Tips for smooth traveling with your cat.
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Short Necessary Trips
But first, trips to the vet are important.Cats do not make as many vet visits as their canine counterparts for general health checkups, so practicing and reducing stress at the vet office are important for the health and longevity of your cat.
Here are some tips for reducing stress in the car and at the vet and other veterinary care options to consider for cats are difficult to travel with.
Longer Trips With Cats
My cats have had pet sitters come to the house, they have been boarded at kennels, and they travel with me. Whenever possible, the travel-with option is my favorite. Here are some tips to make longer travel trips as smooth as possible for you and your cat.Pre-Trip Preparation
- Crate or carrier - Get the crate out a day or two before traveling. If your cat is afraid of the crate, try placing a favorite blanket or toy inside and leaving the door open. You can also place treats or food in the crate to make it less scary.
- Learn more: crate/carrier training tips.
- Feliway is a cat-specific pheromone that produces a sense of calm and well-being in many cats. This product, available at pet supply stores, online, and at some veterinary offices, is non-toxic and works only on cats; no effect on dogs or people. (Related product is DAP for dogs.)
- Feliway is available as a room diffuser (good to use for the pre-travel days) and as a spray. Use the spray 5-10 minutes before placing your cat in the crate, on blankets or inside the crate, but not for use on the cat.
- Catnip is something my cats love and it is a good 'distraction' as we are getting ready to travel. Each cat reacts differently; some become more mellow (Barnie), some become more loving (Quincy), and some cats may become more feisty. It is important to note that, for about 30% of the cats out there, catnip has no effect at all. So this would be good to try beforehand.
- Pet identification is a necessity at all times, especially when traveling to new places. Collars and tags are great for quick identification, and a microchip provides essential information if collar or tags are lost. Keeping the microchip registration up to date with your contact information is sometimes forgotten about, but very important if your pet is lost.
- Food and medications - Consistency is key when traveling. Keeping your pet's diet the same will reduce stress and gastrointestinal upset. Stock up before the trip. If your pet takes medications, speak to your veterinarian about refilling to last the duration of your trip.
- Veterinary care - check with your vet or local resources to learn about veterinary care, including emergency/after hours availability, in the area you will be traveling too. Just in case.
- Packing for your cat - Minimum items to bring include food, litter/scoop/litter pan, crate, blanket or bed, first aid kit, medications.
Day of Travel
- Keep calm - I like to place the cats in the bathroom with litter, food, water and crate (open) as we pack the car and get the house ready. This removes them from the commotion and prevents a last minute escape.
- Get the crate ready - Now is the time for catnip, Feliway and/or treats in the crate.
- In the car - The cats, in their crate, move out to the car just before departure, taking care that they aren't too cold/hot depending on the season.
- While traveling - The cats do not roam freely. Tempting as it may be, they stay in the crate, for their safety and ours. Once stopped, after everyone is out of the vehicle and doors are securely closed, I get the litter pan out and let the cats out to stretch and use the litter box if necessary.
Upon Arrival
The cats' trip begins and ends in a bathroom.The smaller room allows them to get used to sights, sounds and smells in a small/safe environment. I open the crate door, but it is up to them to come out when ready. I set up food, litter, and water nearby and give them an hour or more (depending on where we are staying) to get used to things and ensure that they have visited the litter box.
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My cats are pretty easy going, so it isn't an intensive process. If your cat is more sensitive to new surroundings, keep their environment small and quiet until they feel more comfortable, using catnip, Feliway, and treats if needed.
For Cats Who Do Not Tolerate Stress Well
Some cats, despite the best planning and preparation, are not happy travelers. If this is the case with your cat (or you suspect it may be), speak to your veterinarian prior to the trip about anti-anxiety medications that would be appropriate for your cat.The first time I traveled with Barnie and Quincy, I wasn't sure how it would go. I was a little apprehensive but was pleasantly surprised at how well they adapted. Why should the dogs and humans have all of the fun?
