SHOULD I TRAVEL WITH MY CAT?
Cats since they were domesticated continue to enjoy the comfort and warmth of our homes. They love to gaze at the world through the windows, to hunt their toys, to sharpen their claws on every furniture and (in a few cases) on their scratching posts. They are happy and often stress-free when they are in their kingdom.
They are certainly not famous for their adaptability nor for taking environmental changes lightly. An attempt to travel with your cat, could cause excessive stress, can lead to serious behavioral problems and sometimes even health issues.
Whether you are planning a summer getaway, a business trip, a visit to your family or any other place far from home, it is safer to leave your cat at home, under the care of a reliable PetSitter and spare it from that stressful experience.
Few reasons why cats are not ideal travel companions.
The transportation is stressful
One of the main reasons to leave the cat at home, is because any routine change can cause intense anxiety. Travel is a common trigger for anxiety in cats, because it is not in their nature. These animals rely on their routine, therefore, anything that disturbs it, is potentially scary and stressful for them. The city noises and the overwelming information, are factors which they probably won't be able to handle unless they have been trained properly since the age of 2-7 weeks.
Cats get stressed in a new environment
Even if you plan to stay in a pet friendly hotel, any new environment causes extreme stress in cats. They are creatures of habit and they need lots of time to adjust. If your cat is hiding for days in every furniture rearrangement, that is a good indication of how stressful it can be to travel with it.
The tranport may cause health problems
Stress is the number one cause for the spread of herpes in the cat's upper respiratory system. Cats with continuous or chronic diseases can have a temporary manisfest of symptoms when they are exposed to stressful situations. If your cat is prone to diseases, leaving it at home, in a safe and comfortable environment, will definitely help it, to remain healthier.
The use of the toilet is challenging
When you're on the road, your cat does not have access to its usual toilet, and this is a huge problem for cats. Some cats can hold it up until they feel safe. If your cat is prone to uninary infections, it will need to have continuous access to water which results in the frequent use of the toilet, something that will be difficult during the trip.
However, if you still need to travel with your cat
Choose the right carrier
Every time you travel, you will need to place your cat in a comfortable carrier with safety. When transporting cats, the general rule is that a cat should have enough space to easily get up and turn around.
Slowly introduce the carrier to your cat
Cats need time to adjust to new situations. Before your journey create a positive impression for the carrier, using treats and toys. You can even do a few test runs with a car so it gets used to travel with the carrier before your trip.
Schedule a visit to the vet before you travel
It would be wise to make sure your cat is healthy enough to travel and to inform about any vaccines and certificates that may be required by the specific country you visit. Ask your vet for medications or products for keeping it calm while you travel, if you deem that this is necessary. Your veterinarian may be able to prescribe a short anti-anxiety treatment. Calming treats and pheromone spray (while not so effective) are also available.
Follow the same routine like home
Although it may be difficult to maintain a routine on a traveling cat while it is traveling, the guardians have to do their best to create a familiar environment while they are away from home. Play with your cat using the same toys, bring its favorite blanket and try to keep the same feeding hours, if possible.
