This post is sponsored by Sleepypod*
Most cats probably aren’t big fans of traveling and would prefer to stay in the comfort of their familiar home, but sometimes, taking cats along with you when you travel is inevitable. The key to reducing travel stress for both your cat and yourself is thorough preparation.
Health certificates
If you’re traveling within the US, most states will require a health certificate. Requirements will vary from state to state. Most airlines will also require a health certificate. The rules become more complicated with international travel. Be sure to check with both your airline and the consulate of the country you’re traveling to.
These certificates need to be issued by a licensed, federally accredited veterinarian. This certificate basically states that your pet is healthy to travel and is not showing signs of a disease that could be passed to other animals or to people. Certain vaccinations (usually rabies) must be up to date for a health certificate to be issued.
If you travel by air, some airlines require an acclimation certificate, which states that your cat can be exposed to certain temperatures while traveling. This will also need to be issued by your veterinarian.
Supplies
Depending on the length of your trip, consider packing the following:
- Disposable litter boxes and litter
- A sufficient amount of your cat’s regular food. If you feed raw, make sure to take a cooler with plenty of ice.
- Portable food and water bowls
- Your cat’s favorite toys and bedding
- Enzyme based cleaners for any accidents
- A copy of your cat’s medical record, and sufficient medication if applicable
The Sleepypod Go Bag is an excellent choice to keep all your travel supplies organized.
The right carrier
Never let your cat loose in your car. Make sure you have a carrier that is comfortable for your cat, and keep carrier safety in mind. Carriers that are not structurally sound can affect the safety of your cat, and they can place human vehicle occupants at risk of injury, should an accident occur.
If you’re traveling by air, make sure your carrier meets the airline’s size requirements.
Sleepypod offers the safest carriers available. In July of 2016, the Center for Pet Safety, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit research and advocacy organization dedicated to companion animal and consumer safety, published the first Crash Test Protocol and Ratings Guidelines for Pet Carriers. Sleepypod voluntarily certified their entire carrier lineup with the Center for Pet Safety.
For additional safety, you may want to consider getting your cat used to a harness. The Sleepypod Martingale Calming Harness is designed for anxiety relief and walking, making it an excellent choice for traveling.
Pet-friendly hotels
If your trip extends over several days, make sure you have a list of pet-friendly hotels along your route. Make a reservation ahead of time during peak travel times.
Once inside your hotel room, before you let your cat out of her carrier, block off under the bed access to prevent your cat from hiding. Place the litter box in the bathroom, and place food and water dishes in a quiet location in the room. Keep the “do not disturb” sign on your door at all times to prevent hotel staff from entering your room, especially if you need to leave your cat in the room by herself.
To feed or not to feed your cat during travel?
A full tummy makes your cat more likely to get car sick and/or have the need to use the litter box. Avoid feeding a large meal before the start of your trip. Most cats will be fine not eating, drinking or using a litter box for 8-10 hours. Offer water periodically.
Have a plan ahead of time how you will handle it if your cat needs to use the litter box while you’re on the road.
This post is sponsored by Sleepypod. For more information about Sleepypod’s carriers, and to purchase, please visit their website.
FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, which means that I was compensated to feature this content. Regardless of payment received, you will only see products or services featured on this site that I believe are of interest to our readers.
Image at top of post: Depositphotos
Your writeups are always so thoughtful and insightful.
Thank you for your kind words, Holly!
Excellent information!
Sleepypod makes some wonderful products. I love their travel package. So many more people are walking their cats these days. I know in my area the leash law applies to cats. However, there are so many cats that people let wander and then they get upset because their cat did not come home.
Thanks for these tips. I never plan to travel with my cats, but it’s good to know what to do if I had to.