5 Tips For Traveling With Cats

By: GottaHaveIt

Break Studios Contributing Writer

If you're getting ready to hit the road (or the air) with your cat, you're going to need to know some tips for traveling with cats. The most important part of traveling with cats is keeping the cat (and you!) safe during traveling.

Before traveling with cats, you should:

Buy a good sturdy cat carrier.
Get a cat harness
Pack up enough food and fresh water for the trip
Buy a small litter tray and a bag of fresh litter
A cat collar and ID tags
Get vaccination records ready
Visit the cat's vet to get a checkup and make sure he's fine to travel
Pack any medications needed for your cat

Unlike dogs, cats are not very good travelers so, before traveling with cats, get your cat acclimated to a sturdy cat carrier. Even if you're traveling by car, a cat should never be allowed to roam around the car free. There's just too many chances for the cat to get in your way as you drive or to escape the car when you stop for a rest break.
Make sure your cat has a snug collar attached with an ID tag in case he should get away.
During breaks, put a cat harness attached to a leash on your cat so you can take him out to stretch his legs. It is quite easy to acclimate a cat to a cat harness although it might take you a while. Practice at home before trying to put your cat in the harness so he doesn't freak out. Cats are particularly flexible so make sure your cat is in a harness with a leash before you open your car door.
Since cats will not go to the bathroom at a rest stop, put down the litter pan and some litter in the car for 30 minutes or so. If the cat does use the litter, throw it out immediately so that the smell doesn't permeate your car.
The last tip for traveling with cats is to keep your cat on the same feeding schedule. Cats, more so than dogs, are creatures of habit. To change this essential habit of feeing to a different schedule may really throw your cat off.