Traveling With Ragdoll Cats: A Good Idea?

Ragdoll cats are typically calm and placid animals, and most will tolerate a ride in the car. However, some may take a while to settle in and might never seem completely comfortable. They are generally low-maintenance, don't require a lot of attention, and get along well with other animals, making them a good choice for families who want to include their pets in their travel plans.

Ragdolls are also very playful and love to be around people. They are gentle and loving cats who love to please their owners. They are easygoing and friendly, making them the perfect indoor pet. This breed will be happy as long as they can follow you around and be close to you, whether inside or outside.

There are some things to keep in mind when travelling with a Ragdoll cat. It is important to give them time to get used to the car itself. You can do this by leaving the car doors open and allowing your Ragdoll to explore the car at their leisure. You can also add their favourite blanket or toy so they build positive associations. Once they are relaxed, try turning on the engine to see how they react. Start with short journeys and low speeds until they get used to the sensation of driving.

It is also important to ensure that your Ragdoll cat has appropriate space when travelling. The carrier should be big enough for them to stand up, sit down, and turn around. You should also bring their favourite toys and blankets to keep them comfortable and entertained. Make sure to stop often for bathroom breaks and keep water handy so they can rehydrate.

In addition, Ragdoll cats can experience motion sickness when travelling, so it is important to recognise the signs and get medication from your vet if needed. They can also be prone to tummy upsets and prone to getting lost or disoriented in unfamiliar surroundings, so it is important to keep them safe and secure when travelling.

Travel sickness and medication

Travel sickness is a common problem for cats, and it can be challenging for them to overcome their anxiety. Most travel sickness in cats is caused by the stress and anxiety associated with travel. Cats that rarely travel are not used to car rides and often associate car rides with stressful experiences, such as visits to the veterinarian. Cats may show their uneasiness through excessive vocalisation, pacing and restlessness, excessive lip-licking, or lethargy and inactivity.

To prevent motion sickness in your cat, you can start by making them comfortable in their carrier. Teach your cat that the carrier is a "safe place" by offering food and treats inside and placing it in their favourite sleeping area. You can also try using feline facial pheromones, such as Feliway, inside the carrier during training and before travel to help reduce stress.

Once your cat is comfortable with the carrier, you can start conditioning them to ride in the car. Begin by placing your cat in the carrier inside the car without moving the vehicle. Gradually work your way up to longer car rides, taking several short trips before embarking on a long-haul journey. It is important to take things slowly and not force your cat to "get over" their anxiety, as this can cause setbacks in their training.

If your cat needs a little extra help to stay calm during travel, there are several medication options available. It is important to consult your veterinarian before administering any medication to your cat.

Anti-Nausea Medication

Meclizine (Antivert, Bonine), dimenhydrinate (Dramamine, Gravol), or Maropitant (Cerenia) can help prevent vomiting in stressed cats. These drugs do not address anxiety, but they can be useful in reducing nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness.

Natural Remedies

Natural remedies such as ginger, Bach® flower (Rescue Remedy), kava, valerian, passionflower, and skullcap can also be helpful in calming your cat. Ginger, in particular, is known to calm a nervous stomach and can be given in pill or cookie form about 30 minutes to an hour before travel. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing any new substances to your cat's diet.

Non-Prescription Medication

Calming medications containing casein protein derivative (Zylkene) or L-Theanine (Anxitaine, Solliquin) can help reduce anxiety in your cat. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Calm is another option that contains all-natural calming substances. It is important to start feeding this diet a few weeks before travel to help reduce anxiety.

Anti-Anxiety Medication

For cats with severe travel anxiety, medications such as alprazolam (Xanax), gabapentin (Neurontin), or other prescription medications may be considered. These should be given the night before travel and repeated 12 hours later to help relax anxious cats. Keep in mind that these medications can be sedating, and you should follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian carefully.

Car travel tips

Before the journey

If you are able to, let your Ragdoll cat explore your car when it is stationary. If they are comfortable around the car, try turning on the engine to see how they react. Start taking them out in the car on short journeys and at low speeds until they get used to the sensation of driving.

During the journey

• Take lots of short breaks so your cat can get out and use the bathroom.
• Always keep some water handy so that they can rehydrate at each rest stop.
• Do not leave your cat alone in the car while you run errands.
• Keep your cat restrained in the car with a pet safety harness or a cat carrier.
• Bring their favourite toy or blanket to help them feel comfortable and secure.
• If your cat suffers from motion sickness, get medication from your vet before you travel.

General tips

• Keep your cat in the carrier at all times.
• If your journey is a long one, time bathroom breaks.
• Bring extra blankets for the car ride in case of accidents.
• If your breeder has one, get a small blanket or towel that the cat has used. The familiar scent will help to comfort them during the trip.

