Traveling with Your Furbaby (Monthly Cat Care Article)

Disclaimer: the staff writers here are not vets nor are they qualified to give medical advice. This article’s purpose is strictly to share stories/information and should not be used for diagnostic purposes. Please take your cat to the vet if you suspect anything might be wrong with them. Your vet will know best what to do in your specific situation.

Not everyone looks forward to traveling. Some people dislike it more than others–and cats in particular are not usually happy about going on trips. (Or as dogs like to call them, “adventures”.) Cats are often notoriously difficult to travel with. They fight getting in their carriers and are terrified of leaving their territories. They often scream and yowl for the duration of the trip, making it much more tempting to just leave them at home…

So, what’s a pet parent to do when they have to take their little ones out of the house?

Safety is of the utmost importance whenever you have to go on a trip with your pet. It’s a good idea to have your cat wear a collar or harness with your phone number on it in case they get separated from you during transit. It’s also a good idea to know your cat’s microchip information (if they have one), as well as carrying a copy of their vet records, especially if you are traveling by plane. To reduce the risk of escapes, do not let your cat out of its carrier unless you are in a secured place — such as a parked, locked car, or a locked hotel room. If you must allow the cat out of its carrier, be sure it’s wearing a harness with a leash so you can hold onto it if it tries to run.

Another factor of utmost importance is comfort. Your cat needs to be comfortable during the trip — it will help keep them as calm and stress-free as possible. They will need a carrier large enough for them to turn around and stand up in. Preferably, the carrier should have hard sides so it is sturdy enough to protect them from accidental knocks or bumps that might happen during the journey.  Be sure to secure the carrier with a seat belt. The safest place in a car is usually the middle rear seat (this is where children are recommended to sit as well).

Don’t forget to pack food and water for your kitty. Your cat will also need access to a litter box if the trip is going to be longer than half a day or so. If you suspect your cat will get especially stressed or upset during the trip, you can ask their vet to prescribe them anti-anxiety medication to help them get through the journey. You should consult with your vet and follow their instructions regarding this.

With some preparation and a good attitude, you and your cat will be ready to take on whatever journey you need to. Your cat might not be super pleased about it, but traveling with your cat does not have to be a nightmare.