Traveling with your cat can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, but it also requires some planning and preparation. Whether you are going on a road trip, flying on a plane, or taking a train, you need to make sure your cat is comfortable, safe, and stress-free. Here are some tips to help you travel with your cat successfully.
Before You Travel
- Get your kitty to love its carrier. Your cat will need to be in a carrier for most of the trip, so it’s important that they associate it with positive things. You can do this by leaving the carrier open in your home, putting some cozy blankets, toys, and treats inside, and letting your cat explore it at their own pace. You can also feed your cat in the carrier or play with them near it. The goal is to make the carrier a familiar and inviting place for your cat.
- Get your cat to love the car. If you are traveling by car, you need to acclimate your cat to the vehicle and the motion. You can start by taking your cat out to the car in their carrier and sitting with them in the back seat. You can pet them, praise them, and give them treats or toys. Then you can progress to turning on the engine, driving around the block, and gradually increasing the duration and distance of the trips. Make sure your cat is always secured in their carrier and that the carrier is level and buckled up with a seat belt.
- Chat with your veterinarian about anxious cats. Some cats may need extra help to cope with the stress of traveling. You can consult with your veterinarian about options for preventing and treating anxiety in your cat. They may recommend a medication, a supplement, or a pheromone spray or collar that can calm your cat down. If medication is prescribed, make sure you test it at home before you travel to see how your cat reacts to it.
- Make sure you have the correct documents and identification for your cat. Depending on where you are traveling, you may need to have proof of vaccination, a health certificate, microchip registration, or other documents for your cat. Check with your destination’s requirements before you travel and have copies of all the necessary papers with you. You should also make sure your cat has an ID tag or other means of identification securely attached to them or their carrier. This can help reunite you with your cat in case they get lost or separated from you.
During Your Travel
- Bring familiar items that make your cat feel at home. To reduce your cat’s stress and discomfort during the trip, you should bring as many things as possible that remind them of their home environment. These include:
- Their regular food
- The same type of litter
- Their favorite treats and toys
- Blankets or bedding that smells like their bed at home
- Any medications they might need
- Keep your cat hydrated and fed. Traveling can be dehydrating and exhausting for your cat, so make sure you offer them water and food regularly. You can use small dishes that attach to the carrier or collapsible bowls that are easy to carry. You may want to limit the amount of food you give your cat before or during the trip to avoid motion sickness or accidents in the carrier. You can also give them some treats or kibble-dispensing toys to keep them occupied and happy.
- Provide litter box access when possible. Your cat will need to relieve themselves during the trip, so you should plan ahead for when and where you can provide them with a litter box. If you are traveling by car, you can stop at rest areas or hotels that allow pets and set up a portable litter box in a quiet spot. If you are traveling by plane or train, you may need to wait until you reach your destination or use disposable pads or diapers for your cat.
- Comfort your cat with familiar scents, sounds, and touch. Your cat may be scared or stressed by the unfamiliar sights, smells, and noises of traveling. You can help them feel more secure by spraying their carrier with a pheromone product that mimics their natural calming signals. You can also play some soothing music or talk to them in a gentle voice. If possible, pet them or scratch them behind the ears to reassure them that everything is okay.
After You Travel
- Give your cat time to adjust to the new environment. Once you arrive at your destination, you should let your cat explore their new surroundings at their own pace. You can set up a safe and comfortable area for them with their carrier, food, water, litter box, toys, and bedding. You can also spray some pheromone product around the area to make it more inviting. You should avoid forcing your cat to interact with unfamiliar people or animals until they are ready. You can also monitor your cat for any signs of illness or distress, such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or hiding. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact a local veterinarian for advice.
Traveling with your cat can be a fun and rewarding experience if you follow these tips and prepare well. Your cat will appreciate your efforts and enjoy spending time with you on your adventure.
