Voyaging with Kids isn’t easy, tons of preparation needed, even if you do that well, it can still go wrong and be stressed out. However for many, it is even more stress full travelling with your beloved pet.
I have often travelled with my cats, yet I can only advise it when it is totally needed. Only when I cannot uncover someone to do cat sitting for me at the house. It is complicated relying on your friends and family, especially for dog walking. You repeatedly feel terrible about burdening them, what are their thoughts about you, particularly if it is not a reciprocal arrangement, where you do not do the same for them. It is often better if you are using a professional pet sitting company, as they are always on hand. But if none of these options are available, how do I travel with cats?
Cats are creatures of habit and love their own normal household. Some cats like travelling more than others, but normally it deranges them. So what can we do to minimise this? Here are some suggestions to make the trip the least distressful for cats as feasible, whilst keeping him as safe as possible, the number one priority.
Planbefore departing your home, stock up on a few crucial 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 separated from you, 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 attach it to your cat’s collar until you need to. Have a cat travel crate to keep your cat in while in the car. This is for her and your safety, it might be nice to have her, but his liberty 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 fixed. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
I advise as larger cat carrier as you can fit into your car, ideally with a cushion or oversized cat bed inside to give the cat something to sleep in. Depending on your car and where you are putting the cat carrier, you may need an independent fan for the box. If the trip is long, she will tire and finally get some sleep eventually. If there is space in the crate, placing a cardboard box in there as well is a great idea. Cats love boxes, so having one will give him something to hide in when nervous.
Make sure you have your cats preferred 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 healthy, so stop every hour or so to give some water. A litter box is also needed for long trips. The box should be covered on all sides except the one facing you. If it isn’t, you can use a blanket. This will help stop your cat becoming frightened by the passing cars and noises.
It will soothe your cat if you can talk to him during the trip. If you are unaccompanied, have him on the front seat, facing you. At least now with mobile phones, other car drivers don’t think you are odd talking to your self, anyway who cares what they think, they are less important than kitty.
Following this will hopefully give you and kitty cat a wonderful vacation!