Travelling with Kids is bad enough, lots of groundwork required, even if you do that well, you can still have problems and be stressed out. However for many, it is even more stress full travelling with your beloved pet.
I have regularly voyaged with my cats, but I can only advise it when it is totally essential. Only when I cannot discover someone to do cat sitting for me at home. It is hard relying on your friends and family, especially for dog walking. You often feel bad about burdening them, what are their thoughts about you, particularly if it is not a mutual arrangement, where you do not do the same for them. It is far better if you are using a skilled pet sitting service, as they are at all times on hand. But if none of these options are available, how do I travel with cats?
Cats are animals of routine and love their own normal home. Some cats like travelling more than others, but normally it upsets them. So what can we do to keep this to a minimum? Here are some tips to make the trip the least traumatic for cats as feasible, whilst keeping him as safe as possible, the main priority.
Get readybefore leaving home, stock up on a few key goods to make the trip successful for you and your cat. Ensure your cat has a collar with an ID tag, so if he is lost, he can be found and returned to you later. My cats are micro chipped, but I still do this, even when they are at home, am I paranoid? At all times have a leash with you, in case you need it while travelling, but don’t connect it to your cat’s collar until you need to. Have a cat travel carrier to keep your kitty in while in the car. This is for her and your safety, it might be nice to have kitty, but his freedom could cause an accident, or if there is an accident, unlike you with your seat belts, he won’t be constrained. Ensure that the cat travel carrier is secured. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
I advise as larger cat box as you can fit into your car, ideally with a cushion or oversized cat bed inside to give the cat something to take a nap in. Depending on your car and where you are putting the cat crate, you may need an independent fan for the crate. If the trip is long, he will tire and finally get some sleep eventually. If there is space in the carrier, placing a cardboard box in there as well is a good idea. Cats love boxes, so having one will give him something to hide in when disturbed.
Make sure you have your cats favourite food and water. Ideally a small lidded food bowl and water dish to give your cat when stopping at a rest stop. You want to keep the cat hydrated, so stop every hour or so to give some water. A litter tray is also needed for long trips. The crate should be covered on all sides except the one facing you. If it isn’t, you can use towels. This will help stop your cat becoming frightened by the passing cars and noises.
It will settle your cat if you can talk to him during the trip. If you are alone, have her on the front seat, facing you. At least now with mobile phones, other car drivers don’t think you are strange talking to your self, anyway who cares what they think, they are less important than kitty.
Following this will hopefully give you and your cat a happy vacation!
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