We all want to travel with our pets, and when the pet is a dog, it's easy to get them on board with you because there is a list of things on paper, but it is not the same with cats. Travelling with a cat will surely be an adventurous and rewarding experience, but it needs proper consideration and planning.
If you are taking a fly-on plane car for a road trip or a train journey, remember some important factors for your pets' comfort, stress-free, and safe journey. Here, we will guide you through the essential list of things to remember while traveling with a cat. It also includes why cats often don't like car rides and the best food choice for your cat friend.
Pre-Travel Preparation
Before you set off flying with a cat, preparation is key and essential for a successful trip with your cat.
- Health Check: The first thing you need to do is schedule a visit to your veterinarian to make sure that your cat is healthy before the journey and keep the vaccinations up to date. Discuss the travel-specific concerns with your vets if they have an issue of motion sickness.
- Identification: Prepare the cat's complete identification documents, with a collar ID tag and a microchip, and update their contact information with your required information.
- Carry essentials: While Travelling with a cat, Pack a dedicated travel bag to include all the cat's essentials, such as food, water, toys, litter box, medicine, and dishes. Read more on “How to Select The Ideal Cat Treats?”
Flying with a Cat with Comfort
When we want to take our cat to travel, one central question is how to travel with a cat. Here are a few vital things to make your cat comfortable.
- Airline Regulations: Research the airline-specific rules, policies, and regulations about traveling with cats. Each airline has different requirements.
- Pet Carrie: Buy a sturdy and comfortable pet carrier when flying with a cat that meets the airline requirements to familiarize the cat with Carrie before the trip.
- In-Cabin or Cargo Hold: Decide whether your cat will travel in a cabin or cargo for the travel. And what is more comfortable for your cats and less stressful?
Reasons For Cat Not Liking The Car Rides
Before we get into the solution of making cats travel with us, let's understand why cats often dislike car rides.
- Motion Sickness: The cats are more sensitive to the motion and movement of cars, which can lead to motion sickness, which results in discomfort and anxiety.
- Lack of Control: While the cats are creatures of habitat, they feel most secure in their territory, and the car will sidestep their sense of security and control.
- Unfamiliar noises and scents: The cat environment is undoubtedly overwhelming for the cats, with strange noises, and can lead to stress for cats.
Road Trips and Car Travels
We all know that cats tend to dislike car rides, and one question is, why do cats hate car rides? Here, we will give the things to make the car ride more comfortable.
- Training and Familiarization: Before taking out the cat for travel, acclimate them with the cat to car rides by making short trips to reduce their anxiety.
- Secure the Carrier: Ensure your cat's carrier is wholly secured and fastened in the car so the cats are prevented from moving and distressing their car journey.
- Frequent Stops: One of the major reasons why do cats hate car rides? Is that it's hectic and stiff for cats. Make regular stops for the cats to stretch, where they can use the litter box and drink the water so that the cats can be comfortable in that temperature.
Best Food choice For Cats While Traveling
When you are taking your cats for travel, bringing the best food for cats is important. Proper nutrition is crucial while traveling with cats. Consider these food-related tips:
- Regular Meals: Don't change their meals on trips; stick your cats to regular feeding schedules as closely as possible to maintain a sense of routine.
- Pack Enough Food: Buy and bring adequate for your cats on the trip. Familiar food would be better to offer comfort in the travel time. So, stock up the supply of food.
- Hydration: One thing to remember is that cats should have access to fresh water the whole time. Dehydration can be a problem on travel, especially in warm climates. Keep your cat hydrated all the time.
- Treats and Snacks: Bring out your cat's favorite treats and snacks for positive reinforcement and comfort for your cats.