How to travel with a cat - planes, trains, and automobiles

For even the most experienced pet parents, the idea of traveling with a cat can seem scary. It’s fair to say when compared to dogs, our feline friends can be less tolerant to change or being removed from the comfort zone of home. The logistics when considering how to travel with a cat are not as complex as you may think, however, it does require organization.

We’ve compiled a list of top tail tips, tricks, and treats for cat travel, and how to make your kitty as comfortable as possible on their next flight or road trip. Let’s put one paw in front of the other, and claw through our suggestions…  

How to travel with a cat in a car

Buckle up for this crucial cat car travel must-haves and don’t-forgets. Remember, if you’re unsure if this is the right decision for your perfect putty, always speak to your vet before setting off.

Cat carriers are a necessity

It’s all well and good finding the latest, most high-tech pet carrier on the market, but if your precious purr-baby hasn’t familiarized itself with the said carrier, you might need to reconsider your trip. Seriously.

Cat carriers are best utilized when a cat has become accustomed to its presence. Before traveling with a cat, keep the pet carrier out in the open at home so your kitty has time to acclimatize to the case, as well as mark it with their scent. To sweeten the deal, place treats and food inside the carrier so your cat associates it with positive experiences.

Even in the confined space of a car, cat carriers keep your kitty safe and protected throughout their journey.

Consistency is key to kitty car travel

Cats crave consistency, it’s how they feel safe. Traveling with cats will break up their usual routines, so keep familiar smells and items around them during their trip. Line their pet carrier with a favorite blanket or an old sweater that smells like you. Take their food and water bowls with them and keep their feeding times the same. To avoid any cat travel sickness, avoid feeding your kitty before any car trips - offer them water at rest stops, but leave their meals to the end of the journey.

Bring as much familiarity and, therefore, home with you on any cat car ride.

Don’t forget their litter box

Yep, sorry folks, as gross as this may seem this is a must-bring item for cat travel. Going back to that idea of consistency and familiarity, your kitty will have a preference over where it does its business, just as they would do at home. Not only this, but their litter box will have recognizable smells and cat pheromones we humans can’t detect. These odorless odors (to us) will help keep your kitty calm and reassured.

Consider bringing a harness and leash

If you’re on a long road trip, you will need to allow your cat to stretch their legs. This will keep them comfortable, offer additional stimulation, and help them sleep. By harness and leash training your cat, this will mean they can accompany you on breaks, as well as offer them some additional exercise. There’s a wide selection of cat harnesses and leashes available for all types of cats and pet parent budgets.

Chat with your kitty cat

As well as having familiar smells around them, your cat will take comfort from hearing their pet parent’s voice. Be sure to soothe them as much as possible with kind words and calm conversation.

How to fly with a cat

Taking this step will require a lot of planning and forward-thinking for all pet parents. Even if your kitty is harness and leash trained, flying with a cat is a very different experience from traveling with a cat by car. Patience and consistent monitoring are required throughout your journey before, after, and during your flight with your kitty. Be sure to follow all of our suggestions for cat car travel, the advice below, and always consult your vet before flying with a cat.

Make sure they are airline approved

Check and then double check you can travel with a cat on any flight. Even if you’ve flown with your cat before on the same airline, it always pays to read up on their pet policies again in case there have been any changes.

You will also need to alert the airline you will be flying with cats or a cat to make sure they can accommodate their needs, as well as yours.

Don’t forget their health certificate

A health certificate for your feline friend is a must for international travel. Every country has its own rules and regulations around pet travel and may not allow your cat through customs without it. Your vet can easily provide you with a travel health certificate with will list all of your kitty’s vaccinations and history of contagious illness (if they have ever had any).

Traveling with cats by train

Check if the train company is pet-friendly

Every train company has its own rules about how pet-friendly they are. Read up on the travel policies and rules before setting foot or paw on any station.

Travel during off-peak times

Cats are extremely sensitive to noise and hate feeling trapped. If you’re traveling with a cat by train, never take them during rush hour. Book your ticket for when you know the least amount of people and the quietest time to travel.

Bring a blanket to put over their cat carrier

Everyone likes a bit of privacy, and cats are no different. Having the option to cover your pet carrier with a blanket can help calm any concerned kitties during train journeys. This can help them to have a cat nap, which may be preferable for both kitty and their human.

Other travel tips for pet parents

Always talk to your vet before traveling with a cat

No matter how experienced a traveler you and your kitty may be, always speak to your vet before any intended travel. If your purr-baby has had a recent illness, you may be advised to reconsider your journey or offered additional medicine to help with things like motion sickness.

If you’re traveling with a cat on a necessary journey (like if you’re moving house) and you know they hate to travel, your vet may suggest some safe sedatives or relaxers to help them. Don’t use any pills, ointments, or sprays without first consulting your cat’s veterinarian.

Training is essential

This doesn’t mean teaching them how to use a human toilet, but making sure they encounter as few surprises as possible on their trip. Teach your cat not to be scared of its pet carrier or harness and leash. Keep them familiarized with these items as much as possible before traveling with a cat. If you know your cat cannot stand to be in cat carriers, take as much time as possible to acclimatize them and create a safe space with positive reinforcement.

Know your feline friend

You can be the most well-prepared pet parent around, but even the most seasoned cat carers will not be able to take some kitties on their next travel trip. Some cats are just not up for journeys of any length, so think long and hard about whether their trip is necessary and if they’re to the travel.