make traveling with them much smoother and less stressful.
Bring Their Favorite Toys and Items from Home
Cats can get nervous when traveling, so it’s important to bring items from home that may help provide comfort and security.
Bring their favorite toys or a blanket from home as this will help them have something familiar in a strange place. Additionally, having catnip and treats can be useful for providing distractions during long trips or plane rides.
Keep Your Cat’s Routine as Consistent as Possible Throughout the Trip
Cats are creatures of habit and things like changes in diet, environment or schedule can cause them stress. Whenever possible, try to keep their routine as similar to home as possible.
Feeding them on a regular schedule and providing plenty of playtime can help make the transition smoother for both you and your pet.
If you have to travel by plane, try to book a direct flight if possible – this will help reduce the amount of stress your cat feels while in transit.
Stay Calm and Relaxed While Traveling with Your Pet
Cats are very sensitive to their owner’s energy, so it’s important to stay as calm and relaxed as possible while traveling with them. Taking some deep breaths and using positive affirmations can help to keep your energy relaxed and will in turn help to keep your pet calm as well.
If you feel that your cat is starting to become stressed or anxious, take a break and provide them with a chance to rest or play – this will often help to ease their anxiety.
Allow for Frequent Bathroom Breaks During Car Rides
Cats can often become stressed while traveling in the car, so it’s important to give them frequent bathroom breaks throughout the trip. Allowing your cat out of their crate or carrier for a few minutes during rest stops will help them feel more comfortable and relaxed – just make sure that you keep an eye on them at all times.
Having a litter box in your car can also be helpful for providing cats with an option for using the bathroom if needed.
Investigate Laws and Regulations Before Traveling with Pets Between Countries or States
Before taking your cat on a long trip, make sure to look into any laws or regulations that may be in place. Different countries and states can have different requirements for traveling pets, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with these before embarking on the journey.
Make sure to obtain all necessary documents such as health certificates and travel permits before the trip – this will help make sure that you and your pet are able to travel without any delays or issues.
Make Sure your Cat Has an Identification Tag with Updated Contact Information
It’s important to ensure that your cat has a current identification tag with updated contact information. This will help in case of any emergency or separation while traveling and can significantly reduce the time it takes to reunite you and your pet.
If possible, take photos of your pet before the trip – this can be helpful if they get lost or if you need to show proof of ownership.
Conclusion
Traveling with a cat may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right planning and preparation, you can make the experience of traveling with your feline friend as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.
Make sure to plan ahead by researching pet-friendly accommodations and restaurants, packing the necessary supplies for travel, and keeping your cat safe and secure during transportation.
Don’t forget to take breaks throughout your journey so that your cat can stretch their legs and explore. When you reach your destination, make sure to give them time to adjust by offering plenty of comfort items from home such as blankets and toys.
By following these ten tips, you can ensure that your next trip with your cat will be a successful one.
