If you’re planning a trip with your feline furiend, you know that traveling with cats is not quite as simple as a car ride with a dog. Cats are creatures of habit and aren’t usually big fans of adventure. But with the right preparations, traveling with your kitty can be stress-free for both you and your furry companion.
This past Sunday, a group of cat lovers and experts came together for an insightful discussion on the dos and don’ts of traveling with cats at the Travel Cat Summit. The session titled ‘Cat Travel, Hotels, and Flying’ included cat travel tips from seasoned travelers and advice from veterinary experts, giving all attendees purrfectly actionable advice.
Real-Life Road Trips: Emily and Annie Share Their Stories
Emily from Travel Cat shared her incredible journey with her husband and their two cats, Andy and Wilfy. They clocked in 2,200 miles over 40 hours during a cross-country road trip. Can you imagine the meows per mile? Emily emphasized that preparation was key: having a comfortable carrier, bringing along familiar items like toys and blankets, and ensuring frequent stops to give the cats a break from the road.
On the other paw, Annie Carter told her story of traveling with her cat Carl, focusing on the importance of having a sturdy carrier at all times—even for short drives. Her trip took an unexpected turn when she got into a car accident, but thankfully, Carl was safe and sound in his carrier. Annie’s experience is a reminder that we should always expect the unexpected and keep safety as our top priority.
Vet-Approved Advice from Dr. Mansome
Dr. Mansome, a traveling cat expert, shared essential tips for keeping cats calm and comfortable on long trips. One big takeaway was the use of motion sickness meds like Dramamine and gabapentin to help kitties stay relaxed during the journey. But perhaps her most critical piece of advice was to familiarize your cat with their carrier long before the trip. She suggested leaving it open in their usual space so they can explore it at their own pace, turning the carrier into a "safe zone" rather than a sign of doom.
Dr. Mansome also recommended feeding your cat a hearty meal before traveling, which can help minimize accidents along the way. And, for cats prone to escape artist antics, she advised using a GPS tracker like the Travel Cat Pathfinder harness—perfect for tracking your little explorer in new environments.
Educating the Fam and Handling Unexpected Events
Christina from Charlotte, North Carolina, shared her flying experience with her cat Lupin. One thing she stressed was the importance of educating family members about traveling with cats. If your cat will be in someone else’s care during the trip or if you’re traveling together as a family, make sure everyone knows the dos and don’ts of kitty care on the road.
Annie and Christina also emphasized the need for a portable litter box. Having one ready to go, along with familiar scents and toys, will keep your cat comfortable in a new environment, whether in the car or hotel.
Cat-Friendly Hotels and Final Tips
A crucial part of your trip is making sure your accommodation welcomes your feline companion. Even if a hotel is listed as “pet-friendly,” don’t assume it includes cats. Some hotels only cater to dogs, as one attendee learned the hard way when she arrived at a supposedly pet-friendly hotel, only to find out they didn’t allow cats at all! Calling ahead and confirming is a must.
Finally, the session wrapped up with tips for creating a calming environment for your cat in hotel rooms. Blocking off hiding spots, setting up a cozy space with a familiar blanket, and using calming sprays can help reduce your kitty's stress while away from home.
A Pawsome Conclusion
Traveling with cats may seem like a challenge, but with the right preparation, it’s more than doable! Whether you’re driving cross-country like Emily or flying with your furiend like Christina, the key is planning ahead, ensuring your cat’s safety, and making their comfort a priority. And, of course, never underestimate the power of a good carrier!
If you’re ready to hit the road (or sky) with your feline companion, remember: preparation is purramount. So pack those treats, grab your portable litter box, and get your cat carrier travel-ready for a pawsome adventure!
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