Traveling with cats might sound like a scene from a comedy show—cats in carriers, meowing like they’re auditioning for Broadway.
But fear not! With the right preparation, you can embark on an adventure that’s less “cat-astrophe” and more “purr-fectly delightful.” Let’s explore some tips to ensure your feline friend enjoys the ride as much as you do!
Preparing Your Cat for Travel
Oh, and before you even start to pack your bags, one of the first things that you need to do is prepare your cat.
Have you ever heard of a cat’s daily routine? Well, disrupting it can be quite stressful, almost as stressful as a cat in a dog park. So, what do we do in order to help them make this transition?
Let’s start at the obvious: first, get your cat used to your bag. You know that small box that’s most associated with trips to the veterinary by most of the cats?
Well, that’s a different story! Let the box stay out in a quiet corner and throw in some treats or toys. This will encourage Fluffy to view it as her private castle rather than a means of transportation.
After that, you can start by going on small trips around the town with her. Just drive enough so she understands that car rides do not always end in the scary places.
If she starts linking the feats with fun outgoings such as Grandma visiting who gives endless chin scratches, then you’ve only won half the share!
Finally, double check if she has all her required items packed such as the favourite toy, a comfy blanket and some food in case it is a longer trip.
Trust me, nothing out there makes the statement ‘I’m ready,’ than carrying Fluffy’s favorite fuzzy mouse to psyche her up.
The Talking Point Is the Road Trip – Start Making Everything Calm
In truth, it is time to implement those basic strategies. After what seems like sitting down without doing anything, the time has come, you put on your devices, complete those sensors, and ensure everyone aboard is sat thoroughly, you get a clear view of your furry co-pilots.
It is safe to say, cats are unpredictable, one moment they are sleeping in the carrier, the other they are trying their best to escape and become some furry Houdini.
To avoid tension while you’re on the trip, hear some relaxing music or rather speak to your feline companion in a low voice while you are driving.
Talking about music, some of my friends say that gentle classical melodies calm pets, so why not give it a try? Picture yourself on a long drive while listening to Mozart together with your cat – isn’t that just amazing?
Also, when it comes to stops make sure that you stop over restrooms after every two hours, so Fluffy can also have access to her litter box. A quick 5-minute break allows both of you to walk around and helps Fluffy who has been cramped in one position for too long.
Where to Stay with Cats – Finding Accommodations
Let’s see… where will you be spending the night once you have arrived at your location? Not every single hotel will allow you to check in with our four-legged friends – or should I state paws?
So as to be safe and not face an unpleasant surprise (like seeing that no pets allowed sign), make sure to book your cat friendly accommodation before the travel plans kick into gear.
There are a number of places that are cat friendly hotels and in some locations even go as far as offering kitty beds, or cat treats upon arrival!
The comfort for cats gets even better considering how if you book one of those rooms then you have towels specifically meant for your cat in the room. Great stuff!
It may be best to look at reviews from other pet owners too while making the hotel booking whether it’s to make exceptions or to make sure that you’re booking an appropriate place for you and your pet.
Since if everyone confirms that a hotel only allows pets to stay in while looking after the staff it would be an ideal pet friendly hotel, such a vacation would get annoying such a vacation would sound great but wouldn’t in reality be.
Let’s Prioritize the Safety of Your Pet Cat
Probably the most important thing while traveling with cats is ensuring their life is protected at all costs considering how cats nowadays go missing while attempting to wander about.
That said when doing so say your pet kitty is wearing proper identification, a collar is a good idea to have since it showcases your ID and contact information.
Alternatively, I would recommend microchipping your cat instead. This way in case the name of your pet cat is Fluffy, and I wish for her to come back home, I don’t have to worry much since I can simply go out and find her.
But first make sure she is microchipped there are plenty of ways that where the success percentage increases simply in case going on a little adventure allows Fluffy to find her way home easily.
Last, and this may seem obvious, you should never leave your cat in a car by itself. Even if you are only gone for ‘five minutes’, high temperatures can build up in a vehicle, and that can be hazardous to our dear pets.
Suggested Resources:
Traveling with Pets
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/traveling-pets
Tips for Traveling With Cats
https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/tips-traveling-cats
How To Prepare Your Pet For Travel
https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/pet-travel