Looking to take your feline friend on a little vaca? Or, maybe you’re just preparing for a big move? Either way, it’s important to know how to travel with your cat so that they feel calm during your travels.
To ensure a positive traveling experience for your kitty, we put together the best tips for traveling with your cat. We broke it down by methods of travel so that you know just how to keep your cat comfy and happy, no matter how far you’re traveling!
Tips for Traveling with Cats by Car/Train/Bus
You probably aren’t foreign to driving with your cat. It’s common to take short trips with our feline friends, especially to the vet. When it comes to longer trips though, you will need to be more mindful of your cats’ comfort and safety. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Buy a Durable Carrier
The type of carrier you purchase matters. Being in the car comes with a lot of movement, like sudden braking. A hard-sided carrier can shelter your cat and also help the carrier remain as still as possible. This way, in case of an accident, your cat has extra protection too.
Try to also purchase a carrier that gives your cat enough space. As we all know, cats do not like to feel trapped. Staying in a car for long periods of time is enough for our feline friends to deal with already.
Consider Disposable Litter Boxes
This is especially true for lengthy road trips. Sometimes, you just can’t keep making stops along the way. So, to help your cat do their business, disposable litter boxes are there to save the day.
Choose a Secure Place for the Carrier
Once you’ve found the perfect travel carrier, time to find where to put it. Many often think putting the carrier on the floor is the best bet – it’s not. Think about your cat’s car safety just as if they were a human. Placing a carrier in a car seat with a seatbelt is the best way to go.
Remember, you can never be to careful for your feline friend’s sake. When it comes to which seat, it’s safe to say that anywhere in the backseat works. The front seat is much too dangerous for any cat.
Make your Cat Comfortable!
The most reliable carrier alone doesn’t guarantee your cat’s comfort. It’s always a great idea to add your cat’s preferred blanket or bed to the carrier. This way, you can help your kitty can feel right at home, even if you’re miles away.
Tips Traveling with Cats by Plane
Air travel with pets may seem like a hassle. But, with just the right tips, jetting off with your cat can be simple and easy.
Make Sure you Have All your Cat’s Records
Airlines are very particular about having a pet’s vaccination information and health records. This is especially true for international travel. Always check with your airline before you travel to know exactly the info they require. To remain on the safe side, it’s best to bring all your cat’s documents with you no matter what.
Choose an Airline Approved Carrier
The safest way to travel by air with your cat is by bringing them into the cabin with you. Putting your cat in cargo can be very dangerous. This means your cat’s carrier must fit securely under the seat in front of you. That’s because any bags must be stowed during take-off and landing.
When searching for a carrier, you need to make sure it’s air travel-approved. This will guarantee it’s the right size. Most are soft carriers, as they feature flexible fabric that easily fits under the seat while keeping your cat cozy. Don’t forget to put their favorite toys or blankets in there, so it smells like home.
Get to the Airport Early
When you travel with a cat (or any pet,) you may face more obstacles before boarding.
One little obstacle that is guaranteed to happen is taking your cat out of the carrier at the TSA security checkpoint. Due to security protocols, TSA has to inspect the carrier without the animal.
Depending on the nature of your kitty, this can take a little extra time in your travel schedule. A great idea is to put a collar or harness on your cat. This makes taking out your cat a lot less challenging, especially if your cat gets scared easily and may try to run away. If your cat is like this, bringing a leash along is never a bad idea either!
We hope these best tips for traveling with your cat assist you on your next adventure with your feline friend. If you know anyone traveling with their cat soon, be sure to share this list with them. It may help them feel a little more prepared for their travels!
