You’ve been wanting to take a short getaway for a slight reprieve, but there’s just one problem – you can’t bear to leave your beloved feline companion back home. Your desire to spend time with your pet cat can never materialise if you don’t factor in several considerations; one being the fact that cats simply don’t like to travel. Unlike dogs, cats can get mentally and emotionally stressed if they are taken out of the environment that they’re used to.
In order to make this trip a smooth one for both yourself and your precious furkid, here are a few steps you may want to take before you pack your bags and set off.
Ensure That The Cat Wants To Take This Trip With You
When deciding whether to bring your cat along to your trip, you’d first need to have its best interest in mind. Instead of focusing on the fact that you’d miss it terribly whilst you’re away, you need to figure out if your cat will enjoy the trip as much as you do or it’ll be all for nought.
The majority of cats prefer to remain in their home turf where they’ve already established a set routine in an environment that they’re comfortable in. That said, not all cats are the same. Some cats can adapt well with changing environments, so if your cat has the same flexibility, your cat is most likely more open to going on the trip with you.
Sometimes, however, you have no choice but to bring your cat along with you due to circumstances. Whatever your reasons might be, it’s imperative that you make an effort to ensure that the journey is both stress-free and safe for your feline companion.
Making The Trip A Stress-Free Experience
The steps you’d need to take to ensure that the trip offers little to no stress for your cat will highly depend on the mode of transportation. After all, being in the car for an hour is vastly different compared to being in a plane for the same duration.
Regardless of the mode of transport, the first thing you’ll need to secure an adequate transporter for the occasion. Procure a pet carrier, travel crate or anything similar to guarantee your cat’s comfort and safety. If your feline friend is feeling a little frazzled, you can use natural remedies, such as feline pheromone sprays, to alleviate its distress. These products contain natural relaxants that will help calm your pet’s nerves without having to resort to medications.
You can also bring them an item that reminds them of home, such as their favourite toy or a soft blanket. Such items will give them something to cling on to whilst they’re moved to an unfamiliar destination.
When You’re Traveling By Car
Since most trains and bus companies don’t allow pets on board, the only accessible mode of transport that allows a pet is a car. If your cat is susceptible to motion sickness or to stress, the journey will not be an easy one.
Before you make the move, make sure to consult your cat vet for possible treatments. You’ll want to have anti-nausea medication for cats on hand but if your cat is severely stressed, you may want to attain sedatives from your veterinarian.
In addition to having the necessary medications, you will need to bring the necessities: a small litter pan, litter, fresh food and water. You may even want to consider bringing their favourite treat meals to assuage their anxieties.
When You’re Traveling By Plane
Compared to using the car for your trip, travelling by plane is much more stressful and dangerous for your pet – especially if they’re placed in the cargo. To prevent unnecessary distress, make arrangements with your airline before you board on the flight. You should be able to bring your cat with you and place the carrier beneath your seat, if you’ve been given the green light. Otherwise, you will have to procure an appropriate carrier that will give your pet the maximum comfort. Ensure that the carrier is properly labelled with your information and destination, in case your pet is accidentally misplaced, you can still reunite with your precious furkid.
To make the journey as smooth and comfortable, try to secure a direct flight as it will not only be less traumatising, but it also reduces the possibility of your pet getting lost.
Vacationing with any pet is, undoubtedly, strenuous. Felines, however, are especially difficult. Cats are naturally very misoneistic – they thoroughly dislike having to change their routine. You can help them be more open to change by training your cat to tolerate travel at a young age. Otherwise, the only viable option is to do the steps above and make the trip as comfortable as possible.