Cat Travel Preparation
This guide offers advice on preparing and ensuring a cat's comfort and safety for travel. It covers both car and air travel options.
Step 1: Pre-Travel Checkup
Schedule an appointment with the veterinarian to ensure your cat is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations. Discuss your travel plans and get any necessary health certificates or medications.
Step 2: Travel Crate
Purchase or borrow a comfortable and secure travel crate. Make sure it's large enough for your cat to stand, turn around, and lie down. Familiarize your cat with the crate by leaving it open in your home with a comfy bed inside.
Step 3: ID Tags
Update your cat's identification tags and microchip information. Make sure the tags include your current contact information and any relevant health concerns.
Step 4: Packing Essentials
Pack all of your cat's essentials, including food, water, dishes, litter, litter box, medications, toys, and a familiar blanket or item of your clothing for comfort.
Step 5: Feeding Schedule
Feed your cat a small meal 3-4 hours before departure. Don’t feed your cat in a moving vehicle, even on long trips, to avoid motion sickness.
Step 6: Hydration
Ensure your cat has access to water before, during, and after the trip. Bring a portable water dish for regular hydration breaks.
Step 7: Car Travel
Secure the crate in the car where it will not shift and where the cat can see you. Never leave your cat alone in a parked car, especially during extreme weather conditions.
Step 8: Air Travel
If traveling by air, contact the airline ahead of time for their pet travel policies. Reserve a spot for your cat and review requirements for in-cabin travel or cargo hold travel, as these vary by airline.
Step 9: Comfort Breaks
On long car trips, give your cat the opportunity to use the litter box and stretch its legs, if it’s harness-trained, during rest stops. Ensure the environment is safe and secure.
Step 10: Arrival
Upon arriving at your destination, set up a safe space with your cat's essentials to help them adjust to the new environment. Keep routines as regular as possible to provide comfort.
General Notes
Flight Considerations
Remember that not all cats are suited for air travel due to age, health, or breed. Consult with your vet before making air travel plans.
Sedation
Talk with your veterinarian about the risks and benefits of sedating your cat for travel. This decision should be made on an individual basis.
Emergency Info
Carry an emergency contact list with your vet's number, a local vet at your destination, and a national animal poison control hotline.