Are you planning a trip with your feline friend?
Then you should make sure that you have the right list of things and items for your cat.
Preparing in advance makes sense so your trip will go perfectly and not become a nightmare.
It should be said, however, that most likely the change of residence, even a temporary one, will be pretty stressful for the cat. You should weigh the pros and cons before taking your cat with you.
Today we’re going to talk about essential items to take with you when you’re traveling with your pet. So to speak, let’s put together a “travel bag” for your beloved pet.
That’s why we’ve created the ultimate Cat Travel Checklist, to help you make sure you have everything you need before hitting the road or taking to the skies.
From essential items like food and water bowls to optional extras like a cozy blanket or favorite toy, our comprehensive checklist covers all the bases for a stress-free and enjoyable journey with your furry companion.
So whether you’re embarking on a cross-country road trip or a short weekend getaway, make sure you’re well-equipped with our Cat Travel Checklist.
Since we have a lot of experience with cats, we have already formed our own observations and conclusions. We hope that it will be helpful.
By the way, our list is based in part on the ASPCA recommendations to keep at home in case of emergencies.
Recall that the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA, USA) is one of the most respected organizations in the consolidation of knowledge about all kinds of poisoning of cats, dogs, and other animals
Table of Content
Cat Travel Checklist – the Whole Article in One Video
How to Travel With Cats in a Car?
Even if you’re not going to take your pet with you on vacation, there is still sometimes a need to move with him on a vehicle — at least to the same vet.
The most important point is the container for the transport of animals, or popularly “cat carrier”.
Caution — under no circumstances should the animal be transported in your arms.
First, a cat can get a lot of stress from the ride and, as a result, behave not quite adequately.
Secondly, the animal can simply jump out the open car window.
Also, there are cases, especially with kittens, when from fright or motion sickness they may involuntarily go to the toilet in the car.
It is recommended not to let the cat out of the carrier until the animal calms down.
While driving try to talk quietly with your pet and be sure to pet it. We were able to do this by slipping our hands into the carrier.
Of course, you must be prepared for the cat to meow pitifully and show its displeasure. In most cases, there is nothing wrong with your cat. This is their natural behavior and a defensive reaction to a change in habitual conditions.
After a while, it will certainly calm down and may even fall asleep in its carrier.
You should also periodically check how the animal is feeling to avoid heat stroke or, on the contrary, hypothermia.
If you need more details about driving with pets read the detailed guidance on our partner’s site.
How to Travel With Cat in Train?
When traveling with a cat on the train, remember that with the pet you will not be allowed even in the carriage without a carrier. It is better that in this case, you have a light, but strong box.
On the bottom of the carrier do not forget to put a diaper or cloth — your pet may want to go to the bathroom at the most inopportune moment. We’ve had that happen!
We keep the carrier on hand when we drive and, of course, periodically slip our hands in there to pet and soothe the cat.
And yes, some countries require special accompanying documents for your pet before you travel by train. Otherwise, there is a chance that you may be asked to get off at the next station — you will have to negotiate with the conductor on the spot.
How to Travel with a Cat on a Plane?
If you decided firmly to fly with a cat on the plane, you should prepare for it well.
First of all, you should find out whether it is allowed to fly with a pet in the cabin. Otherwise, your pet is considered luggage and will fly in the luggage compartment.
The main parameter is the weight limit for animals together with containers (8-10 kg).
In fact, this should be enough to transport a medium-sized animal (about 5 kg).
Of course, if you have a cat from the top of the largest breeds, it will have to travel in a special cargo compartment.
In general, cats are not very uncomfortable during the flight. But it makes sense to avoid carrying pregnant cats or very small kittens.
Also, if you can, try to choose a direct flight, even if it is more expensive for you. Believe us, this way you will greatly reduce the amount of stress your pet will receive.
Cat Travel Checklist (20 Essential Items)
Well, if you are determined to take your pet with you on the trip, you should prepare well for such a journey.
The list may turn out to be quite long, so we will mention how much of an item is mandatory or advisory in nature (so to speak, according to the situation).
And so, we present you our Cat Travel Checklist.
The Ultimate Checklist For Traveling With A Cat
So let’s introduce you to our Cat Travel Checklist. It is based both on our experience and ASPCA recommendations. Do not forget to take with you:
- Pet carrier
- Water
- Cat food
- Pet bowls
- Cat litter box
- Litter box filler
- Bedding and a paper towel
- Cat harness
- Cat leashes and tethers
- Toys
- Trash bags
- Liquid soap and disinfectants
- Pet first aid kit
- Pet passport
- Picture of your pet
- Blanket or quilt
- Pet clothing
- LED flashlight on the harness
- Rollers to clean clothes from wool
- Peace of mind and a good mood
Let’s go over the list above in more detail.
1.Pet carrier
A carrier is one of the most important items when transporting pets.
Recall that without a carrier, you will not only not be allowed to board an airplane or a train carriage. You can also be refused a cab ride.
