If you need to travel, it can be challenging to decide whether to bring your cat and which mode of transportation they may be most comfortable with. Our Fort Worth vets discuss factors to consider, including the best ways to travel long distances with a cat and which to avoid if possible. We also explain when it would be best to board them or arrange care for them at home.
Should I travel with my cat?
Many people travel for work or leisure and dread missing their cat while they are away or leaving their feline friend at home. This causes some to wonder about the logistics of bringing their cat with them and to ask our vets, "Do cats like to travel?".
Generally speaking, cats are homebodies who prefer the environment they're most familiar with, as it is a relaxing, stress-free place to be. It's not ideal for cats to travel with their owners as some felines develop mild to severe anxiety if their daily routine is disrupted due to traveling.
Cats are typically routine-based animals and many are not conditioned to travel. Some kitties tend to become nervous or anxious on car trips.
If your cat is not exposed at a younger age (about two to seven weeks old) to the car, crate, and all the sights and sounds they might encounter while traveling, they may not handle these situations well.
Additionally, when cats become stressed, this can often lead to upper respiratory issues, which can cause problems during your trip and make for an unpleasant travel experience for both you and your feline companion. Therefore, if your cat tends to become tense, anxious, or stressed on short car rides, or they don't have any experience traveling, it may be ideal to have them boarded or leave them at home with a pet sitter.
However, in some circumstances, you might have no choice but to bring your cat with you. We'll explain how to prepare for your trip while keeping your cat's health in mind and explore different transportation options below, including which are best for cats, and which to avoid if you can.
Bring Your Cat in to Your Vet for a Pre-Travel Visit
Should you choose to bring your cat with you on your trip, you'll need to do some planning. Ensuring your cat is up to date on their vaccines and parasite prevention should be the first item on your to-do list.
While states have differing regulations regarding pet vaccines, most states do require you to have your pet's rabies vaccines up to date. For this reason, we strongly recommend booking an appointment with your veterinarian before you leave to have your cat receive any boosters for core vaccines they require.
Additionally, ask your vet which diseases are common in the place you are headed to, and request that your cat be vaccinated against them (the vaccinations for these diseases are called lifestyle vaccines). Having any parasites treated or prevented is also important to reduce your cat's risk of falling ill while you are away. This will also prevent the transmission of parasites to other animals.
Ask your veterinarian to help you create a travel plan suited to your four-legged friend's needs.
How to Travel Long Distance With a Cat
Depending on the method of transportation you choose and the length of your trip, you'll have different factors to consider and prepare for. Below, we'll cover the necessities for traveling with your cat by plane, train, and ship.
How to Travel With a Cat in a Car
If you must travel with your cat, taking the trip by car may be one option. With this mode of transporation, you'll have the most control over the logistics of the trip and can take steps to ensure your cat's comfort and safety for every mile you'll be driving. Here are some tips to help make the road trip go as smoothly as possible.
Purchase a Suitable Cat Carrier
Cats are generally uncomfortable traveling in cars and should remain in a carrier for their safety and yours. It's important to use a seat belt to secure the carrier and keep it from bouncing around. This will prevent your cat from being injured due to being transported incorrectly.
Don't Put Your Cat in the Front Seat
Even when in a carrier, an airbag will be dangerous for your cat if one deploys on the front passenger side. This is why it's always best to keep your cat's carrier restrained in your vehicle's back seat(s).
Keep Your Cat's Head Inside the Vehicle
If your cat sticks their head outside the window, there is a risk of debris striking them or the cold air hurting their lungs. Additionally, never transport your cat in the back of an open pickup truck, because there's a high risk of the carrier bouncing or shifting around too much, or being blown out of the truck bed by a gust of wind.
Bring a Human Whose Job It Is to Take Care of Your Cat
If possible, it's best to have a person there to monitor and comfort your cat riding with them in the back seat. This will help your cat feel comfortable during longer road trips.
Bring Cat Litter If You'll Be Driving for Longer Than Six Hours
If your journey by car is shorter than six hours, your cat will most likely be fine to spend the trip in a standard carrier. However, they'll need a litter box for a lengthy trip, since holding in their urine can cause their kidneys to become inflamed. Consult your vet on best practices for fitting a litter box in the same crate or kennel as your cat.
Never Leave Your Cat Alone in the Car
Leaving a cat alone in a car is a serious hazard to your pet's health, as it can get heatstroke in a short time. If it is 72°F outside, the temperature inside your car can soar as high as 116° within an hour, even with the windows slightly open.
How to Travel With a Cat on a Plane
If you need to travel by plane and need to bring your cat, there are a few factors to consider before booking your flight.
Consider All Alternatives Before Flying
Air travel can be dangerous for cats. Cats and other animals can suffer from oxygen deprivation or heat stroke when traveling on an airplane. Persian cats are particularly susceptible to these effects, as are other animals with "smushed-in" faces.
Because flying can be hazardous and stressful for cats, we recommend taking another option if possible. Driving is generally superior to flying. If you must fly and would like the peace of mind of leaving your cat's care to a trustworthy provider, you may choose to board your feline friend. With this option, you'll know that your cat can is relaxing comfortably at a home away from home while you are on your trip.
Choose an Airline That Will Allow Your Cat in the Cabin
Many airlines will allow you to fly with your cat in the cabin, for an additional fee. While most animals flown in the cargo area of airplanes are fine, you should be aware that some animals are killed, injured, or lost on commercial flights each year. Excessively hot or cold temperatures, poor ventilation, and rough handling are often to blame. You must inform them well in advance that you are bringing a cat with you.
If You See Something, Say Something
If you see any mistreatment of an animal by an airline, yours or otherwise, make sure you say something about it! You could save a life.
How to Travel with a Cat on a Train
Some pets and service animals are permitted on many trains. You will have to verify with the railway if pets are permitted on your train journey. If they are, then similar guidelines apply to traveling with a cat in a car. Passengers will be expected to exercise and feed their cat(s) at station stops.
How to Travel with a Cat on a Ship
Except for assistance dogs, pets are welcome on only a few cruise lines—and usually on ocean crossings only. Some lines permit pets in private cabins, but most confine pets to kennels. Contact your cruise line in advance to find out its policies and which of its ships have kennel facilities. If you must use the ship's kennel, make sure it is protected from the elements and check on your pet frequently.
Reliable Cat Boarding in Fort Worth
We understand how stressful it can be to leave your cat or other pet when you go out of town.
At A-Animal Clinic & Boarding Kennel, we want to help put your mind at ease. We offer complete general boarding services for all of our patients, along with medical boarding services for pets with conditions that standard boarding centers may not be equipped to accommodate.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.