Are you heading out on a trip and want to bring your feline friend? Our Woburn vets have some tips on how to safely travel long distances with a cat, whether you are planning to drive or board a plane, train, or ship to your destination.
Preparing For Any Trip With Your Cat
If you are planning to travel with your kitty - whether moving, visiting, or going on vacation - you must plan ahead.
One essential point to consider is whether your cat is up-to-date on its vaccines and parasite prevention.
Different states have different regulations regarding vaccines for cats and other pets, but keeping your pet's rabies vaccine current is the law in most states.
Be sure to schedule a visit to your veterinarian before you leave so that your cat's core vaccines can be brought up to date, your kitty can be vaccinated against any lifestyle diseases that may be common in the place you are headed, and any parasites can be treated or prevented.
Different Journeys & Different Preparations
As you consider the best way to travel with your cat, you'll need to think about your and your cat's individual needs and circumstances. Depending on your transportation method and the length of the journey, you will need to consider and prepare for different things.
Below, we cover how to travel with a cat by car, on a plane, and even on a train or ship.
Traveling by Car with Your Cat
Purchase a Suitable Cat Carrier
Cats are generally uncomfortable traveling in cars and should be kept in a carrier for their safety and yours. The carrier should be secured with a seat belt to prevent it from bouncing around and hurting your cat.
Don't Put Your Cat in the Front Seat
Even in a carrier, deploying airbags in the front seat can be dangerous for your pet. For this reason, it is best always to keep your cat's carrier restrained in your vehicle's back seat(s).
Keep Your Cat's Head Inside the Vehicle
If your cat's head is sticking outside the window, they're at risk of debris striking them or the cold air harming their lungs. Never transport your cat in the back of an open pick-up truck.
Bring a Human Designated to Care for Them
If possible, it is best to have a human there to monitor and comfort your cat riding with them in the back seat. This will help your cat feel comfortable during the journey.
If Your Journey is Longer than 6 hours, They'll Need Litter
If your journey by car is shorter than six hours, your cat will most likely be fine in a standard carrier. If your cat will need to be in its carrier longer than that, you will need a larger accommodation that gives it space for a small litter box. It's a good idea to consult your vet before traveling for advice on the kind of kennel or carrier best suited to your cat's needs and the journey ahead.
Don't Ever Leave Your Cat in the Car Alone
Leaving a cat alone in a car is a serious health hazard. Heat is a risk to pets, and what may seem like a short time for you could feel like an eternity for your feline companion.
When it's 72 degrees Fahrenheit outside, the temperature inside your car can heat up to 116 degrees within an hour. On an 85-degree day, even with the windows slightly open, the temperature inside your car can reach 102 degrees in just 10 minutes.
Irreversible organ damage or death is possible after only 30 minutes alone in a vehicle. Even if you don't expect it to take that long to return, it is not worth the risk.
How to Travel with a Cat on a Plane
Do cats like to travel by air? The short answer, of course, is no, but sometimes it cannot be avoided. Here is what you should know about traveling with a cat by plane.
Air Travel Can be Dangerous for Cats
Air travel can possibly lead to oxygen deprivation or heat stroke in animals. Persian cats, in particular, and other animals with "smushed-in" faces are susceptible to these effects.
Consider All Alternatives Before Flying
Because flying is so stressful for cats, we recommend exploring alternative options. Driving is usually a better choice than flying, and boarding facilities may be available where your cat can relax comfortably in a home-like environment.
Chose an Airline that Will Allow Your Cat in the Cabin
Many airlines will allow you to travel with your cat in the cabin for an additional fee. While most animals flown in the cargo area of airplanes are fine, it is important to note that some animals are killed, injured, or lost on commercial flights each year.
This can be due to excessively hot or cold temperatures, poor ventilation, and rough handling. In any case, you must inform the airline well in advance that you are bringing your cat with you. If you must travel with your animal in the cargo hold, it is important to research airlines and select one with a good reputation for animal handling.
If You See Something, Say Something
If you see any mistreatment of an animal by an airline, yours or otherwise, make sure you say something about it! You could save a life.
How to Travel with a Cat on a Train
You might be asking yourself, 'Should I travel with my cat on a train?'. Some pets and service animals are permitted on many trains. You must verify with the railway if pets are permitted on your train journey. If they are, then similar guidelines apply to traveling with a cat in a car. Passengers will be expected to exercise and feed their cat(s) at station stops.
How to Travel with a Cat on a Ship
Except for assistance dogs, pets are welcome on only a few cruise lines—and usually on ocean crossings only. Some lines permit pets in private cabins, but most confine pets to kennels. Contact your cruise line in advance to learn its policies and which ships have kennel facilities. If you must use the ship's kennel, ensure it is protected from the elements and check on your pet frequently.
Is it worth it to travel with my pet?
Your cat is, without a doubt, an important member of your family and you want to ensure they are as safe and well-cared for as possible at all times. Deciding whether to travel with your cat or use a reputable boarding facility is a personal decision.
You'll need to consider your cat's temperament and whether they will be relatively calm and happy to travel with you if you're setting off on a temporary trip, or if traveling with your four-legged friend will be too stressful for both of you. This may be the case if your cat tends to become anxious on long car rides, or is very young, elderly, or has a pre-existing medical condition that makes travel difficult.
If you are considering boarding your cat, book a visit to Ledgebrook Kennel, our daycare and boarding facility at Woburn Animal Hospital.
Our professional staff can address any questions you may have about our boarding services and give you a tour of our facility. We provide a safe, calm cat boarding area that's separate from where dogs stay, where your feline friend can enjoy their time while you are on your trip.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. Please make an appointment with your vet to accurately diagnose your pet's condition or boarding needs.