Therefore, the choice of a carrier should be taken with the utmost responsibility. After all, it is also for the safety of your pet.
If you have several animals, ideally each cat should have its own carrier. Although, we’ve traveled short distances around town with several animals in one carrier, even though they were kittens.
How to choose a carrier for a cat?
Here are a few of our recommendations and observations about choosing a cat carrier.
- The carrier must be sturdy. Be sure to pay attention to the secure attachment of handles, latches, and hooks, as well as opening elements (doors).
- The size of the pet carrier should be such that the cat can move around inside: stand up on its paws, and turn around normally. And don’t forget that it must also hold a bowl of food and/or water.
- The carrier should be as simple as possible so that it can be cleaned. Various situations can happen while traveling — the cat might get sick or something else.
- Choose a carrier with the ability to load your pet vertically (over the top). Sometimes there is not enough space and you will not be able to open the side door of the carrier to at least pet your pet.
- Pay attention to the ventilation of the container. It should contain enough holes to allow air to circulate normally inside.
- If you have a cat that is really bad for the journey, it is recommended to choose a container with blank walls. This way she will feel as safe as possible.
When planning your trip, you should consider the temperature and weather of the place you are going to and the ⛅ road itself.
If warm or hot conditions are anticipated, you should take a well-ventilated carrier. But for cold or cooler weather, you should consider a box that is as closed as possible – the main thing is to have enough fresh air there.
During the journey, hold the carrier in your arms or very carefully fasten it with other things, seat belts (for cars) or be a support for it yourself.
Before the trip
A few days before your trip, it’s a good idea to get your cat carrier out of its hiding place and give it a chance to familiarize itself with it.
We usually open all the latches and doors, put something soft in there, and cats will climb in there, sniff around, and may even take it over as a sleeping place.
This way, at the time of the trip, or at least when loading the cat, the carrier will not be repulsive to the animal.
How Our Cats React to the Pet Carrier – Video
2.Water
Water is a must-have attribute to take with you on the trip. Even if the cat will not eat, it is essential that she drinks water.
It is recommended to take a small supply of water familiar to the cat. At the new place, it makes sense to mix homemade water with new water. This will reduce the likelihood of stomach upset.
3.Cat food
Most likely your cat won’t eat anything while traveling. However, if the trip is long, it makes sense to take some familiar food with you.
Here, of course, a lot depends on what kind of food you are used to. In the case of dry food just pour it into any box with a tight lid.
For those who are on a raw diet, however, you can take a frozen billet of food (it can last about 12 hours). Optionally, you can use cat food in the form of pouches.
4.Pet bowls
Actually, for food and water, you should take cat bowls where you can put the food and pour the water.
There is no point in taking large containers, it will be enough to take the smallest small bowls.
If you are a regular traveler, we advise you to get a special collapsible travel bowl.
And don’t forget to keep your bowls clean when you travel.
5.Cat litter box
Here everything is clear — you need to take a litter box with you so that your pet can go to the toilet if necessary.
A good alternative to bulky boxes can be special disposable trays made of ordinary cardboard.
They can make your life easier when you’re on the go because you don’t have to wash them. This is especially true if you have limited access to water.
By the way, it is preferable not to feed the cat before the trip. If you leave in the morning, the last feeding should be done in the evening. If you are going out in the afternoon, then a very small portion will be enough in the morning.
It is also recommended to agree with the cat to go to the toilet before leaving.
6.Litter box filler
Regarding the filler, it is recommended to take the one that you use every day.
If you’re going for a long time, it makes sense to take a little more (to spare) — there is a chance that you will not be able to find the same one in the new place.
7.Bedding and a paper towel
In the bottom of the carrier we always put some kind of bedding in the form of a piece of the diaper. In case the animal goes to the toilet or, for example, turns over a bowl of water – all the liquid can’t spread through the carrier. It will be enough to quickly take the diaper mat and replace it with a new one.
Also, any paper towels and hypoallergenic wipes can come in handy in case the cat does get car sick.
8.Cat harness
A harness is also a critical necessity when traveling with your pet.
It should be noted that your pet should already be familiar with the harness before you travel. Otherwise, the discomfort of the harness will add to the stress of moving.
This device will greatly reduce the risk of your pet suddenly running away if, for example, you need to get him on the train.
There is a wide variety of harnesses: from the simplest leashes to full-body cat jerseys. Here the choice is up to you. The main requirement is that you are able to hold your cat and he cannot escape.
The right option would also be to put your contact information on the harness in case of emergencies.
9.Cat leashes and tethers
An additional option to the harness can be a variety of leashes and cords. This is especially useful if the animal is outside for long periods of time, for example near tents.
Leashes allow you to increase the range so that cats can walk around and explore the area.
10.Toys
You should also not forget your cat’s favorite toys. The presence of such an item in the carrier, even if only slightly, can reduce the pet’s stress and bring the situation closer to home.
A favorite mouse, a ball, or an interactive ball will do just fine.
