Whether for leisure or life changes, you can travel with your cat nearly anywhere with the proper preparations. We are spoilt for choice as far as feline travel aids go, with an infinite variety of cat carriers, cat backpacks (for short periods), and harnesses for leashes. If you are planning a trip with your cat, together you and your cat can explore the options and hopefully find one that works for everyone.
Every cat is unique and not all of them will enjoy travelling. Signs of stress can include behaviour problems, visible uneasiness, or illness. If your cat is stressed by travel and prefers to hold down the fort at home while you go on adventures, try to keep any of their travel time to an absolute minimum.
However, not all travel can be avoided, such as when moving house over long distances. Speak with your veterinarian before significant and lengthy trips. Ask your vet about any possible diseases you should be wary of or vaccines they may need to stay safe, as well as acquiring any health certificates you will need for your expedition.
Feeding your cat a good meal a few hours before heading out will give food a chance to settle and be less likely to come back up. Bring some of their favourite things such as toys or any preferred cushions, and leave the pet carrier out for a few days so they can explore and become acclimated to it.
During lengthy car journeys, your cat will be fine snuggled into a carrier with a blanket that smells like home. They’ll need a break to stretch their legs every 2-3 hours (to be fair, so will you) and the drive should cap out at 8 hours for a day. Carriers need to be securely fastened so they will not move around if you stop suddenly, and so they will stay safe in case of an accident.
Covering the carrier with a blanket or towel can make them feel safer for any journey, whether you’re trekking abroad or just popping to the vet. This will dampen the unfamiliar smells and sounds of the new environments. Playing calming music can equally add a comforting atmosphere, and speaking to them in a soothing voice will help put them at ease. Leaving a space the cat can see you through will also help them feel more at ease and know they aren’t alone. While we’re here, a timely reminder: never leave a pet unattended in a car.
If you will be travelling over a few days, plan your stops ahead of time and know where the cat-friendy hotels and restaurants are. Even many dog-friendly hotels don’t allow cats, and nobody wants to be caught out in the middle of who-knows-where without a place to sleep.
All this being said, even with the best-laid plans and preparations there are cats who flat out do not appreciate the unfamiliarity and break in routine, and will yell the place down until you get home. In such cases, your cat needs you to stay calm and loving until you’re both back in the comfort of your own abode: after all, there’s no place like home.