I have many times travelled with my kitty, nonetheless I can only advise it when it is totally essential. Only when I cannot uncover someone to do cat sitting for me at the house. It is difficult relying on your friends and family, especially for dog walking. You often feel bad about burdening them, what are their thoughts about you, particularly if it is not a mutual arrangement, where you do not look after their pet in return. It is far better if you are using a professional pet sitting company, as they are at all times on hand. But if none of these choices are around, how do I travel with cats?
Cats are animals of habit and love their own normal home. Some cats love travelling more than others, but commonly it deranges them. So what can we do to minimise this? Here are some ideas to make the trip the least disturbing for cats as feasible, whilst keeping kitty as safe as possible, the highest priority.
Prepare prior to departing your home, stock up on a few key goods to make the trip successful for you and your cat. Make sure your cat has a collar with an ID tag, so if he is separated from you, he can be found and returned to you later. My cats are micro chipped, but I still do this, even when they are at home, am I paranoid? Always have a leash with you, in case you want it while travelling, but don't attach it to your cat's collar until you need to. Have a cat travel box to keep your kitty in while in the car. This is for his and your safety, it might be nice to have kitty, but his freedom could cause an accident, or if there is an accident, unlike you with your seat belts, he won’t be constrained. Ensure that the cat travel carrier is fixed. It's better to be safe than sorry.
I suggest as larger cat box as you can fit into your car, ideally with a cushion or oversized cat bed inside to give the cat something to sleep in. Depending on your car and where you are putting the cat box, you may need an independent fan for the crate. If the trip is long, kitty will tire and finally get some sleep at some point. If there is room in the carrier, placing a cardboard box in there as well is a good idea. Cats love boxes, so having one will give him something to hide in when disturbed.
Make sure you have your cats favourite food and water. Ideally a small lidded food bowl and water bowl to give your cat when stopping at a rest stop. You need to keep the cat healthy, so stop every hour or so to give some water. A litter tray is also needed for long trips. The box should be covered on all sides except the one facing you. If it isn’t, you can use a blanket. This will help stop your cat becoming upset by the passing cars and noises.
It will settle your cat if you can talk to him whilst travelling. If you are unaccompanied, have kitty on the front seat, facing you. At least now with mobile phones, other car drivers don’t think you are weird talking to your self, anyway who cares what they think, they are less important than my cat.
Following this will hopefully give you and kitty cat a wonderful holiday!
