On your next vacation consider taking your cat along!
Have you always thought about how much you would enjoy having your little furry family member along on your vacation or the weekend trip to mom’s? Well a little planning and a little bit of prep can make your dream come true.
Most cats are prone to feeling frightened when they are away from their familiar places and may resist any attempts to herd them into a carrier for travel. I have a friend who has to go on an all out hunt for her cat before heading out. Running and hiding under a chair is the kitty’s idea of traveling to a new place. Cats truly love what’s familiar.
Here are a few tips and pointers to get you going:
First visit your local pet store and purchase a good cat carrier. The carrier should be sturdy and strong, with space to move around but with no possible way to escape. Select a size that is not too small so your cat can stretch when needed, stand and turn and has room to sprawl out for a nap. A carrier that is too small will only cause restlessness and anxiety. A carrier that is too large will be unsafe for transport, possibly causing injury.
Cats enjoy being able to look around and enjoy the view. A well ventilated carrier will allow for great air circulation and a view of the outside world. A soft comfortable carrier makes for a much better trip. Select a soft pad or place something comfortable like a blanket on the bottom of the carrier. If you have a cat, you already know how important a comfortable spot is for napping. If your cat has a favorite blanket or pillow, bring it along – this is the perfect “something familiar and comfortable”. Do not wash the favorite blanket. The more it smells like home, the better.
Once in the car, keep the carrier in a spot where your cat can stay cool or warm depending on the weather. During the warm weather a cool place away from the sunlight will help keep her comfortable. During cold weather, keep an extra small blank nearby. Also, place the carrier in a spot where your cat can see you. Seeing you and being able to smell familiar smells helps your kitty feel more comfortable.
Notice what is around the carrier and ensure nothing can fall or shift onto the carrier. Remember stops for water and a break for everyone. Don’t forget the water bowl. A tip I recently read is to place a luggage tag on the carrier, just in case you are separated from your cat. This thought may make you want to leave your kitty home with a trusted sitter. But, this is a tip to for “better safe than sorry”.
If your cat is not an experienced traveler, take her on a few short trips to see how well she will travel. Be prepared for motion sickness, anxious and vocal behavior. Place newspaper or an old towel in the bottom of the carrier during your prep trips just in case of motion sickness.
As part of the prep for your trip, place the carrier in an area where your cat loves to play or rest. Leave the door open so she is free to come and go, wander in and out, and explore the carrier. On the morning of your trip (also during your prep trips) do not feed your cat before departing. Feeding your pet prior to a trip increases the chances they will become ill. A very uncomfortable situation for everyone.
Try giving them an enjoyable meal the evening prior to departing and a special meal on arrival as a reward for traveling so well. The tips above can help make a trip with your kitty much easier and less stressful. The tips included here are for traveling in your car. If traveling by air, bus or train, contact the carrier for specific rules related to traveling with your pet. Check their web sites for regulations, restrictions and fees. A telephone call may also be needed to ensure you have all the necessary details.
Ready for a trip with Kitty! Have carrier will travel! Do you have any tips? Share them here!
I use a carrier large enough for a kitten size litter box. A sprinkle of litter from the regular litter box and a top layer of fresh litter (I use dust free) goes a long way in the reducing stress area. Yes, you might have to stop and scoop a litter box, but think of the alternative. Although my kitty travels in a carrier, she also wears a harness and leash.