Guides and tips
Traveling with a 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.
Guides and tips
Few reasons why cats are not ideal travel companions.
The transportation is stressful
One of the main reasons to leave your cat at home is that a change in routine can cause intense stress. Traveling is a common trigger for feline anxiety because it is not part of their natural temperament. Cats rely on routine, so anything that disrupts it can be frightening and stressful.
The sounds of the environment, cars, and changing scenery can be overwhelming for a cat if it has not been properly trained between 2-7 weeks of age.
If you teach your cat to travel from a young age, trips will be easier and less stressful. Kittens that get used to the carrier and car early on adapt better.
Cats get stressed in a new environment
Even if you plan to stay in a pet-friendly hotel, a new environment can cause stress for cats. They are creatures of comfort and routine and need time to adjust.
If you have a cat that hides for days after a change in furniture, it’s a good indication of how stressful travel can be for them.
The tranport may cause health problems
Stress is the number one cause of the spread of feline upper respiratory herpes. Cats with ongoing or chronic conditions can experience a temporary worsening of symptoms when exposed to stressful situations.
If your cat is prone to illnesses, leaving her at home in a safe and comfortable environment will definitely help her maintain her health.
The use of the toilet is challenging
When you're on the road, your cat doesn't have access to its usual litter box, which is a big problem for cats. Some cats may hold it in until they feel safe.
If your cat tends to suffer from urinary tract infections or cystitis, it needs constant access to water, which results in frequent use of the litter box—something that will be very difficult during travel.
If you teach your cat to travel from a young age, trips will be easier and less stressful. Kittens that get used to the carrier and car early on adapt better.
Guides and tips
However, if you still need to travel with your cat
Choose the right carrier
Every time you travel, you should place your cat in a comfortable and secure carrier. The general rule when transporting cats is that the carrier should be large enough for the cat to stand up and turn around easily, as well as being well-ventilated.
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 a good idea to make sure your cat is healthy enough to travel and to check what vaccinations and certificates may be required by the country you are visiting. Ask your veterinarian about any medications or relaxation products that might help during travel, if you feel it's necessary.
Your veterinarian may be able to prescribe a short-term anxiety treatment. Calming treats and pheromone sprays, although not as effective, are also available commercially.
Follow the same routine like home
Although it can be difficult to maintain a cat's routine while traveling, pet owners should do their best to create a familiar environment while away.
Play with your cat using the same toys, bring the blanket she prefers, and try to maintain the same feeding schedule if possible.
Place the carrier permanently in the house so your cat always has access to it. Put a blanket with its scent inside and offer treats to make sure it's not unfamiliar when it needs to use it.
