Preparing for Travel With or Without Your Feline Friend
May 3rd, 2024
So you’re getting ready for that long-awaited journey. Whether you’re planning on taking your feline friend along or arranging for boarding during your absence, preparing for travel will ensure you and your furry companion have the best possible experience. The following are some tips our team at All About Cats Veterinary Hospital put together to ensure a safe and rewarding trip.
Plan a Vet Visit
Before traveling or boarding your cat, we recommend a pre-travel check-up to lower the risk of a health emergency developing during your travels and make sure your furry friend is current on vaccinations. Check whether your destination or boarding facility has any specific requirements or needs special documentation. If your cat has motion sickness or anxiety during travel, we may recommend medications or calming aids to help.
Consider Your Pet’s Accommodations
If you are taking your cat along, make sure you book pet-friendly accommodations well in advance to avoid last-minute hassles. If your feline friend is staying home, arrange for a boarding facility or a reliable sitter. Never leave a cat alone for an extended time. Having a friend or family member stop by will ensure your furry companion is safe in your absence.
Prepare Your Pet Carrier
In the days before travel, keep a well-ventilated carrier around your home, and before you know it, your curious pet will be used to its presence. Make sure it meets airline specifications if traveling by air. Throw in a favorite toy and a treat or two to help encourage your cat to explore the carrier. Whether you’re planning air or car travels or are headed to your cat’s boarding facility, being comfortable in the carrier will help make the trip less stressful for you and your fur baby.
Stock Up on Pet Essentials
Prepare a travel kit for your feline, including water, bowls, food, extra treats, disposable litter boxes, trash bags, paper towels, medication, and travel documents. Don’t forget to take a favorite toy or blanket along for comfort. If your furry friend will be watched at home or a boarding facility, make sure to have all their needs prepared well in advance. We always recommend having extra supplies to ensure your pet is well taken care of in the event you experience unexpected travel delays.
Make Sure Your Pet Identification Is Current
Whether your cat is traveling with you, staying at home with a sitter, or headed to a boarding facility, one of the most important things to do is to ensure any identification is current. Make sure your cat wears a collar with your most recent contact information. We also recommend having your pet microchipped and registered in the microchip database. ID tags and microchips can significantly increase your chances of a happy reunion should your snuggle buddy ever wander away.
Be Mindful of Your Pet’s Needs
Cats tend to find any changes stressful. If you’re traveling with your furry companion, try to maintain a regular feeding and exercise routine – we understand that’s often easier said than done. If your pet is home, put together clear instructions to ensure your kitty is as comfortable as possible. Leaving behind a t-shirt or towel with your scent can help give your cat a sense of security.
Be Patient and Flexible
Traveling can be unpredictable. Be prepared to be flexible and always have a plan B in case of delays or changes. A touch of patience and a dash of humor will help keep the travels enjoyable for you and your feline companion.
Quality Cat Care Near Me in Kirkland, WA
Our team at All About Cats Veterinary Hospital is dedicated to ensuring your fluffy friend is healthy and safe at home or on the go. We are happy to provide tailored tips and guidance to help you prepare for your upcoming travels. You can always count on our compassionate team for purr-fectly paw-some care because, after all, we are all about cats!
Recent Posts
-
Nutritional Needs of Cats: A Veterinarian’s Perspective
September 9th, 2024
-
Even Healthy Cats Need Vet Visits: Here’s Why!
August 1st, 2024
-
Summer Safety Tips for Cat Owners
July 11th, 2024
-
The ABCs of Cat Vaccinations – What Every Cat Owner Should Know
June 5th, 2024
-
Preparing for Travel With or Without Your Feline Friend
May 3rd, 2024
-
How to Feed Cats in a Multiple-Cat Household
April 8th, 2024
-
8 Tips to Get Your Cat in a Carrier
March 5th, 2024
-
Help, My Cat’s Breath Smells!
February 5th, 2024
-
A Quick Guide to Coping with Cat Emergencies
January 8th, 2024
-
Traveling for the Holidays? 6 Things to Do Before Leaving Your Cat
December 14th, 2023
-
What Is Catnip and Is It Safe for Your Cat?
November 2nd, 2023
-
5 Tips for New Cat Owners
October 5th, 2023
-
How Often Should My Cat Have a Health Check?
September 7th, 2023
-
Cat Hairballs – What Do I Need to Know?
August 4th, 2023
-
How to Play with Your Cat: Fun Cat Activities
July 4th, 2023
-
What to Know About Your Cat’s Surgery
June 10th, 2023
-
Licensed Veterinary Technician or Technician Assistant Wanted (Full time or Part time)
May 15th, 2023
-
Why, Oh Why, Does My Cat Hate Water?
May 9th, 2023
-
What’s Wrong with My Cat? Benefits of Whole-Body Radiology
April 5th, 2023
-
Should I Feed My Cat a Grain-Free Diet?
March 6th, 2023
-
Smelly Cat, Smelly Cat – Causes of Feline Odors
February 22nd, 2023
-
5 Ways to Reduce Cat Shedding
January 3rd, 2023
-
Your Cat’s Holiday Stress – How to Help
December 6th, 2022
-
Pet Cancer Awareness Month: Warning Signs to Look Out For
November 2nd, 2022
-
10 Halloween Safety Tips for Cat Owners
October 3rd, 2022
-
Why Is My Cat So Active at Night?
September 7th, 2022
-
Should I Really Microchip My Cat?
August 9th, 2022
-
Ways to Keep Your Cat Safe and Cool This Summer
July 1st, 2022
-
10 Fascinating Facts About Persian Cats
June 1st, 2022
-
How to Correctly Transition Cat Foods
May 6th, 2022
-
What Your Cat’s Tail Is Secretly Trying to Tell You
April 5th, 2022
-
6 Common Household Items That Are Poisonous to Cats
March 1st, 2022
-
How Do I Know if My Cat Needs Dental Surgery?
February 16th, 2022
-
How to Safely Introduce Your Cat to Your New Baby
January 11th, 2022
-
Giving a Cat as a Christmas Gift: How to Do It Responsibly
December 6th, 2021
-
5 Thanksgiving Foods That Are Toxic to Cats
November 5th, 2021
-
Is My Kitty Depressed? Signs to Look For in a Sad Cat
October 7th, 2021
-
Training Tips for New Kitten Owners
September 7th, 2021
-
Taking Your Cat to the Vet: How to Make It a Stress-Free Experience
August 6th, 2021
-
The Origins and History of the Tabby Cat
July 13th, 2021