How to travel with a cat, according to a veterinarian
Traveling can be a nightmare. The packing, the traffic, the security lines, the cost – it’s pretty amazing what we put on ourselves just to get away with it. But traveling with cats is a whole other thing that I’ve personally grappled with.
In 2016, I moved to upstate New York from California with my two cats, Daisy and Fredo. There was a long wait between flights, giving us a good eight hours of travel time during the day. Neither cat enjoyed the trip; Daisy was howling and thrashing around her stretcher the whole time while Fredo froze in one spot and refused to make eye contact with me.
How to travel with a cat
dr M. Kathleen Shaw of Latham Animal Hospital in Latham, New York says these types of reactions are common in cats that are prone to anxiety. The trick is to do everything in advance to keep your fur baby calm.
Using Feliway, which is available as a spray or wipes, is one way to do this. “It’s a calming pheromone,” she says. “We can’t smell it, but cats can. It has been shown to reduce stress and seems to really help a lot of cats when they travel. B. a T-shirt to put in the stretcher.
Before embarking on any road or air travel, make sure you have the necessary items to keep your cat safe. “Always have a copy of your cat’s medical record with you,” says Dr. Shaw. “And stick a tag on your cat with your cell phone number.” That way you can be reached if your cat flees on the road.
I found it helpful to have a few extra items:
A disposable pad to absorb urine and add some comfort to the stretcher.
Moistened wipes, small garbage bags, and disposable gloves to clean cat poo from the carrier.
A harness and leash in case we had to open the carrier to clean it on a stopover.
A small container of dry treats.
A water bowl and bottle of water that we can offer during our stay.
Should You Give Your Cat Anxiety Meds When Traveling?
according to dr Shaw, anxiety and motion sickness in cats are very common. If you know how your cat travels – do they freak out every time you take them to the vet, or are they rather cool? – is a good way to gauge how they would fare on a long journey.
Before taking off, take your cat to the vet for a check-up. Discuss whether or not your cat would be a good candidate for anxiety or motion sickness medication, which can make the experience much more comfortable for your kitty.
However, says Dr. Shaw: “One thing we absolutely cannot do is give sedatives. Many people ask about sedatives, but this can be dangerous because some of them can lower cats’ blood pressure. If they have health problems it can be risky. Anxiety is one thing, but tranquilizers are another. It’s a different class of drugs.”
Flying with a cat
You know how different airlines are when it comes to baggage fees? Well, they’re just as diverse when it comes to traveling with pets.
Before booking your flight, check the airline’s website for details on airline size limits, travel restrictions and fees. Most airlines charge between $95 and $125 per pet per flight. There are also restrictions on how many animals are allowed on board at one time, so you’ll need to make a reservation for your cat in advance. This sometimes requires a phone call to the airline, so take the time to do your homework before buying your ticket.
Best cat carriers for airplanes
Airlines require pets to remain on board in a carrier under the seat, just like all other smaller personal items. You should therefore invest in a cloth carrier that can be accommodated in the smallest of spaces. The Sherpa Travel Pet Carrier is what I have used for each of my cats and it has worked well.
A similar, more affordable option is the Henkelion Cat Carrier, which can hold pets up to 15 pounds. This wasn’t an option for me when traveling because one of my cats is the larger size. And convenience, emphasizes Dr. Shaw, is the key. “Make sure your cat can stand up and turn around comfortably in the carrier if she’s going to be in it for an extended period of time,” she says.
Traveling with cats in the car
according to dr Shaw says one of the biggest mistakes road trip cat owners make is letting the cat roam free in the car. “Leave them in the carrier unless they stop you,” she says. “If you’ve been in a car accident, it’s like you’re not wearing your seat belt; the cat will die. And if the cat doesn’t die in the broken glass, it can escape and you’ll never see it again.”
She adds that it’s also risky for the driver, since “they never want to sit in the passenger seat and curl up into a little ball. They’re either on your lap or under your feet. It’s just too much of a distraction.”
The safest way to travel in the car with your cat is to secure their carrier in the back seat. You can either leave the kennel on the ground or attach it to the seat with a seat belt. Covering the carrier can also help your pet feel more secure. Before you travel, do a test run to see what you prefer.
Although you may be tempted to let the cat use the litter box at a rest stop, says Dr. Shaw that this is not a good idea. “I can’t remember a cat using her litter box at a rest stop in 24 years and with all the cats I’ve had,” she says. “You risk them escaping the car and it’s often difficult to get the cat back in the car.”
The best thing is to get to your destination as quickly as possible. And of course, never leave your pet unattended in a parked vehicle. Even with the windows open, the temperature can get dangerously high.
Best cat transporter for cars
Unlike air travel, a hard case is fine for a long car ride. Two of the best sellers on Amazon are the Petmate Two-Door Kennel and the Amazon Basics Two-Door Top Load Kennel.
Luckily, in my experience, my cats were fine when we reached our destination and let them out of their carriers. Although it was a long day, planning ahead and having the right tools at hand helped significantly.