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Traveling can be a nightmare. The packaging, the traffic, the security lines, the cost – it’s amazing what we put ourselves through just to get away. But traveling with cats is a completely different matter, I’ve personally experienced.
In 2016, I moved from California to upstate New York with my two cats, Daisy and Fredo. There was a long distance between flights so we had a good eight hours of travel time during the day. Neither cat enjoyed the trip; Daisy wailed and thrashed around her carrier the entire time, while Fredo froze in place, refusing 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 stressed cats. The trick is to do everything you can to calm the fur baby beforehand.
One way is to use feliway available as a spray or wipe. “It’s a calming pheromone,” she says. “We can’t smell, but cats can. It’s been proven to reduce anxiety, and it seems to really help a lot of cats when traveling.” Another option is to put something that smells like you, such as a t-shirt, in the carrier.
Before embarking on any road or air travel, make sure you have the necessary items to keep your cat safe. “Always carry a copy of your cat’s medical records with you,” says Dr. Shaw. “And put an ID tag on your cat with a cell phone number.” That way, if your cat runs away while you’re on the road, they can reach you.
I find it useful to have a few extra items:
A disposable pad to absorb any urine and make the carrier a little more comfortable.
Wet wipes, small litter bags, and disposable gloves to clean cats from the carrier.
Strap and strap, if we have to open the carrier on the lever for cleaning.
A small container with dry treatment.
We provide a water bowl and water bottle during our stay.
Should you give your cat anxiety medication while traveling?
According to Dr. Shaw, anxiety and motion sickness are very common in cats. Knowing How Your Cat Travels – Are they sad or colder every time you take them to the vet? – It’s a good way to gauge how you’ll do on a long trip.
Take your cat to the vet for a check-up before you leave. Discuss whether your cat is a good candidate for anxiety or car sickness medication, which will make the experience more enjoyable for your kitty.
Dr. Shaw said, “One thing we never do is give sedation. A lot of people ask for sedation, but that can be dangerous because some of them can lower the blood pressure of cats. If they have health problems, it can be dangerous. Anxiety is one thing, but sedation is one thing. It’s another. This is a different category of medicine.
Flying with a cat
Do you know how airlines differ when it comes to baggage fees? Well, when it comes to traveling with pets, they differ as well.
Before booking your flight, check the airline’s website for any details on acceptable carrier sizes, travel restrictions and fees. Most airlines charge between $95 and $125 per flight per pet. 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 calling the airline, so take the time to do your homework before buying a ticket.
The best cat carriers for airplanes
Airlines require that pets on the plane stay in the carrier under the seat, just like any other small personal item. As such, you’ll want to invest in a fabric carrier that can fit in tight spaces. The Sherpa Travel Pet Carrier is what I took with me for each of my cats, and it worked great.
A similar, less expensive option is the Henkelion Cat Carrier, which holds pets up to 15 pounds. That wasn’t an option for me when I left because one of my cats is a large size. And comfort, Dr. Shaw, is key. “Make sure your cat can stand up and if they’re going to be in the carrier for a long time, make sure they can move around comfortably,” she says.
Traveling with cats in the car
According to Dr. Shaw, one of the biggest mistakes cat owners make on road trips is letting their kitty roam free in the car. “Put them in the carrier unless you stop,” she says. “If you’re in a car accident, it’s like you’re not restrained, the cat is going to die. And if the cat isn’t killed by the broken glass, it can run away and never be seen again.”
“You never want to sit in the passenger seat and curl up in a little ball,” she added. “They’re in your lap or under your leg, it’s too much of a distraction and it’s dangerous for the driver,” she said.
The safest way to travel with your cat in the car is to secure their carrier in the back seat. You can place the kennel on the floor or secure it to the seat with a seat belt. Covering the carrier can help your pet feel more secure. Do a test drive to find out what you prefer before you go on the trip.
Although you may be tempted to let your cat use the litter box as a resting place, Dr. Shaw says this is not a good idea. “I can’t remember in 24 years and with all the cats I’ve met, one cat was using their litter box at the rest area,” she said. “It causes them to escape from the car, and often it is very difficult to get the cat back into the car.”
The best thing is to reach your destination as soon as possible. And, of course, never leave your pet unattended in a parked vehicle. Even with the windows open, the temperature can reach dangerously high levels.
The best cat carrier for cars
Unlike air travel, a hard-shell case is ideal for long-distance travel. Two of the best sellers on Amazon are the Petmate Two-Door Kennel and the Amazon Basic Two-Door Top Load Kennel.
Fortunately, in my experience, my cats were fine once we got to our destination and got them out of their carriers. Even though the day was long, planning ahead and having the right tools helped tremendously.
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