Travelling With Cats: Is It Possible And How Do You Do It?
It’s no secret that most cats aren’t the biggest fans of travelling, and they’re not afraid to let you know. While travelling with cats is possible, bear in mind that it could stress your cat out, so it’s definitely important to make sure that you are fully prepared and only travel if absolutely necessary. If your cat is the kind to meow and cry constantly during a car journey, it’s probably best to leave them with a friend or a cat sitter, no matter how much you’re going to miss them on your road trip. But if travelling with your cat is unavoidable, here are some top tips to help you make it work.
Get Them Used to It:
If your cat isn’t used to travelling, you can’t expect them to be fine on a long trip for the first time. Spend some time getting your cat accustomed to their cat carrier and take them on short car rides around town before you embark on a long road trip, to help them get used to the environment. You can help by giving them their favourite treats as a reward for putting up with the car journey, make the carrier comfortable with blankets, and take their favourite toy along. Most cats feel safer when they’re able to get inside something, so if you can make the carrier dark and secure, that’s even better.
Consult Your Vet:
If your cat tends to get stressed out and anxious while travelling, your vet may be able to help by prescribing them some medication to help them feel more comfortable. Your vet may be able to offer medication to keep your cat calm by sedating them while travelling. If they can do this, then it might make the experience easier, safer, and much less stressful for both you and your cat. Speak to your vet beforehand to see what the options are. If prescribed medication, give it to your cat well before the trip starts. If you’re worried about your cat getting car sick if you’re taking them on a road trip, you can ask your vet for medication to help with this as well. Make sure that you know how to correctly give your cat a pill if you have never done it before. If your cat does become distressed on trips, then only travel with them when it is absolutely necessary to avoid distressing them for no reason.
Get Your Documents in Order:
Of course, no matter how many precautions you take, there’s always the risk that your cat is going to end up hurt or injured when travelling. Because of this, make sure that your cat has up-to-date insurance before you set off. Cat insurance may offer some financial support to cover your vet bills if your cat gets into a sticky situation when travelling, and it may also help to pay out for any vet fees that you might incur if your cat becomes sick, too. You may find that some providers will only offer holiday cover in countries included in the Pet Travel Scheme. Find cat insurance quotes based in the UK and compare options at Everypaw, to find the right cover for travelling with your feline friend. Everypaw insurance policies are underwritten by Pinnacle Insurance PLC.
Figure Out What Works for Your Cat:
Some cats feel safer and calm when they are in an open crate or carrier during a trip, while others prefer to be more enclosed in a crate. Take some test drives with your cat if you are planning on taking
them on a road trip, to see how they react to different set-ups and determine the best way to do things once the big day comes.
Take All the Precautions:
If you’re going on a long road trip and your cat doesn’t like being in a carrier, there are other options to ensure that she is safe without restricting her freedom completely. A cat harness with a seatbelt attachment can be used to suitably restrain your cat while still giving her some freedom to move around. However, be sure that she cannot get into any areas of the car where she could cause a distraction to you driving, like under the footwell. You might want to put a barrier up between the front and back seats of the car to keep your cat contained without taking all her freedom away. Travelling in a car with an unrestrained cat is illegal1 and if you’re caught, you could end up with a hefty fine.
Preparing to Take Your Cat on a Flight:
If you’re planning to fly with your cat, make sure that you do your homework beforehand. Some airlines will only allow service animals on their flights, while others will allow you to fly with your cat as long as he travels in the hold. Some airlines2, like KLM, will allow small cats up to 8kg in the cabin, while TUI allows cats up to 6kg in the cabin with you. Flying in the hold can be especially stressful for a cat, so if they are under the weight limit and you can book a flight on an airline that allows it, it’s worth arranging your booking so that you can take them in the cabin with you in a secure carrier. If you have no choice but to let your cat fly in the hold, speak to your vet beforehand to see if there is anything you can give them to reduce stress and anxiety, and make sure that they are comfortable in the carrier.
Don’t Leave Your Cat in the Car:
Everyone with a dog knows that leaving them in the car can be dangerous, and the same goes for cats. Even if it doesn’t feel very warm outside, the temperature inside the car can get very high very quickly, and in the worst-case scenario, this could kill your cat. A harness and leash can come in handy to take your cat along with you if you need to get out of the car or get a carry case that you can put them in.
Even with a lot of preparation, travelling with a cat can be stressful for both humans and felines. Be ready for any possibility and do as much as you can take make things calm and comfortable for your cat, so that you both have an enjoyable trip.
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