10 Essential Tips for Stress-Free Travel with Your Cat
Traveling with your cat is a unique and memorable experience, but it also presents its own set of challenges. The American Pet Products Association estimates that 23 million American households brought their pets on trips last year, with cats as travel companions becoming ever-popular. If you’re nervous about the practicalities of taking your feline friend along for the ride, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
These tips are based on expert advice and experience, and will ensure your trip is as stress-free as possible for you and your cat. It covers all the basics of surviving the time-lapse and traveling long haul at the other end, from preparation to post-travel care.
Plan and Pack Wisely
Careful preparation is always helpful for a successful trip. First, check whether your destination is pet-friendly. Whether you’re staying in a hotel, Airbnb, or a friend’s home, confirm that cats are allowed and ask about any specific pet policies beforehand. Carry essentials for your cat, including their favorite food, treats, and water bowls. If your cat requires medication, please bring the necessary supplies, including a portable litter box, litter bags, etc. Also, don’t forget a small first aid kit and any other comfort items, like a favorite toy or blanket, that will help ease anxiety during the trip.
Purina suggests you familiarize your cats with your travel essentials before leaving to reduce stress. A well-packed bag allows you to be ready for anything, so both of you will have an easier time traveling.
Choose the Right Carrier
A carrier could make or break the trip. The first consideration is a well-ventilated, sturdy, and escape-proof design large enough for your cat to stand, turn, and lie down in. Hardshell carriers offer better protection in the car but are less convenient for flying because they are more difficult to fit under the seat.
Ensure the carrier has secure latches, and never neglect to place an absorbent pad or towel inside, just in case. Add a favorite blanket or other item to encourage cats to spend more time in the crate. As many cat behaviorists will attest, the right carrier can be a haven for your pet, which will help stave off stress related to travel.
Familiarize Your Cat With the Carrier
Introducing your cat to the carrier on the day of travel is not recommended. Before your departure, place the carrier in a room your cat visits often and leave the door open. Set the bedding or blankets in the carrier so your cat is on a soft bed. Add a few treats or a favorite toy to make a comfortable space.
Encourage short periods inside the carrier and gradually increase the time as needed. Research from Fit’ n’ Fun suggests that familiarity reduces stress significantly and can make the airline a place of comfort for your feline friend.
Use Calming Aids
Cats with severe anxiety would benefit from a calming pheromone spray such as Feliway. Spray the inside of the carrier for 15 minutes before putting your cat inside, creating a calming environment.
If your pet’s travel anxiety continues, ask your veterinarian about further options, such as anxiety-reducing supplements or prescription medications. ManyPets says that products such as Gabapentin or Trazodone are often suggested to manage severe feline anxiety when out on a getaway.
Keep Your Cat Secure During Travel
Whether you drive your car, fly on a plane, or leave home by train, tightly strap the carrier in. If using a carrier for the vehicle, place it in a stable location, such as the back seat, and use a seatbelt to avoid movement.
Don’t open the carrier during the trip, even for comfort or reassurance—a free animal can’t be replaced. Due to unfamiliar surroundings, loose cats can easily escape from you, putting you and your pet in danger.
Plan Breaks for Long Trips
If this trip involves a lot of time on the road, schedule regular breaks to check on your cat. Make these stop times to offer water, treats, and the chance to use a portable litter box.
Before removing your cat from the carrier, avoid putting your feline into an unfamiliar area or removing her from the carrier unless you are in a completely secure, enclosed area. An unfamiliar area may be stressful for your feline and lead to escape attempts.
Create a Calm Traveling Environment
The cat can sense your mood; therefore, you must stay calm and composed. Keep the cat quiet to make the travel setting as calming as possible.
To drown out foreign noises and potentially frightening sounds, play soft, calming music or keep the radio volume low. Town Cats’ cat coexistence recommendations suggest that a calm environment can help alleviate the cat’s stress and make the experience more enjoyable.
Maintain Your Cat’s Routine
Cats are creatures of habit, and it is comforting to have a routine. For shorter trips, feed your cat on the same schedule as they are used to, but plan not to feed them for at least six hours before travel to reduce the chance of motion sickness.
For longer trips, pack their usual food and water to avoid upset stomachs if they plan to use different water than they usually drink. Changes in their routine should be kept to a minimum to minimize stress levels.
Ensure Up-to-Date Identification
The most important safety tool you have is identifying your cat correctly. Check that your contact information is updated on their microchip details, and furnish a secure collar with an ID tag to protect them.
Also, carry a recent photograph of your cat, which will be helpful in case of an emergency or loss. The statistics also indicate that it dramatically improves the chances of the pet being reunited with its owner after being lost.
Help Your Cat Acclimate Post-Travel
Once you have found a place to live with your cat, you are ready to set up a specially protected space for it. It may be a quiet corner of the house or, even better, one room fitted with a carrier, litter box, food, and water. According to Go! Cats do best if they can access familiar belongings and small, enclosed spaces in their new environment.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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