You can buy a laser pointer — playing with it can also relieve stress. However, don’t forget to play with the laser properly.
If you play with the cat with all sorts of teasers and other sticks, don’t forget to bring them too. Moral calm and distraction for the cat are exactly what pet toys can provide.
11.Trash bags
We should remember that cats are pretty clean animals and we have noted more than once how they sometimes strike out to go to a very slightly used litter box. In their opinion, it was apparently not clean enough.
What we are getting at is that under normal conditions (when there is no stress), the cat will tolerate the last and not go to the dirty litter box. But then she can do her business on a clean diaper, blanket, or bedspread.
Trash bags are useful for immediately and quickly changing a soiled diaper, throwing away a disposable litter box, or cleaning a regular litter box.
It seems like a small thing, but if you do not have them on hand, you have to use improvised means such as ordinary bags.
12.Liquid soap and disinfectants
These items are already needed more for you to observe personal hygiene measures.
Naturally, after changing bedding, litter, and, in fact, other procedures, it is elementary to wash your hands.
Also, cat bowls that are used for food or water should be washed every day.
However, remember, if you wash pet bowls with any detergent, do not forget to rinse them well under running water.
13.Pet first aid kit
Just like humans, it is also common for our pets to feel unwell or even sick.
It makes sense to take a basic cat first aid kit with you. We will not discuss all the details of the first aid kit — that is a topic for a separate article, but some points should be mentioned.
So what to put in the first aid kit for a cat:
- For poisoning. Adsorbents to help flush out toxins: Enterosgel, Smekta, activated charcoal.
- For allergies. Suprastin, tavegil, dexamethasone. Carefully watch the dose you give your pet!
- For physical injuries. Hydrogen peroxide, boric acid. Bandages, sterile wipes, tweezers, and a tick extractor are also helpful.
- Calming preparations. Herbal remedies, meat- or chicken-flavored treats, catnip.
Your first aid kit and medications should be handled with the utmost care. In case of any force majeure situations, we still recommend calling your vet first and outlining the situation. We have many options for that now, including showing the cat on a video call.
14.Pet passport
What is a veterinary passport? Actually, it is an international veterinary document that contains information about the animal and its owner.
Vaccinations, deworming, tick treatment, and chipping are recorded in it.
Keep in mind that in some countries, you cannot take your pet on a train or plane without a veterinary passport (or accompanying certificates). Think of it as your personal passport!
15.Picture of your pet
Here’s our cat Malva (pictured)!
This may not be the most important item in the age of information technology, but the ASPCA has put this item on the list.
The reasoning is that if you lose your pet, and if the means of communication do not work (your phone), then you can at least show the photo or make copies somewhere.
Anyway, there is common sense here too — as we know, any rules, requirements, and recommendations are based on previous mistakes.
16.Blanket or quilt
Again, this point is recommended by the ASPCA. I guess they assume several developments:
- To avoid severe stress, it is sometimes permissible to cover the carrier with a blanket, bedspread, or other cloth. The main thing is to remember to allow air access.
- In cases of low ambient temperatures, the animal can be wrapped in a blanket.
17.Pet clothing
The question here is what country or weather you are going to. Of course, if a more northern or cold climate is expected, you should buy special clothing (jacket or sweater) for your pet.
The choice can be huge — from the simplest fabric variations to fashionable designs.
The choice is only up to your budget. However, don’t forget the original purpose of the clothing is to keep your pet warm.
18.LED flashlight on the harness
This option can be considered an advanced solution for those travelers who take their animals on wilderness vacations.
The point is that by attaching a small flashlight to your pet’s harness, you can keep it in view at all times.
This is especially true for dark or dusky times of the day.
We won’t lie to the fishermen who hook all sorts of luminous LED gadgets on their tackle.
19.Rollers to clean clothes from wool
Almost any animal, regardless of its length of hair, will leave a decent amount of hair or undercoat on your things.
For example, our Abyssinian cats always have a fine undercoat, even though they are considered a short-haired breed.
But our other cat of the “noble” breed spreads her down (you could stuff pillows with it). So it’s all individual to breed, but there will always be hair or undercoat.
20.😺 Peace of mind and a good mood
And of course, the last point will be to have your responsibility, peace of mind and a great mood during your trip.
On the one hand, take moving or traveling with your cat quite seriously.
On the other hand, if you have taken all the precautions, fully enjoy your trip and vacation with your beloved pet!
Things to Take on the Travel with a Cat – Infographics
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Tips for Traveling With a Cat – To Sum Up
Well, if you do decide to travel with your cat, or if there is an urgent need to do so, hopefully, our list of tips will be useful to you. However, remember that as pet owners we are fully responsible for their welfare and safety – all responsibility lies solely with us.
Basic safety rules should not be ignored, and preventive measures should be used to avoid unpleasant situations.
We hope that our advice on transporting cats will be helpful to you.
If our list was really helpful – don’t forget to share it on social media with other cat lovers. Pa!