Air travel tips

Air travel with a Ragdoll cat can be stressful for both you and your cat. Here are some tips to make the experience as smooth as possible:

• If possible, avoid flying your cat in cargo and opt to have them in the cabin with you. This will help to reduce their stress levels and you will be able to keep an eye on them. Most airlines will allow cats in the cabin, but be sure to check the specific regulations and requirements of your chosen airline.
• Research and choose an airline that has a good reputation for handling pets. Some airlines may require you to provide an airline-approved carrier, specific water and food dispensers, and proof of health from a veterinarian.
• Make sure your cat is microchipped before travelling, in case they escape during transit.
• Get your cat accustomed to their carrier before the trip. Let them explore the carrier at their leisure and adjust the straps for comfort.
• Bring their favourite toy or blanket to help ease your cat's anxiety and make them feel more comfortable during the flight.
• If your cat suffers from motion sickness or anxiety, consult your veterinarian for appropriate medication. Do not use human medicines.
• Keep your cat in the carrier at all times during the flight, even if they usually prefer the security of a cat carrier. This is for their safety and yours.
• Take regular breaks during the flight to allow your cat to use the bathroom and rehydrate. You can use disposable litter trays to avoid stinking up the aircraft!
• Do not leave your cat alone in the aircraft while you run errands. The inside of the aircraft can quickly reach unsafe temperatures, and your cat may become distressed or fall prey to pet thieves.

The pros of travelling with a ragdoll cat

Ragdoll cats are playful, affectionate, and love to be around people, making them great travel companions. They are also low-maintenance and don't require a lot of attention, which can be a huge advantage when travelling. Here are some pros of travelling with a Ragdoll cat:

They are calm and placid:

Ragdoll cats are typically very relaxed and easy-going. Most will tolerate car rides, and some may even enjoy them. This calm temperament can make travelling with them more pleasant and stress-free.

They are adaptable:

Ragdolls can adjust to new environments and routines. By gradually introducing them to car rides and creating a consistent travel routine, they can become comfortable with the idea of travelling. This adaptability can make the process of travelling with them much smoother.

They are good travel companions:

Ragdoll cats are known for their friendly and social nature. They get along well with other animals, making them a good choice for families who want to include their pets in their travel plans. Their playful and affectionate personalities can also provide companionship and entertainment during trips.

They are low-maintenance:

Ragdoll cats are relatively low-maintenance and do not require constant attention. This can be advantageous when travelling, as you may not always be able to provide them with the same level of attention as you would at home. Their independence can make it easier to manage your travel plans while still ensuring their well-being.

They can be trained:

Ragdoll cats can be trained to get used to car rides and travel. By gradually introducing them to the car, allowing them to explore, and taking them on short trips, you can help them become comfortable with travelling. This adaptability can make the process of taking them on trips much smoother.

The cons of travelling with a ragdoll cat

While travelling with a ragdoll cat can be a positive experience, there are some potential downsides to be aware of. Here are some of the cons of travelling with a ragdoll cat:

Motion sickness and stomach issues

Ragdoll cats can suffer from motion sickness, so it's important to be prepared with the necessary medication from your vet. They are also prone to tummy upsets and can be susceptible to gastrointestinal issues if they eat something that disagrees with them. This may be more likely to occur if they eat something they find outdoors, such as small rodents, insects, or rubbish. Therefore, it's important to keep a close eye on them during travel and ensure they only consume their regular food.

Escape attempts and disorientation

Ragdolls are not known for their street smarts and can easily get lost or disoriented outside of their familiar surroundings. They may panic and forget where they are, which can be dangerous if there is traffic nearby. It is crucial to keep them securely restrained during travel and supervised if they are outdoors.

Parasite infestations

Venturing outdoors increases the risk of your ragdoll cat picking up fleas, ticks, or other parasites. These infestations can lead to skin irritations, excessive shedding, and increased production of hairballs. Treating these issues can be challenging, and you may need to decontaminate your entire house to prevent the spread of parasites to other family members.

Difficulty adjusting to new environments

Some ragdoll cats may struggle to adjust to new surroundings, especially if they are not used to travelling frequently. They may meow, scratch, and exhibit signs of discomfort until they settle down, which can take some time. Creating a consistent routine and bringing familiar items, such as their favourite toy or blanket, can help ease their anxiety.

Time and attention demands

Ragdolls are social and affectionate cats that crave human attention and interaction. If you are travelling with a ragdoll cat, ensure you can dedicate sufficient time to them. They may not be the ideal travel companions if you plan to be out and about for most of the day, as they can get depressed or upset when left alone for extended periods.

Frequently asked questions