Traveling With Cats: Purr-Fectly Possible Or A Fur-Midable Challenge?

Cats are creatures of habit and prefer to stay in a familiar environment. They are generally attached to their home environment, where they feel safe and secure. However, it may be necessary to travel with your cat, and there are many things you can do to ensure that it is as pleasant as possible for both of you. Preparation is key. It is important to think through several logistical issues to make travel as smooth and easy as possible for both you and your cat.

Cats generally don't travel well, but if you must, there are ways to make it less stressful for them

Cats are generally creatures of habit, and they tend to prefer staying in a familiar environment. They can experience stress due to disruptions in their routines and territories, which can lead to unpleasant symptoms and, in the long term, the development of an anxiety disorder or other medical conditions. Therefore, it is generally not advisable to travel with cats unless necessary.

However, if you must travel with your cat, there are ways to make the experience less stressful for them. Here are some tips to help you prepare for travelling with your feline friend:

• Choose the right cat carrier: Select a carrier with a front and top opening for easy entry and exit. Ensure the carrier is large enough for your cat to stand up and turn around. If your cat is a larger breed, you may need a carrier designed for dogs. Some cats prefer having a blanket draped over the carrier to block out visual stimuli.
• Get your cat accustomed to the carrier: Allow your cat to explore the carrier before the trip. Keep it open and accessible in your home, and encourage your cat to spend time in it by feeding them treats or meals inside. This will help create a positive association with the carrier.
• Practice carrier entry and exit: Make entering and exiting the carrier a routine part of your cat's daily life. This will be especially helpful during security screenings when travelling by plane.
• Use pheromone products: Spray your carrier with a feline pheromone spray, such as Feliway®, to help reduce your cat's travel anxiety. You can also use Feliway® pheromone wipes or spray directly on the carrier.
• Acclimate your cat to a harness: Before your trip, get your cat used to wearing a harness, as this will be necessary for certain types of travel, such as plane or train rides.
• Consult your veterinarian: Discuss options for preventing and treating travel anxiety with your veterinarian. They may recommend medications or supplements based on your cat's age, demeanour, and overall health. Be sure to test any prescribed medication at home before your trip to ensure your cat tolerates it well.
• Prepare the necessary documentation: Ensure your cat's vaccinations are up to date, and obtain any required health certificates or travel certificates. Keep proof of vaccinations and other relevant documentation with you during your trip.
• Pack the essentials: Bring your cat's favourite toys, blankets, and other comfort items. Don't forget the kitty essentials, such as their food, water, bowls, litter box, and litter. If travelling by car, consider bringing a disposable absorbent pad to line the carrier in case of accidents.
• Plan for motion sickness: If your cat tends to experience motion sickness, consult your veterinarian for advice. They may recommend over-the-counter medication to help ease your cat's discomfort during travel.
• Keep your cat safe and secure: Always keep your cat in their carrier during travel stops to prevent them from escaping. If you must take your cat out of the carrier, ensure they are wearing a well-fitted harness with a leash attached. Never leave your cat unattended in a vehicle, as temperatures can quickly become dangerous.

Cats like routine and the safety of their home, so travelling can be very stressful for them

Cats are creatures of habit and prefer to stay in a familiar environment. They like routine and the safety of their home, so travelling can be very stressful for them. Cats can experience stress and anxiety when their schedules and territories are disrupted, and this can cause unpleasant symptoms. While this does not necessarily mean they have an anxiety disorder, ongoing stress can contribute to the development of one.

Cats, especially kittens and older cats, may be more vulnerable to health issues when faced with the stress of travel. They can get carsick and suffer from motion sickness, nausea, and vomiting. They may also have accidents in their carrier. It is therefore a good idea to get them used to their carrier before travelling, so that it becomes part of their normal routine. The carrier should be large enough for them to stand up and turn around in, and it should have multiple openings for entry and exit. It is also a good idea to get them used to wearing a harness, as this will be necessary when travelling by plane.

Cats are sensitive to their environment, and they can be upset by unfamiliar, confined spaces. Spending time in new places can be stressful for them, and they may want to flee. It is therefore important to make sure your cat has up-to-date ID tags and, ideally, a microchip. You should also research vets in the area you are travelling to, in case of emergencies.

There are several things you can do to reduce your cat's stress when travelling. One option is to use a calming diffuser or a calming collar, which release pheromones to soothe your cat. You can also try playing classical music composed for cats or purring sounds during the journey. It is important to remember that cats need time to adjust to new surroundings, so try to avoid rushing them.

