How To Travel With a Cat

Learning how to travel with a cat can be a rewarding experience, but it takes a little prep work to ensure they stay comfortable and safe. Whether you plan on driving or flying, the right steps will make the trip easier and more pleasant for everyone involved. 

Preparing To Travel With a Cat

Before starting on your new adventure, it’s essential to prepare your cat. Sudden changes can be stressful, so taking these steps beforehand will help keep your cat calm and comfortable during travel:

• Acclimate to the Carrier: Introduce your cat to the travel carrier well in advance to give your cat time to explore the carrier and get used to spending time inside

• Schedule a Vet Visit: Ensure your cat is healthy enough for travel with a checkup and ask your vet about calming options, such asanxiety-relieving supplements or medications.

• Create a Travel Kit: Pack necessary items like food, water, litter trays, and any medications your cat may need during the trip so it’s easily accessible when you need it.

These preparations can help prevent last-minute stress and ensure a smoother experience for your cat.

How To Travel With a Cat by Car

When it comes to car travel with cats, preparation makes all the difference because it’s common for cats to be unfamiliar with car rides, and a sudden trip may make them anxious. However, with the correct tools and strategies, you’ll create a calmer, more comfortable environment for your furry friend in the car. 

Pick Out a Secure Carrier

When you learn how to travel with a cat by car, you’ll see that picking outthe right carrier is important. It should be enough for your cat to turn around and stand up, but small enough to make them feel secure, and it should be durable and have proper ventilation. 

Create a Calming Environment

Calming wipes or pheromone sprays, such as Arrowleaf Pet Be Calm, are going to be your friends to help soothe your cat’s anxiety. Applying these things in and around the carrier a day or so before your trip will help create a calming environment. 

Ensure the Carrier is Stable and Secure

Securing the carrier is vital for your cat's safety, and the back seat is the best place in the event of an accident. Once you have a spot, you want to strap it in with a seatbelt to ensure it doesn’t slide around when the car moves. 

Plan Breaks for Long Trips

For long drives, plan to stop every two or three hours. At each stop, check to see that they’re comfortable and offer water, and if it’s safe, allow them out to stretch on a leash and harness and give them the option to use the litter box. Always keep your car well-ventilated and avoid leaving your cat unattended.

How Long Can Cats Travel in a Car?

Understanding how long your cat can handle car travel will help you plan more effectively, and know that while some cats adjust to car rides, while others struggle with extended travel.

Managing Long Car Trips

Generally, most cats can tolerate six hours or so of straight travel, but anything longer without a break is unfair. If the trip is going to go over eight hours, you may want to break it into shorter segments with overnight stays to give your cats a short reprieve. 

Overnight Accommodations for Cats

Booking pet-friendly hotels allows your cat to stretch, eat, and use the litter box during long trips. Bringing along their favorite blanket or toy will also provide comfort after a long day of travel, and ensure they can easily get to their food, litter, and water once you get to a hotel.

How To Travel With a Cat by Plane

Learning how to travel with cats by plane can be more complicated than car travel, but with careful preparation, it’s possible to make the flight as smooth as possible for your pet.

Check the Airline Policies

Each airline has its own policies regarding pets, so research ahead of time is essential. Some airlines allow pets in the cabin, while others require them to travel in the cargo hold. Knowing these rules will help you avoid issues at the airport that may make you miss your flight and stress your cat out. 

Get an Airline-Approved Carrier 

For in-cabin travel, most airlines require you to keep your cat in a soft-sided carrier, like the Sleepypod Atom Modern Pet Carrier, that fits under the seat. Ensure that the carrier is large enough for your cat to move around but compact enough to comply with airline regulations. 

Pack All Your Cat’s Travel Essentials

Be sure to pack essentials like a collapsible water bowl, calming products, and familiar items such as toys and blankets. These can help ease your cat’s stress during the flight. If you have prescription medications or anxiety products, you can fill them at BaxterBoo’s convenient pharmacy. 

Preparing for Security Checks

At airport security, you’ll need to remove your cat from the carrier so security can get a look at them and inspect the carrier. To prevent escape, use a leash or harness and keep your cat close at all times. Returning them to the carrier promptly after security will minimize stress, and having your paperwork ready to go will help prevent delays. 

How Long Can Cats Travel by Plane?

The amount of time your cat can tolerate on a plane depends on the length of the flight and your cat’s temperament. Both short and long flights can be manageable with the right preparations.

Short Flights Versus Long Flights

Short domestic flights, lasting a few hours, are generally easier on cats than international flights. For long flights, make sure to pack enough supplies for the duration of the trip, including water and travel items, if necessary.

Consider Your Cat’s Temperament

Your cat's personality plays a big role in how they handle air travel. Some cats may require calming supplements or medications for the flight, so consult with your vet if you have concerns about your cat’s ability to cope. They may suggest a mild sedative on the morning of the flight to keep your cats calm. 

Other Tips for Traveling With Cats

Beyond the basics, these additional tips will ensure a smoother journey for your cat, whether you’re traveling by car or plane.

• Keep Feeding Light: A light meal a few hours before travel can prevent motion sickness. Avoid feeding your cat right before you leave, whether you plan on traveling by car or plane. 

• Comfort Items: Bring along familiar items like blankets or toys to provide a sense of security during travel. If you have something with your scent, like an old shirt, put that in the carrier too. 

• Limit Noise Exposure: Loud noises can increase your cat's anxiety. When flying, keeping your cat’s carrier covered with a blanket may reduce stress caused by loud airport environments, so you can get an enclosed carrier, like the Sleepypod Air Travel Pet Carrier Bed. 

Using these tips can make travel more pleasant for both you and your cat.

Alternatives to Traveling With a Cat

If travel seems too stressful for your cat, consider alternatives. Boarding your cat at a reputable facility or leaving them with a trusted friend can give you peace of mind if a long trip is necessary. Many facilities offer cat-specific accommodations, ensuring your pet's comfort while you're away.

Work with BaxterBoo for Cat Travel Essentials

For expert advice on how to travel with a cat, reach out to BaxterBoo. Our staff has recommendations for a variety of calming products and high-quality treats to make the trip easier for you and your cat. With the right supplies from BaxterBoo, you’ll ensure a stress-free journey for your feline friend.