Traveling with your cat can be fun and safe if you prepare well. A cat is a creature of habit and often does not like anything to change. If the right tips are followed, it will make the journey smooth and free from stress for both of you.
Safety Tips for Traveling with Your Cat
Before you hit the road, it’s important to make sure that your cat is secure in each aspect. Discover how to choose the best cat carrier for travel to keep your feline comfortable and safe during trips. There are 15 safety tips during the traveling for your cat.
1. Prepare Your Cat for Travel
Before you take it along on a long ride, expose your cat to car travel. Take it around your neighborhood for short trips. It might be an easier time for your cat when you want to have a longer ride.
Gradually increase the length of the rides. Reward your cat with treats and soothing words whenever it exhibits calm behavior. These practice rides assure the safety of your cat.
2. Use a Secure Cat Carrier
After all, no traveling is ever complete without the right carrier for your kitty. The whole thing should be well ventilated and safe in order to ensure the safety of your kitten. Such a thing should be of proper size to let your cat comfortably stand in it, turn around freely, and lie down whenever it wills. It should possess high-quality locking systems that don’t permit your cat to leap out during the trip.
Line the bottom with a comfortable blanket or towel so that your cat will feel comfortability. Put in familiar objects, such as his favourite toy or something with your scent, like a small item of clothing. These personal items comfort and reduce stress.
3. Keep Your Cat Calm During the Trip
A calm cat is a safer traveler. As most cats get anxious about traveling, create a soothing environment. Talk to your feline softly and try not to make too loud noises. If your cat continues to feel anxious, you can consult your vet for anti-anxiety treatments or calming sprays.
Keep the car cool enough, and avoid blowing airconditioning or heater straight at your cat. Be steady in the environment to make your cat calm.
4. Plan for Regular Breaks
Take the opportunity for your cat to stretch and stretch itself by making a stop sometimes during long trips. Be sure to stop every two to three hours. Find a quiet area or spot. Be sure it is safe to let the cat out of the carrier before stopping.
Let your cat stretch outside wearing a harness and leash. Keep an eye out for swift movements or anything else that may frighten your cat. Such breaks prevent restlessness and even discomfort.
5. Feed and Hydrate Your Cat Properly
Sticking to the feeding and drinking schedule of your cat is very important, especially when you are away on vacation. Water should be given to your cat at regular time intervals in the course of the trip. However, feeding a cat before the trip should be avoided because cats tend to become sick as they suffer motion sickness if fed before traveling.
Feed your cat small portions a few hours in advance, and make sure there is water for it to drink when you stop. Hydration for your cat is arguably the best way to keep it comfortable and relaxed.
6. Ensure Proper Identification
Make sure that your cat has proper identification before leaving the house. Attach on its collar an ID tag putting all your contact information. Microchipping should also be a good idea in case your cat flees or gets lost during the trip.
Ensure that the contact details on the ID tag are updated. This is the simple step that will ensure that in case your cat gets lost, they can be reunited quickly with you.
7. Keep the Carrier Secure in the Vehicle
Do not allow your cat to ride if she roams when in the car. An unsuitable cat is easily knocked into the driver’s feet or to distract him, which could be dangerous. Always seatbelt or place it on the floor behind the front seat the cat carrier.
The carrier shouldn’t be moved when your car is in motion. It does, however ensure your kitty will have a safe trip with itself being strapped to the car.
8. Visit the Vet Before Traveling
It would be best if you and your cat went for a medical checkup with your vet before embarking on this long-distance journey. You would want to make sure your cat is healthy and fit for the travel and that his vaccinations are complete. This can be the perfect time to discuss any fears about your cat that may come up about the trip, even motion sickness.
Your veterinarian can prescribe medications or treatments if necessary. The healthier your cat is, the more and safely it will travel.
9. Keep a Travel Kit for Your Cat
Prepare a complete kit and keep all of these in one bag so that you can easily take it with you when your cat is traveling.
Be well prepared for your cat’s journey by packing a travel kit for your cat with everything needed. Such essentials include food, water, bowls, litter, a little litter box, toys, and medical prescriptions if they are required. With this kit, one is sure of having everything he or she needs to take care of your cat while traveling.
You must not travel without the kitty’s medical records if you’re crossing state or country borders. It makes the whole trip easy, so it prepares for anything.
10. Watch for Signs of Stress
Even the most prepared kitty tends to get stressed out when traveling. For signs of such stress in your kitty, you might hear them over-meadow, pant, or even hide inside the carrier. If your cat starts showing all or any of these symptoms, pull over to a safe location and comfort your kitty.
Give your cat time to relax and provide him with a soft voice and soothing strokes through the carrier door. This will make things easier for both you and your cat.
11. Avoid Leaving Your Cat Alone in the Car
Never leave a kitty in the car. It does not matter if it is hot or cold, but a gap on either side of the window can let heat inside a car build up so rapidly that it can kill a pet. Always take your cat with you when leaving the car.
In case you are leaving your car for a few minutes, open a few windows to ensure the air continues circulating and shade your car. In case you are taking your pet along, then, safety comes first.
12. Traveling by Air with Your Cat
Ensure you know airline pet policies before planning the trip. Most airlines will require the cats to travel in a carrier that specifically fits underneath the seat in front of you. Condition your cat to the carrier beforehand.
Fly non-stop if possible, as this will reduce travel time. Ensure that ventilation in the carrier and your cat is warm enough for the period of the trip.
13. Make Hotel Arrangements in Advance
In case you are visiting and spending the night booking of pet-friendly hotel rooms is in order. Not all hotels accept pets; hence, confirm the pet policy of your targeted hotel before checking in. Confirm if there are other charges or restrictions required when a pet is kept in the room.
Set up the room for your cat to lounge in as soon as you arrive; permit food, water, and the litter box to remain accessible in order to calm your cat.
14. Keep a Routine While Traveling
Animals who respond to routine will enjoy it if you stick to their timescale. Feed, play, and put your cat to bed close to their normal times. Remember that familiar routines decrease the stress that often accompanies travel.
Other familiar objects available in the vehicle are also suggested to bring in. These include your cat’s favorite blanket or toy. Familiar objects help to make new environments less intimidating.
15. Know Your Cat’s Travel Preferences
Every cat is just a little bit different; while some cats are adventurers, others can be timid and anxious. It’s great to know what makes your pet feel safe and cozy while traveling. Pay attention to body language and adapt the trip, as necessary.
If your cat likes sitting by the window, you will have to get a light carrier. When they prefer dark and quiet places, it should be covered with a light breathable cloth. Once you know what your cat likes, the journey becomes smooth.
Conclusion
Preparing to travel with your cat requires several plans and details. That preparation will therefore ensure that your cat feels comfortable and safe during the travel. With that said, here are some tips that you can follow during a trip where you will be traveling with your feline friend. A stress-free trip ensures that you and your feline friend will arrive at your destination happy and ready for adventure.