If you decide to travel with your cat, make sure you have the correct cat carrier

Cats are creatures of habit and prefer to stay in a familiar environment. Travel can be stressful for them, so if you decide to bring your cat along, you'll need to do some planning to ensure the experience is pleasant for both of you. One of the most important things to consider is the cat carrier.

The right cat carrier will provide an extra level of security and can help make travel less stressful for both you and your cat. Transporting a cat without a carrier can be dangerous, as a nervous cat can climb anywhere in the car, including under your pedals or in front of your dashboard. A cat who is not secured in a carrier can also bolt from the car and get lost or injured.

When choosing a cat carrier, it's important to consider your cat's perspective. Cats like comfortable, cozy, dark, enclosed spaces, so choosing a carrier that provides these things will help your cat feel safe and secure. The carrier should be big enough for your cat to stand, sit, and turn around, but not so big that they slide from side to side. If you have a large breed of cat, you may need to use a carrier designed for dogs. It's also a good idea to get a carrier with a front and top opening, as this gives you and your cat multiple options for entry and exit.

If you're travelling by car, try to keep the carrier level in the vehicle, as this will feel more secure for your cat. You should also buckle the carrier in with a seatbelt if possible. For longer trips, offer your cat small amounts of food and water in the carrier.

If you're travelling by plane, a soft carrier with a waterproof bottom is preferred. However, it should still have more than one entry and exit option. The carrier should be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you, so check the size requirements with your airline. You'll also need to check what paperwork and health certificates are required. Most airlines will require a valid health certificate completed by your veterinarian.

To make the travel experience less stressful for your cat, you can try to get them accustomed to the carrier before your trip. Place the carrier in a quiet spot in your home and allow your cat to check it out. You can also try feeding your cat in the carrier to create a positive association.

If you're travelling by car, secure the carrier with a seatbelt and try to keep the carrier level in the vehicle

When travelling with a cat by car, it's important to secure the carrier with a seatbelt. This will help to keep your cat safe in the event of an accident or sudden stop. It's also a good idea to try to keep the carrier level in the vehicle, as this will feel more secure for your cat.

• Choose a carrier that is specifically designed to be strapped in with a seatbelt. For example, the Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed is a cat carrier that can be strapped in with a seatbelt and has been crash-tested.
• Position the carrier in the back seat of the vehicle. The back seat is generally considered the safest location for a cat carrier, as it reduces the risk of injury from the passenger seat airbag in the event of an accident.
• Buckle the seatbelt through the handles or straps of the carrier. Make sure the seatbelt is securely fastened and tightened so that the carrier doesn't move around during the trip.
• Place a blanket or towel over the carrier to provide extra security and reduce visual stimuli for your cat. This can help to keep them calm during the journey.
• Avoid placing any items on top of the carrier or blocking the air vents, as this can affect the temperature and airflow in the carrier.
• If possible, have someone sit in the back seat with the cat to provide treats, pets, and praise during the journey. This can help to keep your cat calm and comfortable.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your cat is safe and secure during car travel, and minimise any stress or anxiety they may feel while on the road.

If you're travelling by plane, a soft carrier with a waterproof bottom is preferred, but it should still have multiple entry and exit options

When travelling by plane, it's important to have a soft carrier with a waterproof bottom that still has multiple entry and exit options for your cat. This will ensure your cat's comfort and safety, as well as your peace of mind.

The Sleepypod Air is a great option, as it is durable, comfortable, and has optimal ventilation. It also has a washable interior mat and can be folded flat for storage. The carrier can be unzipped into a bed or car seat, and it meets the size requirements of most major airlines. However, the carry handle may be uncomfortable for those with larger hands.

Another option is the Mr. Peanut's Gold Series Expandable Carrier, which has a front and top-loading design and a roll-up privacy flap. The expandable compartment provides extra space for your cat to stretch out during long travel days, although it cannot be used during the flight. This carrier also has plenty of ventilation to keep your cat from overheating.

Away The Pet Carrier is another excellent choice, as it has a sleek design and provides maximum comfort and safety for your cat. It is crash-test certified and has an interior safety tether, as well as a removable and washable bed. It also has a trolley sleeve for easy portability and dual hand straps. However, it is only available in two colours.

The Frisco Premium Airline Compliant Quilted Carrier Bag is a more affordable option that still offers comfort and safety for your cat. It has two doors, top and side, and two storage pockets. It also comes with a collapsible travel bowl and ID tag. However, the shoulder strap and luggage strap may not provide enough support for longer journeys.

When choosing a carrier, it is important to consider the size of your cat, the weight limit of the carrier, and the amount of ventilation. It is also a good idea to get your cat used to the carrier before your trip by leaving it open and accessible in your home, and even feeding them inside it.

Frequently asked questions