Dogs have long been our vacay companions, occupying the backseat on cross-country road trips or matching us step for step as we scale a mountain pass. But one trip through security at any airport and you’ll see that cats are really starting to close the gap, accompanying us in the name of adventure. Is traveling with your cat a good idea? Let’s look into that as well as tips for taking your cat along or leaving them at home.

Should You Travel With Your Cat?

Planning adventures with your cat starts by really knowing your cat’s personality and understanding that not all cats are suited for travel. If you have an outgoing, active socialite, you’ll likely have better luck traveling than if you have a kitty that prefers to spend their day under your bed. Their personality will have a lot to do with whether or not your cat feels comfortable traveling or whether they will spend the entire trip on the verge of a stress meltdown.

You’ll also want to consider the safety of the trip. Are you going somewhere your cat will enjoy? If you plan on spending days outdoors, your kitty isn’t a great travel companion, but if your trip is centered around a family visit that’s mainly inside, it might be a little more amenable.

What to do With Your Cat While You’re on Vacation

Vacationing with your cat can be a terrific experience, but unfortunately it isn’t always an option. If your vacation travel or destination doesn’t cater to cats or your kitty would just feel more comfortable left out of the commotion, consider these options instead.

Pet Sitter

Having someone stay with or check in on your cat a couple times a day is often a great way to go. A friend, neighbor, or professional can make sure your cat has water, food, and a clean litter box with relative ease. They can also give your kitty some love and affection while you’re away, and it allows your cat to stay in their comfort zone. Leave your pet sitter detailed instructions and emergency contact numbers.

Boarding Facility

If you can’t get someone to come to your cat, bring your cat to them. There are many boarding facilities out there that offer comfortable and safe accommodations that your cat may love. Keep in mind that some cats are going to be stressed any time they leave their home, no matter how nice the boarding facility may be. Also, choose wisely, basing your choice on trusted recommendations from others or previous experiences.

Never Leave Your Cat Home Alone

Cats are truly low maintenance pets, tricking some pet parents into thinking they can be left home alone while you’re on vacation. Please don’t do this as you never know what could happen. Even though you may have left your cat enough water to drink, what happens if they spill it? Or what happens if they injure themselves or eat food out of the trash? You don’t want to risk it, so don’t leave your cat home alone without someone regularly checking on them.

Tips for Safely Traveling with Cats

If you choose to take your cat with you, your travel is going to require much more than loading them up in the car and heading for your destination. Instead, you’ll need to put some time in beforehand to make sure you have your travel bases covered.

1.     Visit the Vet

Your veterinarian is going to play a very important role in your travel plans. No, you don’t need to book an extra room so your vet can tag along, rather you’ll want to book a vet visit well in advance of your vacation. This is to ensure that your cat is up-to-date on vaccinations, including those that may be necessary for where you’re traveling. Your vet can also provide flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives and give you a refill on your cat’s prescriptions. In some cases, a health certificate may be necessary, and definitely don’t forget some form of identification for your cat, such as a microchip. Keep a copy of your cat’s medical records with you should you need proof of vaccination or have to make an emergency vet visit somewhere along the way.

2.     Gather All Items

When you travel with a cat, you can forget about packing light. Cats require a lot of items both en route and once you reach your destination. Consider the following items:

• A sturdy and comfortable carrier: Make sure there’s plenty of space for a litter box and bed and that your cat has room to stand up and turn around. Mark the carrier with accurate contact information. If you’re flying, be sure your carrier meets airline requirements.

• Extra food: Pack enough food for the days you’ll be gone plus some. Vacations can be full of surprises and you don’t want to get caught in a delay with a hungry kitty.

• Medications: If your cat is on any medications, be sure to take them with you. This means preventatives as well as long-term medications.

• Harness/leash: Most cats don’t walk on a leash, I know that, but having your cat in a harness on a leash can help ensure their safety during travel. It gives a little extra to hold onto should they escape their carrier and allows them to have some unconfined breaks.

• Extra litter boxes, bowls, beds, etc.: You never know what’s going to happen, so be sure you have everything your cat needs should something become lost or broken. Packing your cat’s familiar items can help decrease stress as not all might take to a brand new litter box or bed halfway through a trip. If you’re able to, consider packing your SiftEase for easy litter box cleaning, it is a vacation after all!

3.     Research Your Trip

Just as you would plan out the accommodations for your human travelers, make sure your cat’s needs are considered. For example, a pet-friendly hotel is a must or book a vacation home that has enough room for your cat to have their own space. This means accommodations along the way as well as your destination.

4.     Take a Practice Run

Most cats aren’t taking regular car trips as our dogs might, making the occasional trek even more stressful. You can help your cat get used to the idea of traveling by taking a practice vacation within a short distance from your home or even just a few short car rides. If you plan to fly, there’s really nothing you can do to fully replicate that experience, but the more comfortable you can make your cat with traveling in general, the better off they will be.

5.     Carve Out Some One-on-One Time

Vacations can be hectic, there’s so much to do and see in a short amount of time, but you’ll want to make sure your cat gets some attention too. Playing, grooming or just cuddling with your cat on your vacation can help reduce their stress and enforce your bond.

In Conclusion

It seems that cats are more than ever living the vacation life with their owners, providing not only a bit of adventure in their lives but also some potential stress. Carefully consider whether you should bring your cat with you this vacation season, and potentially opt for stay-at-home care instead. If you plan to take your cat on vacation, be sure to put in the prep time so that your cat has everything they need to stay healthy, calm, and happy.

About the Author

Chyrle Bonk has been a veterinarian since 2010 and has been writing for pet and veterinary publications for over 7 years. She also owns a small cattle herd and a menagerie of animals. When not working, Dr. Bonk enjoys spending time with her family somewhere in the great outdoors.