Any cat owner knows how it feels to miss their pet while on vacation. As a result, many people wonder if their cats can go on vacation with them.
The short answer is yes, cats can travel with you on vacation. However, it is important to take some extra time and plan ahead to ensure that your cat has a comfortable and enjoyable journey. So join us as we cover everything you need to know about traveling with your feline friend.
Should I Travel With My Cat?
When many owners contemplate traveling with their cat they often wonder if it is worth the effort. Every cat is unique, so it’s important to consider the personality and temperament of your cat and determine whether traveling is the right choice for them.
Another consideration that you need to take into account is the nature of your trip. If you’re bringing a cat along, it is recommended that they’re in a comfortable environment such as a house. For example, if you’re going on a beach vacation and won’t be in the hotel for long periods of time, it might be best to leave your furry friend at home with a pet sitter as the environment is too unpredictable and unfamiliar.
We do understand though, that sometimes travel is unavoidable, such as when you’re moving to a new city, or even evacuating during natural disasters, so you should take your cat’s comfort into account when planning travel methods and routes.
Should I Travel With A Kitten?
Although many people might think traveling with a kitten would bring more complications, many sources recommend that beginning to travel with a kitten when they are young can help curb any issues with anxiety around traveling. So if you have a trip or are moving with a young kitten, all of our tips below are applicable.
Can You Travel Internationally With Cats?
If you’re flying overseas for an extended period of time, it’s understandable that you’d want to bring your furry friend with you, and the good news is that you often can! However, there are some requirements when it comes to international travel with cats.
The biggest requirement is an international health certificate. These certificates are given out by USDA-accredited veterinarians and can often take up to 6 months to acquire, so it’s important to plan ahead.
Do Cats Need Vaccines To Travel?’
If you’re considering traveling by plane with your cat, especially in the case of international flights, you often need to get your cat some vaccines and medical tests. The CDC recommends consulting with your vet on specific requirements for the country you’re visiting. When it comes to both international domestic travel, we recommend looking at the airline’s policies in addition to country requirements.
While we mentioned international health certificates above, it’s also important to note that in many cases, domestic flights also require pet owners to have a health certificate for their cat.
What Do Cats Need To Travel?
Beyond the health requirements we’ve already discussed, there is one incredibly important thing we recommend when traveling with your pet: a microchip. While often not required, making sure your cat has a microchip and that it’s up to date can help in the case of an emergency and your pet is lost.
Now that you have a better idea of what documents are required and recommendations, let’s take a look at what items you should bring along to make sure your cat is happy and healthy.
Food and Water Dishes
One of the most important items to bring along on your trip is food and water dishes. While you can bring along ones from home that have a familiar scent to your cat, we recommend having a travel set that you can pack with the rest of your supplies.
Litter Box
Another vital item to ensure you have is a travel litter box. Many retailers do make travel litter boxes that are easier to set up, take down, and clean. It is also recommended to bring extra litter and scoopers.
Items and Toys From Home
Having familiar items can help your cat feel more at ease while traveling and in a new environment. Specifically, it helps to bring items that smell like home, such as a favorite blanket or piece of clothing. Additionally, bring a few treats to reward your cat for good behavior.
The one tip we recommend is to make sure to bring items that are washable and easy to spot clean if you choose to put them in your pets carrier.
Pet Carrier
No matter how you’re traveling, a pet carrier is a necessity. How you plan to travel will likely influence what kind of carrier you should get – For instance, if you plan to fly, you will need a carrier that is approved for air travel.
For road-trips, however, we recommend a large carrier that can sit on the passenger seat or in the backseat. This allows your cat to have enough space to comfortably move around and not feel cramped, while still ensuring you can drive safely.
Medications
Whether your cat needs medications for certain conditions or your vet prescribed anti-anxiety medication for traveling, it is important that you have enough medication to last your whole trip and the right supplies to administer it.
What Cat Carriers Are Airline Approved?
Despite the fact that there are no specific cat carriers that are approved on all airlines, many popular airlines have very similar regulations on what makes a cat carrier approved.
One of the most important considerations when choosing a cat carrier for an air travel is to make sure it is a soft-sided carrier and can comfortably fit under the airline seat. Above we have a graphic on the top 10 American airlines and their regulations for pet carrier dimensions.
The two other important factors that airlines require for pet carriers are ventilation and waterproofing. Ventilation is important for the safety and comfort of the pet, as it helps to prevent overheating. Waterproofing is also important to ensure that no fluids from accidents get onto the cabin floor.
It’s also important to note here that many airlines do charge an additional fee to bring your cat with you, so make sure to check your specific airline’s policies before booking your flight.
Can You Stay At A Hotel With A Cat?
This is the one part where traveling with a cat can often get tricky, as many hotels will only accept service animals, and in rare cases emotional support animals. However, some hotels will allow cats, but they may require a deposit or additional fee for cleaning. It’s important to call ahead and check with the hotels before booking to ensure that your cat will be allowed.
Once you find a hotel, it’s important to make sure the room is cat friendly. It is a good idea to check the room and use the washcloths and towels to plug up any small spaces your cat might be able to squeeze into.
Whenever you plan to leave the hotel, make sure your cat has a safe space to stay in (like the bathroom) with a closed door, and a sign notifying housekeeping that you have a cat in the room so they won’t escape.
When To Keep Your Cat Home
Even though you can bring your cat on trips, there are times when leaving them home will be best for everyone.
One instance where we advise that you don’t bring your cat along is when they have special needs or conditions that could be exacerbated by the stress of travel. Another instance where it is best to leave your feline friend home is when they are elderly, as they may have larger difficulties adapting to a new environment.
Ultimately, it is up to your best judgment and if you have any hesitations, it may be best to leave your cat at home with a trusted pet sitter.
If leaving your cat at home is the best option for you, consider our professional pet sitting services. Our experienced and reliable pet sitters will ensure that your cat receives the care and attention they need while you’re away, providing you with peace of mind during your travels.
In Conclusion
traveling with a cat requires careful planning and consideration. From finding cat-friendly hotels to ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for your feline friend, there are several factors to keep in mind. However, if leaving your cat at home is the best option, professional pet sitting services can provide the care and peace of mind you need while you’re away.