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8 minutes readContents
- How to travel with a cat
- Traveling through an airport with your cat
- Traveling with a cat by car
- How to travel with cats by train
- How to travel long distance with a cat
- Book your cat-friendly accommodation with ZenHotels
How to travel with a cat
Preparation is crucial if you’re planning on traveling with your cat. Being proactive in the days and weeks before your trip can help reduce anxiety for you and your pet. Some cat travel tips are universal – whether you’re traveling by car, plane, or train. Safety should always be your priority, regardless of your mode of transport.
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Choosing a suitable cat carrier
There are hundreds of cat carriers to choose between, from backpacks to crates and soft-sided carriers. It’s important to choose a carrier with a front opening that makes it easy to take your cat in and out. If you travel regularly, it’s worth investing in a carrier with a top opening as it can be comfortable for your cat and feel less restrictive.
Buy your cat’s travel carrier at least a few weeks before your trip to give them time to become familiar with it.
The carrier should be big enough for your cat to easily stand up and turn around to prevent them from becoming anxious. Larger cats may be best suited for a carrier designed for dogs instead.
Leave the carrier in a quiet space in your home with the door open for your cat to explore. Place it near a space where they feel comfortable or in a room that they spend most of their time in. Add a blanket to the bottom of the carrier, ideally one they’ve used before. If your cat is anxious or becomes stressed by loud noises, placing a blanket over the carrier can help block out noise and visual stimulants.
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Bring extra cleaning supplies
Accidents happen, especially when you’re traveling. Add extra cleaning supplies to your carry-on, including paper towels and unscented baby wipes to treat any accidents. Plan for any type of mess, including if your cat becomes sick during the journey. It’s a good idea to bring an extra blanket and disposable pads to swap out if your cat makes a mess in their carrier.
Pack home comforts
Make traveling easier for your cat by bringing their home comforts. Just like us, our cats feel more relaxed when they have their favorite things from home. Pack their special treats and toys they enjoy playing with.
Visit your veterinarian
Depending on your destination, you may need to book a visit with your veterinarian before your trip. Some countries may require updated vaccinations and a health certificate to allow your cat entry. It’s always recommended to travel with proof of your cat’s vaccinations, even when flying domestically.
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If your cat is anxious, your veterinarian may prescribe anti-anxiety meds or a suitable sleeping tablet to help your cat relax. Ensure your cat is microchipped and is wearing a collar with an ID tag throughout your journey.
Can you take a cat on a plane?
Cats are allowed on most flight routes for an additional fee. Most US airlines allow you to bring a cat on board with the price varying between $100 to $200. It’s important to note that there will be a limit on the number of animals allowed in the cabin, so it’s best to book your flight as early as possible. Your cat should always travel with you in the cabin as checking your cat into cargo can be a traumatizing experience.
Contact your airline directly to check their specific requirements for bringing a cat onboard.
The guidance will vary between airlines, but most require your cat to be at least 10 weeks old and some may restrict certain breeds, such as Himalayan, Persian, and Burmese cats due to breathing concerns.
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Don’t forget that your cat’s carrier will be counted as one of your carry-on bags. Your cat cannot be placed into the overhead bin due to limited oxygen, so it must take the place of your personal item by going under the seat in front of you. The cat must stay in the carrier throughout the flight.
Are you not sure which airline to travel on with your cat?
Check out our guide to the 7 top-ranked US airlines
Traveling through an airport with your cat
A soft-sided carrier is the most popular option for taking your cat through an airport, ideally with a waterproof base. Look for a design with more than one opening to make it easier to remove your cat.
You’ll be required to take your cat from its carrier during TSA security to allow the bag to go through the scanner. A harness can make it easier to hold your cat during this time, especially as the loud noises may startle your pet.
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Although your cat carrier will count as a carry-on bag, it will usually be required to meet the same size restrictions as other bags. Contact your airline direction for specific guidance.
Traveling with a cat by car
Taking your cat on a road trip is often the easiest way to travel with them. A car gives you the freedom to take regular breaks and your cat won’t be as restricted to their carrier as they would on a plane or train. Travel with a carrier or crate to give your cat their own space and use a seat belt to secure it in place.
If you’ll be on the road for multiple hours, plan stops to give your cat food and water. Avoid giving your cat too much as it can lead to accidents in their crate. Before your trip, prepare your cat by taking them on short car journeys to get them used to being in a car. Gradually increase the distance and keep them in their carrier throughout the journey.
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Avoid leaving your cat alone in the car as it’s possible for the interior temperature to rise quickly, especially in summer.
How to travel with cats by train
Train travel is an in-between option if you can’t drive but don’t want to put your cat through the stress of an airport. Most train providers are pet-friendly and will allow you to bring your cat onboard for a small fee.
Providers like Amtrak charge a considerably smaller fee than airlines, making train travel more affordable for pet owners. Just like a plane, there’s also a limit on how many pets can be on a train.
Book your tickets early to secure a spot for you and your furry friend.
You may be required to sign a release form for your cat at the station before boarding the train. The perk of train travel is that you won’t have to deal with the same crowds and general chaos as an airport, but you’ll still want to arrive at least 30 minutes before your train’s departure time.
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Bring a travel-friendly litter box
If your train is going to be several hours long, you’ll need to consider your litter box options. Cross-country trains make occasional rest stops along the route, giving you a chance to let your cat stretch their legs. However, most cats aren’t trained to use anything other than a litter box and you’ll need to keep your cat on a harness and leash if you take them off the train.
Traveling by train gives you the flexibility to bring a slightly larger carrier. You may be able to put a litter box inside their carrier or line the interior with disposable pads. You can bring a disposable or reusable litter box designed for travel. Alternatively, a plastic container with a lid can also work.
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How to travel long distance with a cat
Your day-of-travel prep will be the same, regardless of what method of transport you’re choosing. The goal should always be to keep your cat calm and relaxed by lowering their anxiety with home comforts and planning for potential accidents.
Here is your cat travel checklist:
- Avoid feeding your cat breakfast on the day of travel. An empty stomach reduces the risk of vomiting and nausea. Instead, wait until you arrive at your destination to feed your cat and give them a slightly larger meal the night before.
- Give your cat water at regular intervals throughout your journey.
- Place disposable pads in the base of the cat’s carrier in case of accidents, even if you’re only taking a short flight.
- Pack zip-lock bags, paper towels, and extra pads in your bag to use if your cat has an accident to clean out their carrier.
- If you’re using a larger carrier or have a smaller cat, add a disposable or reusable litter box inside the carrier to make it easier for your cat to use the bathroom.
- Put your cat’s favorite toys inside the carrier to keep them entertained.
Visit your veterinarian before your vacation
Some cats are anxious by their nature, whether they’re traveling by car, train, or plane. If you’re worried about your cat being anxious or they’ve had bad experiences in the past, book an appointment with your veterinarian before your vacation.
Your cat may be prescribed medication or a supplement to help treat their anxiety and make them more relaxed for travel. All medications have possible side effects, so it’s best to give your cat any new medication at home to see if they develop any challenging side effects that may impact your travel plans.
Book your cat-friendly accommodation with ZenHotels
You’ve got your tickets, bought your carrier, and your cat is ready for their big adventure. At ZenHotels, we’re here to help streamline the process of planning your vacation by making it easy to find pet-friendly accommodation.
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Plan your dream break to Paris, explore London like a local, or relax by the pool in Orlando – wherever you’re going, we’ve got you covered. Book the best rates on accommodation and hotel options in over 220 countries with ZenHotels. Download the ZenHotels mobile app to access exclusive rates even lower than on our website.
