It can be hard leaving your feline fried behind when traveling on vacation. So most times, you’re tempted to take your beloved cat with you since that would make your vacation or camping much fun.
However, you have to look beyond just your wish to share the adventure with your four-legged bestie.
Some cats travel
Unlike dogs, cats don’t really like to be on a long trip; they often feel stressed out when you take them out of a familiar environment. You might have observed how moving alone can be nerve-wracking for a cat, let alone a long road trip for vacation.
But don’t get it twisted, some cats are easy-going and don’t mind traveling or going the distance. In fact, a surprising number of cats love to explore and seek out opportunities to enjoy new surroundings.
So always remember every cat has a unique personality and preference. And if you choose to take your cat on a short or long trip vacation, there are some tips you need to keep in mind to ensure you both have a fun-filled experience.
Check out these useful tips below:
Ask yourself: Is my cat willing to go with me?
It is important to first consider whether your cat wants to go with you on vacation or not. Are you taking them along because you don’t want them worried about your absence, or because you will really miss them and think it would be fun going on vacation with them? Be sincere with yourself here!
However, note that the majority of felines love to enjoy their home turf, where they follow their routine. More so, they love staying in a familiar environment where they already know what to expect every day. They love their fun toys and comfy bed.
But there are some exceptional cases where cats love to go out whether near or far. If your cat is the type that gets along fine with travel and changing environment, then you can go ahead and take them with you, but if they’re not, you’d better consider your decision and let them stay home.
You can decide to hire a reputable cat sitter or get a relative to visit your cat a few times a day, while you’re away. Your cat should get the normal routine, food, water, and a clean environment. More so, they deserve the best care in case of any emergency.
Get advice from your veterinarian
You can talk to your veterinarian about your travel plans with your cat and hear what they’d advise you to do to have a stress-free journey and a safe one for your pet.
More so, if you need any remedies that can help your cat stay calm and happy throughout your trip, your vet can suggest the best options in this area as well.
Again, your vet can examine your feline friend closely to know if they’re fit or will need any special vaccination. Besides, some cities or countries would request proof of an exam and vaccines. So be sure to get all the necessary paperwork sorted before you pack your stuff and head off.
Get everything your cat will need ahead
You need to plan ahead if you know you would be traveling with your cat. You have to pack the right products and supplies that your feline friend needs.
After all, it’s going to be some days or weeks away from home, and you may not easily get stores where you can purchase specific products when your cat needs them.
To help you out, I’ve put together some of the many products that you will need when traveling with your four-legged friend. The products include:
- Toys
- Litter box and litter
- Blanket
- Food and water
- Carrier
- Harness, collar, leash, and ID tags
- Cat bed
- Medications
- Enclosure
Make the journey stress-free
Cats don’t like to be stressed and that’s one of the reasons why they like to stay in their space. So if you don’t have any choice but to travel with your cat, you need to make the journey a stress-free one for your feline companion.
You need to consider the mode of transportation you’ll be using. No doubt, traveling by car would be a different experience from traveling by train or plane. You also need to consider how long you’d be en route to your actual destination.
If you’re traveling by car or by plane, for example, you need to consider the kind of pet carriers and travel crates to use to safely transport your cat. The available space is a critical factor to consider, and whether or not a specific carrier type is required by an airline.
Tips for traveling by car
Many bus and train companies may not allow pets on board, so traveling by car is a good option if that’s possible for you. But sometimes, cats can get car sick or stressed, and this could pose a serious challenge.
What you should do is get anti-nausea medications for felines. But if it is a constant problem, you can consult with your veterinarian about possible treatment options.
That said, always ensure that you strap the carrier to the car seat and use a seatbelt in order to keep them safe.
Note that your cat might be vocal at the beginning of the trip, but don’t worry, they would quiet down and end up napping most times. In situations where your cat is really stressed, you may get a sedative from your veterinarian to help them rest.
Traveling by plane
Your cat might easily become stressed when you travel by plane. This is common when you place them in cargo. That’s more reason why you should arrange with your airline to allow your cat on board with you.
However, the carrier you use must meet the requirement of the airline. So do your research before to your trip to be fully prepared for the journey. Some airlines might fit the carrier beneath your seat.
Another important tip to also note is that labeling your cat’s carrier is important. This makes it easy for you to reunite with your pet if they are misplaced accidentally at any point in your journey.
It is advisable, however, to always book a direct flight when traveling with your cat. This eases the trauma they go through when you take multiple flights. And it also reduces their risk of getting lost.
Research and book a pet-friendly hotel
You sure don’t want to feel embarrassed when your cat is disallowed in a hotel you already booked. That’s more reason why you should do your homework and get a hotel that is pet-friendly. So you’ll know what to expect and be rest assured that your companion will have a clean and safe space to stay.
When you arrive at your hotel room you should try to first set up a collapsible pet tent or enclosure for your cat to stay when you outdoors. You can also keep them in a carrier or crate while you’re gone.
While you’re both out, you can make your cat wear a collar with ID tags to show where they belong to. This helps to indicate who they belong to. Make sure the tag contains your contact information so people can easily reach you if your pet gets missing.
Conclusion
It can be quite challenging traveling with your pet as they prefer to be in an environment they’re used to. However, you can train your cat from a young age to tolerate travel, taking the right steps to reduce their anxiety when you’re both in a different environment entirely.
That said, follow the tips above and you won’t have issues traveling with your cat. Make good findings, consult your veterinarian and get every item your cat would need throughout your stay.