Planning a vacation can be stressful enough. This can be even more true if you have pets at home. Do cats like to travel? In this blog post, our vets at Heart of Georgia Animal Care discuss how to prepare to travel with your cat and how to travel with a cat in a car, train, boat, or plane.
Should I travel with my cat?
When traveling with a pet, it's important to plan ahead. The first step is to schedule an appointment with the vet for an examination, vaccinations, and parasite prevention.
Different states have different regulations regarding pet vaccines, but in most states, it is required by law for your pet's rabies vaccines to be up to date. Therefore, make sure to visit your veterinarian before your trip to ensure that your pet's core vaccines, including rabies, are current.
What is the best way to travel with a cat?
If you decide to bring your furry friend with you, you must consider how to travel a long distance with a cat. Here, we talk about how to travel using different modes of transportation:
Traveling by Car with Your Cat
- Purchase a Suitable Cat Carrier. Cats are generally uncomfortable traveling in cars and should be kept in a carrier for their safety and yours. Securing the carrier with a seat belt is important to keep it from bouncing around and hurting your cat.
- Don't Put Your Cat in the Front Seat. Even in a carrier, deploying airbags in the front seat can be dangerous for your pet. For this reason, it is best always 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's head sticks outside the window, it could be struck by debris or cold air, harming its lungs. Never transport your cat in the back of an open pick-up truck.
- Bring a Human Designated to Care for Them. If possible, it is best to have a human who is there to monitor and comfort your cat riding with them in the back seat. This will help your cat feel comfortable during the journey.
- If Your Journey is Longer than 6 hours, They'll Need Litter. If your journey by car is shorter than 6 hours, then your cat will most likely be fine in a standard carrier. You can consult your vet on best practices for fitting a litter box in the same crate or kennel as your cat.
- Don't Ever Leave Your Cat alone in the Car. Leaving a cat alone in a car is a serious health hazard. Heat is a risk to pets; a short time for you could be an eternity for your feline companion. When it's 72 degrees Fahrenheit outside, the temperature inside your car can heat up to 116 degrees within an hour, even with the windows slightly open.
How to Travel with a Cat on a Plane
- Air Travel Can be Dangerous for Cats. Air travel can lead to oxygen deprivation or heat stroke in animals. Persian cats, in particular, are susceptible to these effects, as are other animals with "smushed-in" faces.
- Consider All Alternatives Before Flying. Because flying is so stressful for cats, we recommend taking another option if possible. Driving is generally superior to flying, and boarding options may be available to let your cat relax comfortably at home away from home.
- Choose an Airline that Will Allow Your Cat in the Cabin. Many airlines will allow you to fly with your cat in the cabin with you 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 must 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 only on ocean crossings. 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, ensure it is protected from the elements and check on your pet frequently.
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.
