How to Travel with Your Cat (with Less Stress)

Whether it’s for a cross-province move or a cross-country adventure, travelling with a cat can be a complicated affair. Sometimes the transition is exciting – other times stressful – but keeping your cat comfortable and anxiety-free is always important.

No matter where you’re headed, travelling with your cat requires planning and care. 

In this guide, we’re sharing tried-and-tested tips for travelling with less stress, more enjoyment for you and your fur family!

Before Travel: Planning for Your Trip

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First, you want to plan your trip with your cat’s needs and comfort in mind. Don’t wait to consider these factors until you’ve already started your trip, as this can lead to a lot of stress for you and your cat. 

Here are a few things to do before you start your travels:

Visit the vet

Schedule an appointment with your vet to make sure your cat is fit to travel. Your vet may also be able to issue anti-anxiety medication for your cat if needed. 

Depending on where you are going (out of province, out of country, etc.), a Health Certificate from a veterinarian might be required. Be sure to research the requirements of your destination and give yourself ample time to book your appointment and get the necessary vaccinations and paperwork in order. 

Choose the right travel carrier

Be sure to use or purchase a travel carrier that is the right size for your cat. As a general rule, your cat should have enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. If you are travelling on a plane, make sure to research the dimension restrictions for your chosen airline. 

Next, familiarize your cat with the carrier. Allow them to explore it and get comfortable and reward them with treats. It can be helpful to leave the carrier out in your home for a few days so they can venture into it on their own accord.

Pack the essentials

Pack your cat’s regular food to avoid any tummy problems. Bring enough food to last through the trip, along with portable food and water bowls. Depending on where you are going, you may want to pack a portable litter box and your cat's usual litter.

Bring any other “comfort items” your cat loves, like their favourite toy, bed, or blanket. Sometimes adding a familiar toy in their carrier can provide comfort. 

Plan your route

Just like us humans need breaks during a long road trip, so do our cats! So try to research and plan potty stops and/or “out of carrier” time along the way. 

If you are planning on staying at hotels, research, and book pet-friendly hotels or accommodations along your route. Many hotels provide additional perks for pets, like food bowls, beds, or treats!

Keep cat ID on hand

Make sure your cat has a current ID tag that includes your contact information and details. Consider getting them microchipped, if they aren’t already, so they are more easily recovered if they become lost. Attach a temporary ID tag to your cat’s collar and their carrier with your travel destination and contact information.

During Travel: Reducing Stress & Anxiety

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Once your trip has started, there are a few things you can do to reduce your cat’s stress and ensure comfort along the journey. 

Here are some tips to consider during your trip:

Keep things calm 

If on a road trip, play calming music or white noise to help reduce stress. Consider covering your cat’s carrier with a blanket to create a cozy space (but be mindful of overheating). Keep the carrier well-ventilated to provide fresh air.

Stay close

If in the car or on a plane, keep your cat close, whether in the passenger seat, under the plane seat in front of you, or on your lap. If your cat can see or hear you, they might feel more comfortable. Take regular breaks to reassure and cuddle your cat to make them feel safe. 

Minimize motion sickness

Only feed your cat a light meal (at least a few hours) before your trip. Give them some water but allow them enough time to use the bathroom (#1 and #2) before you hit the road. Avoid giving them large amounts of water during travel.

Your vet might prescribe anti-nausea medicine if needed. You might also purchase synthetic feline pheromones as a spray, which can create a calming effect inside the carrier.

After Travel: Recovery & Routine

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Hopefully, your travel plans go off without a hitch, with you (and your fur buddy) arriving stress-free. Once you reach your destination, there are a few tips for establishing a routine.

Offer comfort and cuddles

Provide your cat with a comfortable place to rest (such as a familiar blanket or bed), and plenty of cuddles, if they so desire. Give them some time to orient themselves to the new space and find their own little area to relax. Place familiar items, like their food, toys, and litter box, in the area.

If there are other animals/pets in the area, avoid introducing them right away. Give your cat some time to get acclimated, then slowly introduce them to each pet, one at a time. Separate your cat if they show any signs of aggression or anxiety.

Resume a regular schedule

Resume your cat’s regular feeding schedule as soon as possible. Then, slowly reinstate their normal activities, like playtime, cuddles, and grooming, to provide a sense of normalcy. Try to make their environment and routine as familiar as possible. 

Check for signs of stress

Look for signs of stress or illness, such as hiding, aggression, or changes in eating or litter box habits. If your vet provided anti-anxiety medication, administer this as prescribed. Consider visiting a local veterinarian if your cat displays any concerning symptoms, such as spontaneous urination, vomiting, loss of appetite, or continuous crying/meowing.

Ensure the Safety of Your Pet, Everywhere

Whether it’s a trip to the city or to another country, ensuring the well-being of your cat during your travels is essential. Planning before your trip is only one part of the equation, though. Preparing for the unexpected is also important.

Though we don’t like to think about it, illnesses and injuries can also happen “on the road”. This is when it’s handy to have a comprehensive pet insurance plan in place to cover emergency medical care. Furkin Pet Insurance can provide that peace of mind, wherever you go.

Preparing to travel with your cat? Get a free quote for pet insurance with Furkin. Happy travels!

Featured image by Zoë Gayah Jonker on Unsplash