You’re taking a long trip with your cat. Any issue could turn it into a disaster, so you’re anxious to give your furry best friend the best possible care.
When traveling with a cat, being prepared is essential. You can’t just put your cat in a pet carrier and hope everything goes well.
Long trips can be very stressful for cats, making your own journey a lot harder. Depending on your travel means, there are steps to take to ensure that the trip goes as smoothly as possible.
Check out this article to learn how to travel long distances with a cat.
Before the Trip
Depending on your destination, you might want to consult with a vet to see if there are vaccination requirements.
You can also inquire about local conditions to see if anything is going to affect your cat significantly. If traveling with an airline, you’ll need a health certificate.
The Carrier
Another important thing to consider is the carrier. The best cat carriers are well-ventilated and spacious enough for your cat to get up.
A cat backpack carrier can be handy if you’re going to be walking a lot. It’s also an option for taking your cat on hikes with you.
Place the carrier in view for a few days before your trip. It’ll give your cat time to get used to it and make departure day easier.
Planning
Locate vets along your route in case of an emergency. Make sure the hotels you’re going to be staying at welcome cats.
Ask them about any deposits, fees, and whether you’re allowed to leave the cat in the room.
Packing
You will need to pack your cat’s tags, as well as medical and vaccination records. You might also need rabies records if crossing state lines.
Additionally, take your cat’s toys, food, bowls, catnip, litter, a scooper, and elimination bags. Don’t forget to bring water with you.
Traveling by Car
Feed your cat a couple of hours before leaving to avoid it getting sick. Place a blanket from your home inside the carrier; a familiar scent will be reassuring.
Ensure your cat’s carrier is well secured so that it won’t topple if you have to stop suddenly. If you have to get out of the car for a bit, crack windows slightly open for airflow. However, don’t let the cat out of the carrier.
Ideally, you wouldn’t leave your pet in the car for more than a few minutes. Excessively hot or cold weather can prove harmful.
Traveling by Plane
Inform yourself of your airline’s animal policies such as the carrier needed, medical requirements, and so on. Ideally, your cat would be able to travel with you rather than the cargo area.
Make sure your cat’s identification tag has all your information as well as your destination. You should also include it on the carrier with the mention “live animal.”
If your cat can’t travel with you, notify the flight crew that you have a pet on the plane. They will be able to check on it if there’s any delay.
How to Travel Long Distance With a Cat
Learning how to travel long distances with a cat requires some preparation. It’s essential to get all your cat’s necessary documentation for the trip.
Get a good carrier and plan when it comes to accommodation. Get a familiar blanket or scent to reassure your pets. If flying, make sure to check on the airline’s policy, so you don’t have an unpleasant surprise.
Love cats? Check out our Cats section for more articles on our furry friends.
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