Everything you need when traveling with a cat

When it’s vacation time, it’s not always possible to find someone to take care of your cat, and you might unexpectedly go on a trip with her!

Unlike dogs, who will always take the opportunity to ride in a car, cats are not at all interested in recreational rides. Their home is their kingdom, and leaving the castle can make them anxious. One way to de-stress (for both of you) is to create a travel list specifically for your cat that includes items that will keep your furry beauty comfortable, happy and healthy on the road. So how do you prepare your cat for a trip?

cat carrier

The safest way for your pet to travel, even on short trips, is to carry it. A sturdy carrier not only protects the cat from possible impacts, but also restrains it so that it does not get under the driver’s feet and stay away from the gas and brake pedals. The hard plastic model is a good choice for a cat trip, and if you buckle it in the back seat with a seat belt, it will provide additional protection. Make sure the carrier has a view of the outside world so that the cat can observe everything that is happening around her. If she is anxious, hang a towel or blanket over the door to block her view. The carrier should be large enough for the cat to sit and stand comfortably and turn around, but not so large that it has room to roam around. Carrying too much can cause injury if you brake suddenly.

Feed and water

Pack your furry friend’s favorite cat food in easily accessible containers. Instead of lugging around a giant bag of dry food, carry your pellets in a clear plastic container. Since your pet cannot drink from drinking fountains, bring bottled water with you so she always has a supply of fresh water. This DIY travel bowl for pets is perfect for travel. You can put a small bowl of food in her carrier in case she gets hungry, but before giving her normal daily amount of food, it’s best to start feeding little by little to make sure she doesn’t get sick in the car. Save the rest for feeding at your destination. Don’t forget to bring your favorite cat treats with you to reward your cat for being well-behaved and comfort her when you keep her indoors.

Tray

Most cats are not trained to go to the toilet at bus stops. Therefore, must-have (but not the most pleasant) items include a tray, fresh litter, and a scoop. Traveling with a cat is not the best time to use new litter, so take the one you normally use and pour it into a travel-friendly container with a spout for easy use. Petfinder suggests making sanitary stops every two to three hours to give your cat water to drink.

cat bed

If you don’t want to carry an extra item in your car, the hard plastic cat carrier can be converted into a bed! Take your cat’s favorite pillows and blankets with you and line the bottom of the carrier so she can take a nap in it. The familiar smell of the couch will help her relax. Another option is to remove the lid from the carrier, if possible, to give it more room when you’re not on the road.

Toys

You don’t need to take your cat’s entire arsenal of toys with you when you travel. Instead, stock up on a few of your old favorites, as well as throw in some new ones to keep her interested. Due to the fact that you will be in close proximity, avoid noisy, ringing toys. The hustle and bustle can drive you crazy. Remember that the key to successful travels with a cat is, among other things, your joy and peace of mind! It would also be nice if you took the time to play with her during the breaks so she can get some exercise. If she sits all day without moving in her cat carrier, she may throw a tantrum when you get to your destination. If you allow her to use up some of the accumulated energy, then this can save you from having to endure her whims.

Kogtetochka

Taking a scratching post with you to sharpen its claws while you are on vacation may seem like something out of the ordinary, but if she is used to scratching, you would rather have her scratch the scratching post than expensive furniture in a hotel or house in which you stopped.

Address tag and photos

Make sure your cat’s collar and address tag are secure before leaving home. If your cat runs away, keep recent pictures of her handy to share with locals and social media. If you stop somewhere to have a bite to eat and let the cat relieve itself, make sure that the windows in the car are not open enough for it to escape.

Contact information of the veterinarian

In today’s smartphone-driven world, you can access information on the go, but if you happen to be in an area that doesn’t have a good signal during your trip, you’ll want to be able to contact your veterinarian in case something happens to the animal. It is best not only to save the contact information of your cat’s resident veterinarian to call and report an incident, but also to take care in advance to find a veterinarian in the place of your vacation. This saves you the hassle of looking for a good veterinarian immediately after something happens to your cat.

Several cats

If you have multiple cats that you plan to take with you, it’s best to have separate carriers for them, even if they’re used to spending time together. This, again, will help keep them safe in the event of an accident. And also will not let them get tired of each other, because they would have to constantly climb over each other to get comfortable.

Using a travel list for your cat will ensure that you don’t forget anything.