Problems of Cat Travelling

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Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed

Voyaging with Kids isn’t easy, tons of groundwork 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 voyaged with my cats, yet I can only advise it when it is totally necessary. Only when I cannot find someone look after my pets, luckily there are companies such as London Cat Sitting who will look after the cats at home. It is problematic relying on your friends and family, especially for dog walking. You regularly feel terrible about burdening them, what are they thinking about you, particularly if it is not a reciprocal arrangement, where you do not do the same for them. It is far better if you are using a skilled pet sitting company, as they are always accessible. 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. Certain cats love travelling more than others, but usually it upsets them. So what can we do to minimise this? Here are some thoughts to make the trip the least disturbing for cats as possible, whilst keeping him as safe as possible, the top priority.
Get readybefore leaving home, stock up on a few important supplies to make the trip successful for you and your cat. Ensure your cat has a collar with an ID label, so if he is separated from you, he can be found and identified. 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 box to keep your cat in while in the car. This is for kitty and your safety, it might be nice to have him, 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 crate as you can fit into your car, ideally with a cushion or large 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, he will tire and finally get some sleep at some point. 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 nervous.
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 need to keep the cat healthy, so stop every hour or so to give some water. A litter tray is also needed for long trips. The carrier 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 whilst travelling. If you are by yourself, have her on the front seat, facing you. At least now with mobile phones, people don’t think you are weird talking to your self, anyway who cares what they think, they are less important than my cat.
Following this will hopefully give you and kitty cat a happy holiday! Off you go – enjoy it.