If you have an upcoming trip with your cat, you might be feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. Whether you’re planning a move, a vacation, or just preparing for routine veterinary visits, the thought of transporting your feline friend can be daunting. The good news is that with thoughtful preparation, you can help make travel less stressful for both you and your cat.

While it’s true that cats who have positive travel experiences as kittens typically adjust more easily, don’t worry if your adult cat isn’t a seasoned traveler. All cats can learn to travel well with proper planning and patience. The key is understanding your cat’s needs and taking steps to help them feel secure throughout the journey.

Choose the Right Carrier

Select a hard plastic carrier that’s easy to clean and features both a front door and a removable top. While backpack carriers are trendy, they offer limited space and most cats find them uncomfortable. Your carrier should provide enough room for your cat to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

Make the Carrier a Safe Space

Help your cat view the carrier as a safe and pleasant place by:

• Keeping it visible and accessible outside of vet visits
• Creating positive associations by feeding your cat in the carrier and placing treats
• and toys inside (the earlier you start, the better!)
• Adding their favorite blankets and bedding for comfort and security
• Using calming cat pheromone sprays on bedding 15 minutes to 4 hours before travel (avoid spraying near your cat)

Train Them Early

Start preparing your cat for travel well before your planned departure date. Every cat is different – some may adapt quickly to travel, while others might need weeks or months of gradual carrier training. Don’t get discouraged if your cat seems resistant at first; with patience and consistency, many cats can become more comfortable with travel over
time.

Minimize Stress

Car movement, strange noises, and unfamiliar sights and smells can upset your cat. To help minimize stress:

• Cover the carrier with a blanket or towel to reduce overwhelming stimuli.
• Secure the carrier on the floor between the back and front seats if driving, or under the seat in front of you if flying.
• Always keep your cat in the carrier during transport.
• Use a quiet, calm voice to comfort them.
• Keep the environment peaceful by limiting loud voices and music.
• Pack Tiki Cat® Stix® ! Keep them happy and hydrated with their favorite snacks — in convenient, TSA-friendly sizes!

Remember that your calm demeanor will help your cat feel more secure. If you find yourself getting stressed, take a deep breath. Cats are very sensitive to their owners’ emotions, and your relaxed attitude can make a big difference in their comfort level.

Plan Ahead

If you’re planning a longer trip:

• Confirm pet-friendly accommodations in advance. Call ahead to ensure the place is welcoming of cats and ask about their pet policies.
• If flying, research the airline’s rules and requirements about traveling with cats.
• Pack essential supplies: Litter box, litter, scoop, and cleaning supplies for accidents.
• Water and food bowls.
• Any medications.
• Enough food for the duration of the trip, plus a couple extra days just in case.

Feed Them Right

Here are some tips for feeding during travel:

• Maintain their normal diet to prevent digestive issues.
• Feed light, frequent meals during travel.
• Bring smaller-sized cans to avoid wasting food.
• If you feed Tiki Cat® Born Carnivore® dry cat food , consider pre-portioning their meals into individual bags to make feeding time easier — and don’t forget the wet meal toppers for the extra moisture they need.
• Consider bringing digestive-support products, such as Tiki Cat® Special™ Digestion or Tummy Topper™ that contain pumpkin, in case of an upset stomach.

Keep Them Safe

Traveling with your cat comes with some risks. To maintain their safety:

• Check on them regularly during travel. If you’re driving, never leave them in the car by
  themselves, as they can overheat quickly.
• Bring a harness and leash to let them explore safely at your destination. Make sure they are microchipped and wear a collar with ID tags in case they get away from you.
• When you arrive at your destination, inspect the place closely for any potential safety hazards, like wires, breakables, or open windows.
• Tell the hotel staff you have a cat. If you need to leave your cat in the hotel room, put a sign on the door warning staff members so they know to look out for them and not leave the door open.

In case of an emergency, bring your veterinarian’s phone number and a copy of your cat’s medical records.

Alternative Options

If extended travel isn’t ideal for your cat, consider leaving them home with a caregiver. You can either hire a trusted pet sitter for in-home care or consult your veterinarian about boarding options, especially if your cat needs medical attention.
When leaving your cat with a caregiver:

• Provide detailed instructions about their daily routine.
  
• Include feeding amounts and schedules.
  
• List any medications and their administration.
  
• Explain litter box cleaning preferences.
  
• Leave emergency contact information, including your veterinarian’s number and two ways to contact you.

Remember that cats thrive on routine. Maintaining their normal schedule, whether traveling or staying with a caregiver, will help ensure their comfort and well-being while you’re away.

With proper planning, the right equipment, and a good understanding of your cat’s needs, you can make travel a less stressful experience for both you and your feline companion. And if you decide that staying home with a pet sitter is the best option for your cat, that’s perfectly okay too – knowing and respecting your cat’s individual preferences is part of being a great cat parent. Happy travels!