Love traveling but tired of leaving your feline friend at home or with someone? Well, take your next trip with your four-legged friend by your side. Nothing beats a vacation with your companion, however, although you may be excited about traveling your cat may not feel the same way. Cats prefer staying indoors and usually feel stressed if you remove them from the environment they have grown accustomed to. Not all cats are alike and some extraverted felines may enjoy the whole experience.
To make sure the experience is enjoyable for both the owners and the pets here are some tips and guidelines to take into account before conducting any sort of travel.
Does your kitty want to join you?
Owners often choose to take their cats along with them because they will miss them and don’t have anyone to trust their pets with, or they want to experience new and exciting things with their best friends right by their side. Either way, owners should always take their cat’s personality and feelings into account before rushing into the decision, cats always prefer staying in their territory and like abiding by their routine. With access to food, water, and all their favorite toys, your feline may feel more at ease being left at home. Now if your cat is an exception to all of these factors and loves exploring and interacting with other people then grab some necessities and head on out on your adventure!
A comfortable journey
Depending upon the mean of travel through which you will be transporting your feline it is of great importance owners take the necessary steps to ensure the journey is as stress-free and comfortable for their pet as possible. Owners should always transport their feline in pet carriers and crates not only is this a safe way to transport your pets but cats naturally enjoy being in enclosed spaces. This will help reduce their anxiety and make them feel protected. Natural remedies can also help in keeping your feline calm and collected, using Bach Flower Essences and feline safe relaxants are some safer ways to keep your pet relaxed. A spacious carrier with their favorite toys and cushions can make your pets travel easier and stress-free. If you are still concerned about their nerves, you can always contact your veterinarian to ask for some medication or whether your pets are fit for travel in the first place.
Traveling by Car
The only option owners have to travel with their pets is to take them by car, bus and train companies don’t usually permit animals on their vehicles. If you intend on taking a long road trip it is important you get your cat acquainted with traveling in a car and their carrier beforehand. Cats tend to get car sick quite easily and so having them take some anti-nausea medication prescribed by your veterinarian is your best option. Always keep your pet in their carriers and make sure you strap it into your car seat correctly so it does not tip and topple while you are driving. For the first few hours of the trip, they might voice their irritation but will soon get used to the situation and choose to nap through the journey.
Carry a small litter pan and litter in your car so your cat can easily take care of their business without any issues. Make sure you are stacked with a lot of water and their favorite snacks and treat them to coax them into cooperating with you through your journey.
Traveling by Plane
Traveling by plane can be extremely stressful and even dangerous for pets because they are placed in cargo for long periods. It is advised owners make the necessary arrangement to have their feline brought on board with them. To abide by these regulations your cat carrier should then be able to fit under your seat and be labeled with all of the necessary information about you and your pet. Owners should opt for purchasing direct flights instead of connecting flights, one straight journey will be less stressful and daunting for you and your feline.
Hotels
The nest step of your adventure is to book an appropriate hotel for you and your pet. Most hotels do not allow pets and so your choices will be limited. Before choosing a destination and hotel it is vial owners do their fair share of research of hotels that allow pets. After you have chosen and booked your hotel, make sure you arrange for an enclosure or pen for your pet to relax and sleep in. Cats prefer being in enclosed spaces and being familiar with their surroundings, so if you travel with a pen they interact with at home this can ease their anxieties. Make sure your pet is wearing a collar that has all your information on it, you can even get a pet tracking collar that will show you their location at all times. Felines don’t prefer a change in their routines and daily lifestyle and so if you have chosen to travel with them it is advised you try to follow their usual routine as much as possible. Social and outgoing cats will be much easier to travel with and will display lower levels of anxiety and fear as they travel with their owners.
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