Traveling Safely with Your Cat - Here's How!
Many people take their dog on vacation, but why not take the cat along too? In fact, traveling with cats is becoming increasingly popular. To ensure your furry friend doesn't experience stress during your adventures together, you should keep a few things in mind:
Does Your Cat Want to Travel?
Not every furry friend is eager to leave their four walls or familiar neighborhood. There are cat breeds that are true adventurers and would love nothing more than to →learn cool tricks or set off for new shores. However, if you have a shy cat that struggles to adapt to new environments or is even fearful, you should carefully consider whether your kitty really wants to travel with you.
Choosing a Cat-Friendly Destination
Yes, there are cats that join canoe trips, come along on hiking tours, or wouldn't say "no" to a hot beach. But the fact is that most cats are rather reluctant to constantly change their living environment - even if it's just for two weeks of 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. Most (travel-friendly) house tigers wouldn't mind a relaxing break in a cat-friendly accommodation with plenty of peace and relaxation. It's important that you obtain the permission from the accommodation to bring your cat along before you start your journey.
Checking Travel Regulations for Cats
Depending on the destination, the entry requirements for cats vary, so you should definitely inform yourself again before starting your trip. Generally, the following things must be fulfilled:
- Your cat has all the "required vaccinations" against rabies, feline rhinotracheitis, feline panleukopenia, and feline leukemia virus.
- You have conducted a parasite prophylaxis.
- You have, if necessary, an official veterinary health certificate.
- Your cat is microchipped.
- You possess a valid EU pet passport for your cat.
Keep in mind that you also adhere to the individual deadlines for certain vaccinations or a parasite prophylaxis. For example, if your cat was vaccinated against rabies for the first time specifically for the trip, the vaccination often needs to have been done at least 3 weeks before departure.
Buckle Up! Safe Transport of Your Cat While Traveling
Whether by train, car, or plane - your cat should be housed in a secure container during the journey. This is usually a transport box or a special carrier bag for cats. The advantage of plastic transport boxes is that they are easier to clean in case of a little mishap on the way. A travel backpack or carrier bag, on the other hand, can also be conveniently taken along during hikes, should that be of interest to you.
It's important that you familiarize your kitty with the carrier bag before the trip and practice traveling in it. Most cats don't enjoy being locked in a box for several hours. Here, [→training pays off](/magazin/katzen/katze-erziehung/so-trainierst-du-deine-katze-3-einfache-schritte). Only then can your furry friend travel with you in a relaxed manner. As a small reward or motivation during training, tasty treats are essential!
Leckere Katzen-Snacks fürs Training oder zwischendurch
Checklist: This Equipment You Need for Your Trip
The accommodation is booked, all documents are in order, and your cat is vaccinated and fit for travel? Perfect! Then you still need →healthy food, a litter box, water bowl, treats, and so on... You see, the list is long. To ensure you don't forget anything for your trip, take a look at our checklist:
- EU pet passport
- Tick tweezers
- Any required medications
- Travel bag/box
- Cat blanket
- Brush or comb
- Food
- Treats
- Water bowl and possibly a water bottle for on the go
- Litter box and →litter
- Waste bags for on the go
- Possibly a cat harness and leash
- Toys
Perfect for on the go is our dry food for cats. Easy to store, no refrigeration needed, and practical to take along in a bag or can! If your cat is used to wet food, you can also mix the dry food with a bit of lukewarm water or our irresistible →acceptance booster**.
Lecker, knusprig und gesund: Pets Deli Trockenfutter für Katzen
How Can I Prepare My Cat for Traveling?
If your cat is to travel with you more often, ideally you should consider a certain openness to new experiences when choosing the breed and practice traveling from kitten age. The following cat breeds are suitable for traveling:
- Norwegian Forest Cat
- Maine Coon
- Bengal Cat
A carrier bag for your kitty, which is a cozy and secure retreat, should first be gently introduced. This is essentially their "home away from home" when it’s time to go by train or car. This way, your cat is already familiar with their travel bag and can travel in it relaxed. Even later in the unfamiliar accommodation, the travel box can serve as a familiar retreat.
Also, have your cat checked by your veterinarian. Does it need any vaccinations, and is it fit to travel? Then nothing stands in the way of your trip!
