Travel safely with your cat – here’s how!
Many people take their dog on vacation, but why not take your cat along too? In fact, traveling with cats is becoming increasingly popular. To make sure your feline friend doesn’t get stressed during your adventures together, you should keep a few things in mind:
Does your cat want to travel?
Not every cat is eager to leave its own four walls or familiar neighborhood. There are cat breeds that are real adventurers and would love nothing more than to learn cool tricks or set off for new horizons. But if you have a rather shy cat that has trouble adapting to new environments or is even fearful, you should really consider whether your kitty actually wants to travel with you.
Choose a cat-friendly travel destination
Yes, there are cats who join canoe trips, go hiking, or wouldn’t say "no" to a hot beach. But the fact is that most cats don’t like changing their living environment frequently – even if it’s just for a two-week vacation.
So if you’re planning a city trip or a more active vacation, your cat might be better off in a nice cat boarding facility. However, most (travel-friendly) house cats don’t mind a relaxing break in a cat-friendly accommodation with plenty of peace and relaxation. What’s important is that you get permission from the accommodation to bring your cat before you travel.
Check (entry) travel requirements for cats
Depending on your destination, the entry requirements for cats vary, so you should definitely check again before you leave. Usually, the following must be met:
Your cat has all the "mandatory vaccinations" against rabies, feline herpesvirus, feline panleukopenia, and feline leukemia virus.
You have carried out a parasite prophylaxis.
If necessary, you have an official veterinary health certificate.
Your cat is microchipped.
You have a valid EU pet passport for your cat.
Note that you must also observe the individual deadlines for certain vaccinations or parasite prophylaxis. For example, if your cat was vaccinated against rabies for the first time just for the trip, the vaccination often needs to have been given at least 3 weeks before departure.
Buckle up! Safe transport for your cat while traveling
Whether by train, car, or plane – your cat should during the journey be kept in a escape-proof container secured. This is usually a carrier or a special travel bag for cats. The advantage of plastic carriers is that they are easier to clean if a little accident happens on the way. A travel backpack or carrier bag on the other hand, can be conveniently carried even on hikes, if that’s something you’re interested in.
It’s important to familiarize your cat with the carrier before the trip and to practice traveling in it. Very few cats enjoy being locked in a box for several hours. This is where training really pays off! Only then can your feline friend travel calmly with you. As a little reward or motivation during training, tasty treats are essential!
Delicious Cat Snacks for Training or In-Between Meals
Checklist: This equipment you need for your trip
The accommodation is booked, all documents are ready, and your cat is vaccinated and fit for the trip? Perfect! But you’ll still need healthy food, litter box, water bowl, snacks, and so on... As you can see, the list is long. To make sure you don’t forget anything for your trip, take a look at our checklist:
EU pet passport
Tick remover
any necessary medication
Travel bag/carrier
Cat blanket
Brush or comb
Food
Snacks
Water bowl and, if needed, water bottle for on the go
Litter box and litter
Poop bags for on the go
possibly cat harness and leash
Toys
Perfect for on the go is our dry food for cats. Easy to store, no refrigeration needed, and convenient to take along in a pouch or can! If your cat is used to wet food, you can also mix the dry food with a little lukewarm water or our irresistible acceptance booster for extra flavor.
Delicious, crispy and healthy: Pets Deli Dry Food for Cats
How can I prepare my cat for traveling?
If you want your cat to travel with you more often, ideally you should consider this when choosing the breed and look for a certain openness to new things and start practicing traveling from kitten age. The following cat breeds, for example, are suitable for traveling:
Norwegian Forest Cat
Maine Coon
Bengal cat
A carrier bag for your kitty, which is a cozy and escape-proof retreat should first be introduced gently to her. It’s basically her "home to go" when it’s time to set off by train or car. This way, your cat is already familiar with her travel bag and can travel calmly in it. Even later in an unfamiliar accommodation, the carrier can serve as a familiar retreat .
Also, have your cat checked by your veterinarian. Does she need any additional vaccinations and is she fit enough? Then nothing stands in the way of your trip!
