Things to Consider When You Need to Travel with a Pet Cat
If you think there’s nothing worse than taking your cat to the vet, then you’ve definitely never tried traveling with it. Let us tell you: it can be an utter nightmare. So what can you do if you don’t have any other options? Well, first, search for an option. Your cat loves being home and it’s going to do its best to make you regret ever taking it away from its sanctuary.
If you absolutely have to take it with you- then don’t. Okay, we’re just kidding now (not really) but you’ll have to make some preparations in advance to make the journey as pleasurable as possible – for both, you and your precious cat. Here are six things to consider when you absolutely, direly, irrefutably, need to travel with a pet cat.
1. Pay Your Vet a Visit
First of all, you’ll have to make the dreaded visit to the vet. Depending on the length of your journey, destination, and traveling means, the vet will have a few things to say and do. They’ll have to check the overall health of the cat and make sure there are no underlying conditions that could be exaggerated by the stress of traveling. They’ll alert you to the vaccinations needed for your destination and any other medical precautions. Most importantly, make sure to get a health report clearing the condition of your cat in case it’s needed by the authorities.
2. Choose Your Travel Means
The way you travel will have a huge impact on your travel preparations. For instance, not all airlines allow pets, so you’ll have to check with your airlines and find a substitute if necessary. The same goes for trains and other forms of public transportation. Perhaps the most lenient travel method to have your cat accompany you is by driving your own car, but that will still need some precautionary measures. It’s best to have a companion with you with whom you can exchange the cat-care and driving duties throughout the journey. Moreover, watch out for high temperatures and road issues, as that can cause serious trouble for you and dangerously affect your cat’s health. On that note, under no circumstances should you ever leave the cat alone in the car.
3. Secure Your Cat in a Carrier
Whatever you do, however you travel, never leave your cat free to roam. Always secure it in a carrier so you can limit its escape options – which, by the way, it has been planning forever since the moment you made it leave its sanctuary. The carrier should be well-ventilated and comfortable enough to hold your cat throughout the journey. It should also have a designated place for food and water so you can minimize the contempt of your cat as much as you can.
4. Prepare Food, Water, and Litter Box
Speaking of food and water, you’ll have to prepare them in advance as well. Make sure to prepare a sufficient amount to last the road, as you never know if you’ll find any in the stops. You should also provide the appropriate kind of food for your cat; while you can always carry the dry food you’re used to feeding it back at home, choosing the best hydrolyzed cat food can be a better option for special cases. This holds true in case your cat starts suffering from food-allergy or digestive issues where they can’t consume normal food well. In addition to food and freshwater, you’ll also prepare the litter box and litter sand.
5. Get A Collar, Leash, and ID
Even if you keep your cat in a carrier, you should attach a collar and a leash to it. You’re bound to set it free at one point or another, and that’s when you should expect it to carry out its escape plan.
However, never force your cat into the leash suddenly or pull on it. Make sure to train it beforehand on accepting the collar and getting used to it. Better yet, get it an ID or a microchip so people can contact you if they found the escapee roaming the streets on its own.
6. Learn How to Keep it Calm
Perhaps the most crucial skill you need to develop is knowing how to calm your cat down under stress. Despite their fiery nature, cats love comfort and stability. Moving them suddenly or taking them on an extended journey on a bumpy road is sure to stress their nerves and force them to act out. Keep their toys close and make sure to entertain them throughout the journey.
Traveling with your best friend can be an exciting journey, but that doesn’t necessarily mean your cat will share your excitement. To ease your cat into the travel mode, make sure you prepare suitable and comfortable accommodation for the length of the journey. Prepare enough food and water, watch out for hazards, and always keep it entertained and well-cared for.
