A Holiday for Two: Travel Tips

Travelling with your cat can be a daunting task. Most felines don’t take favourably to the jostling around. Still, with summer and, with any luck, Christmas time off coming up, some owners will be forced to deal with a feisty feline during holiday travels. If you are going to travel and take your feline friend with you, following is some advice I found to be particularly useful in making holiday travel as stress free for me and my cat so that we can both enjoy it!

Planning Ahead

The majority of cats do not tolerate the hustle and bustle of travelling well. Finding a friend to cat-sit is the best option. This way your kitty is able to stay in the comfort of their home and a familiar face can keep an eye on them. If you are unable to find a reliable sitter, boarding facilities are always a second option however may cause your cat as much stress as travelling, particularly if your cat is unused to new situations or staying away from your home.

Sometimes though, you may have no other choice than to tote your kitty along. With the right preparation, travelling can still be enjoyable for both you and your feline. The most important thing before leaving is to check with the hotel, friend or family member you are staying with to confirm that bringing a cat along is all right. Often hosts are happy to accommodate an extra kitty but sometimes allergies and residential pet restrictions can pose a problem. By calling beforehand, you can ensure that you will arrive to a welcoming bed for both you and your kitty. The same applies when travelling by air as all airlines require several forms to be filled out before transporting your cat.

Essentials

Whether travelling by plane or car, a cat carrier is necessary to ensure your cat’s safety during travel time. Get your cat familiarised with their new carrier before the trip. Placing favourite foods and toys inside the carrier will help get your pet familiar and excited to enter the carrier. Make sure your carrier is approved by your veterinarian and has adequate ventilation, which is crucial during long journeys.

Food and water are also important in keeping your cat happy and healthy throughout the duration of your trip. Stressed animals must be closely monitored for dehydration and ample fresh water can help prevent this, particularly if travelling to hot areas. Also, bringing your cat’s everyday food means that you won’t have to worry about them being picky with new foods you may be forced to try while travelling.

Finally, ask your vet about final feeding times before beginning long journeys. This often varies depending on whether you will be travelling by plane or car. Finding out beforehand will ensure that your cat is comfortable and you won’t have to worry about making any unnecessary rest stops.

Medication

Many owners have found mild pet travel sickness or other types of medications helpful during long journeys. Ask your vet to recommend some that are best suited for your breed. Often medication can help keep your kitty remain stress-free throughout the journey.

In the end, just relax! An anxious owner will only ensure an anxious cat. You aren’t the first and most certainly won’t be the last owner to travel with their cat. Don’t be afraid to ask friends, family or vets for advice to help ensure a happy and healthy holiday for two!

Images by JoshBerglund19 and skrits