How to Travel with a Cat

DON’T! Just don’t! Travel with a cat can be frustrating for both you and your cat. I have had so many cats over the years. All in all, they absolutely despise the entire concept of traveling. They prefer their own territory and have no desire to stay in strange accommodations. Furthermore, most cats get motion sickness to some extent while traveling. In fact, some get motion sickness so severely medication is a must when travel is unavoidable.

Prepare your cat for your absence

So, the grainy image above was my Precious showing her displeasure at my absence. My very short absence…*eye roll please*. While they prefer not to travel, they do get lonely, and some may suffer from severe separation anxiety. Below are ways you can help prepare your cat(s) for your upcoming travels so they’ll be more comfortable while you’re away.

Indoor cats

• Stock up on pet supplies
• Make sure automatic waterers are clean and in good functional condition
• Fill and set automatic feeders
• Clean litter boxes
• Leave your pets favorite toys out for entertainment
• Make sure you leave their favorite blanket out
• Hire an in-home pet sitter (check references!!!)
  • Leave detailed care instructions
  • Write down vet information
  • Provide your contact information in case of an emergency
• Spend extra time with your pet before you leave (and when you return of course)
• Make sure all house plants are out of reach
• Put toilet paper in cabinets (you’ll thank me later)

FYI: No matter how much they beg you to leave a fire burning for them, don’t! Sorry Sam! You’ll have to settle for a sunny windowsill.

Outdoor cats

• Leave an ample water supply
• Have someone check on them daily
  • Feed them according to their regular schedule
  • Check the water supply (keep it fresh)
• Make sure they are up to date with tick and flea prevention
• Grant access to a shelter of some kind in the event of inclement weather

For more information on preparing pets and livestock for your absence, scroll to the bottom of my Protect Your Home While You’re on Vacation post!

How to travel with a cat (when you have to)

There will certainly be times when traveling with your cat is unavoidable. At the very least, your cats have to get to and from their vet appointments. Right? So, how do you make it easy on them (and you)?

Travel with a cat in a car

If your cat has never been in a car before, you’ll certainly want to do a short “trial trip”. Put your cat in a pet taxi with a favorite blanket. Then place it in the car and drive around for a short time. During the trip, pay close attention to how your cat is responding. Discuss any serious symptoms of motion sickness or stress with the vet. They will be able to prescribe medication to help alleviate your cats’ symptoms so traveling is easier on both you and your cat.

Travel with a cat on a plane

You need to consider that air travel will certainly be a different experience for your cat than traveling in your private car. The smells on other people alone can cause them stress and anxiety. Let’s say half the people walking by your pet taxi spent 30 minutes petting their dogs prior to leaving for the airport. How do you think your cat will react to the overwhelming smell of strange dogs? While not noticeable in most cases to our human noses, your cat’s sense of smell is far more sensitive.

What about the noise? If the smells don’t upset your cat, the noise certainly will. Seriously! The noise is overwhelming for a lot of humans so I can’t even begin to imagine how cats feel. They prefer quiet environments.

Need to know

You’ll want to book your cats travel in advance to be on the safe side. Ask a ton of questions when booking your flight! You’ll need to know all requirements so no surprises arise on the day of departure. Below are some things you’ll want to know that vary by airline!

• Size requirements
  • Maximum length limit
  • Height limit
  • Weight limit
• Kennel requirements
• Age requirements
• Whether or not international travel is allowed
• What pet documentation the airline needs
• How much will it cost in pet travel fees
• Pet taxi and inspection process

Here’s a useful resource that may help from Pets that Travel!

Worthy of notable mention: You don’t want to find out last minute that you can’t get to the airport because your chosen transportation method won’t allow pets. You’ll find yourself calling all your friends begging for a last-minute ride or end up hitchhiking. I recommend neither of those. So, ask in advance and prepare accordingly.

Basic tips for traveling with your cat

• Withhold food 3-4 hours before travel
• Limit water intake
• Make sure they are familiar with their pet taxi before the travel date arrives
  • Put their favorite blanket in the pet taxi
• Make sure your cat has a chip should the unthinkable happen
• Pack your cats walking harness and leash
• Make sure vaccines are up to date
• Pack plenty of food (for long trips)
• Take favorite toys (for long trips)
• Pack any necessary medications

Boarding

There is another option if leaving your cat at home and taking your cat with you are both out of the question. Consider boarding your cat at a kennel or pet hotel. However, I highly recommend thorough research before choosing this option. Below are some things to consider before choosing a pet boarding service!

• Business practices
  • Vaccination requirements for boarders
  • Tick and flea prevention measures
  • Space allowance per boarder
  • Daytime activities
  • Sleep accommodations
  • Sanitization methods
  • What security measures are in place
  • Adequate staff
  • Emergency protocol
• Will your cat be sharing common areas with other boarders
• Certification and Licensing
• Insurance
• Reviews

NOTE: Ask your vet for recommendations on boarding services in the area.

Your cat truly is a member of your family. Carefully evaluate the needs of your cat and make the best decision for them. Whatever decision you make, research it thoroughly as you can never be too careful. Wishing you and your cat(s) many blessings and as always, Safe Travels!