Traveling with Your Cat: Tips and Tricks

Traveling with your furry friend can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also be stressful if you're not prepared. As a cat owner who loves to travel, I've learned a few tips and tricks over the years that have made traveling with my cat a breeze. Here are some of my top tips for traveling with your cat:

Prepare your cat for travel

Before you hit the road, make sure your cat is comfortable with their carrier. Leave the carrier out for a few days so your cat can get used to it, and consider adding a familiar

blanket or toy to make it feel more like home. We travel in our semi-converted SUV, so it makes things a little easier. Harness and Backpack training are essential before you hit the road, and you can learn how to do that here. We have a leash attached to one of the rear seatbelt thingies, so I let Max out of his carrier and give him free range of the car. The leash is long enough that he can freely move about without any restrictions, but not so long that he'll be dangling out a window if he tries to jump.

Pack the essentials

Make sure to pack all of your cat's essentials, including food, water, litter, and any medications they may need. It's also a good idea to bring along a copy of your cat's medical records, just in case. We use collapsible food and water bowls like these, that can easily clip onto your cat's backpack carrier or anything for a hike. I'd also reccommend getting a travel-specific litter box, like this one, but a regular box (we use a smaller, corner litter box) will do in a pinch.

This is max's travel setup - I got the small rug at the dollar store, and we keep a basket of some of his favourite toys, his food and water, and his litter box here.

Plan your route

If you're driving, plan your route ahead of time and make sure to take breaks to let your cat stretch their legs and use the litter box. If you're flying, check with your airline to make sure you have all the necessary paperwork and carrier requirements.

Keep your cat calm:

Traveling can be stressful for cats, so make sure to keep them calm and comfortable. Consider using a calming pheromone spray or bringing along their favorite toy or blanket. When I was first training Max to tolerate the car in anticipation for our trips together, I brought him EVERYWHERE. Every store is "pet friendly" really, as long as you leave your cat in their backpack carrier. I've seriously never been bothered before bringing him with me just about anywhere. People in drive thru's also LOVE seeing cats! I regularly take Max for some adventures locally as well, so he can be familiar with exploring. Some of Max's favourite spots in Sault Ste. Marie are Hiawatha Highlands, Gros Cap, and Harmony Beach! The more you expose your feline friend to the outside world, the easier it will be for them.

Be prepared for emergencies

Accidents can happen, so make sure to have a first aid kit on hand and know where the nearest emergency vet is located.

Traveling with your cat can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it does require some extra planning and preparation. By following these tips, you can ensure a safe and stress-free trip for both you and your furry friend!