Cat Travel Tips

Traveling with a cat can be a trying experience. When cats are used to a daily routine and familiar surroundings, it can be difficult for them to adapt to the change that travel brings. A few tips can make traveling with your cat an easier and less stressful experience for you both.

  1. Airline Travel

    • Be sure to reserve your flight well in advance, to ensure your cat will be allowed a spot on the airplane. Obtain a health certificate from your veterinarian 10 days prior to your trip, and see that your cat's vaccinations are current. Find out what types of pet carrier your airline allows for cabin or cargo travel. Keep in mind that the carrier may have to be stowed under the seat during takeoff and landing, and that the carrier must be large enough for your cat to lie down and turn around comfortably. If your pet will be traveling as cargo, you will need to clearly label his crate with his name, your address and phone number, your destination, and an arrow indicating the top of the crate. Provide fresh food and water in the carrier or crate. Try to take direct flights to avoid the chance of your cat being left behind during changeovers, and fly during off-peak hours (early morning or late night) when fewer crowds will ease your cat's stress.

    Car Travel

    • Be sure your cat wears a harness or collar with an identification tag clearly labeling your address and cell phone number. Put your cat in a carrier during your car trips to ensure the safety of both your and your cat in case of accident ,and to prevent the cat from distracting the driver of the car. Your veterinarian can provide you with travel sickness medication which will prevent motion sickness and ease stress for cats on car trips. Provide fresh water throughout the trip, but don't be concerned if the cat is uninterested in drinking during the car ride. Make sure the car is well-ventilated, never leave the cat alone in the car for any reason, and on especially hot days place an ice pack inside the carrier to cool it off. Pack paper towels and trash bags in case you need to clean the carrier. Take breaks on the trip to offer your cat access to his litter box and allow him to stretch his legs while on a leash.

    General Travel Tips

    • Your cat should wear a collar or harness with an ID tag clearly labeling your contact information. Pack a couple of your cat's favorite toys in his carrier to comfort him and help occupy her on the trip. Lining the carrier with a blanket or towel that smells like home will comfort your cat. Don't forget to pack any special food or medication to bring along on the trip. Remember, your cat may not enjoy traveling, so be patient with her.