Traveling and transporting a cat easily

Traveling with a cat, yes but how?

Although it is more common to take Fido with us on our vacations, it is just as possible to travel with your cat. Whether it’s to go to the mountains or to the sea, or even to simply go to the veterinarian or the groomer, it is essential to have the right equipment to transport a cat safely.

And for more nervous twinks, there are even natural products that will help them stay calm throughout the trip. Here are some tips and tricks for traveling with a cat.

Tips and accessories for traveling with your cat:

1. The cat carrier

The safest way to transport a cat in the car is in a small pet carrier. It’s also the most comfortable for him! This type of bag has flexible mesh-like mesh walls, which provide good ventilation and allow him to see around him. The bottom is padded, but you can also put his favorite blanket to make him feel at home.

In the same vein, you could also consider buying a cat transport cage, made of rigid plastic. This is proof against cats that panic during transport, is easily washable but does not offer the same comfort as the transport bag. It will then be necessary to think of adding absorbent towels, a cushion or a blanket.

Choose a model large enough for the comfort of the cat!

In either case, choose a model large enough for your cat to turn around easily and lie down comfortably.

Before traveling with your cat, allow him to acclimatize well to his bag or carrier. A few weeks before your departure, set up the bag or cage in a room where he is comfortable, with his favorite blanket placed inside. He will be able to enter and leave as he pleases and get used to it quietly.

2. The backpack to carry your cat

Convenient for those who have to transport their cat on foot or by bike, the backpack for small pets follows the same principle as the cat carrier bag. Mesh openings allow air to pass through while allowing the cat to look around. The bottom of the backpack is padded for your cat’s comfort, and is removable for cleaning.

As for the transport bag, give your cat a little time to get used to this new mode of transport by leaving it free for a few days.

3. Seat and belt for a cat in the car

If your cat is a calm nature and is used to traveling in a car, you could opt for a kit that includes a seat and seat belt designed specifically for pets.

The seat has high sides to hold your cat securely, and the bottom is padded for added comfort. In addition, the safety belt that is attached to the animal’s harness prevents injury to it and to passengers in the event of an accident.

4. Travel calming spray

To calm traveling cats, there are calming sprays that offer the same calming properties as cat facial pheromones. All you have to do is spray a few jets of it either on your seat in the car or directly in the cat’s carrying bag, about twenty minutes before departure.

The calming spray can also be used in an unknown place for him, such as a new apartment, a vacation home, hotel room, etc.

5. Bach Flower Rescue Pets

The famous Bach flowers are also available in drops for pets. They can be added to the water bowl or food just before you go on a trip with your cat.

The Rescue Pets will help your kitty stay calm during transport, but also during a visit to the vet, groomer or other.

6. A few tips for traveling well with your cat

Even equipped with a good transport bag or a seat with seat belt, and even if you offer natural calming products to your cat, you will have to think about preventing problems during the trip to make it a less traumatic experience.

• Food: because the cat can also suffer from motion sickness, only offer him a light meal 8 hours before departure.
• Water: the stressed cat will tend to pant a lot, which can dehydrate it. Make a few stops along the way, and offer him some water.
• Medication: for cats very stressed by travel, ask your veterinarian to prescribe a tranquilizer, especially if the trip will be long.
• Blanket: as specified above, be sure to put her favorite blanket or cushion, or any other familiar-smelling object. If necessary, cover his cage or his transport bag with another blanket, it could help him to calm down.
• Silence: If possible, keep the noise inside the car to a minimum, as silence helps cats stay calm. You could also try calming him down with soft classical music with the volume near minimum.
• breaks: if the trip is long, remember to take a few breaks along the way, and let him go out on a leash to stretch his legs and get some air. Introduce him to his litter box, as he may need to relieve himself. Above all, hold on tight! A stressed cat will seek to flee!
• Papers: before departure, make sure you have all the necessary papers in case of emergency, including the vaccination card, the number of his electronic chip if he has one, as well as some photos that could be useful for identify him if he had to run away. If you must travel abroad with your cat, be sure to meet all the requirements of the host country.

Now that you know how to properly transport your pet, offer him a small bed: How to make a cat bed?