Traveling With Cats: Essential Tips for a Smooth Journey

The Cat Chronicles Continue

If you think traveling with kids is tough, try hitting the road with three cats! Yes, that’s right. We’re about to start another 1400 km journey from our current home to our second home in Belgium, and our feline trio – Myratz, Pierre, and Tito – are coming along for the ride back. You could say we’re seasoned pros at this by now, but each trip still feels like an adventure. So, buckle up (literally), and join me as I prepare for this pawsome journey, sharing all my tried-and-true tips for traveling with cats!

A Little Feline History: The Good, the Sad, and the Furry

Over the past six years, we’ve traveled a lot, always with our cats in tow. At one point, we had a whopping eight cats to transport. Unfortunately, life happened, and we’ve had to say goodbye to some of our dear furry friends. First, there was Lolly, our senior who spent most of his life as a stray before we took him in. Lolly battled spinal cancer with grace, but we lost him eventually. Then came Bumby, another senior ex-stray who suffered a stroke. Our sweet Poofah fought brain cancer bravely, but we had to say goodbye to her too. And then there was Payo, our FIV and FeLv-positive warrior who also dealt with lung and digestive issues. Lastly, our three-legged wonder, Monsieur Alfonse, succumbed to tongue cancer. Each of them had a piece of our hearts, and they are missed more than words can express.

Now, with just Myratz, Pierre, and Tito left, we’re still traveling, but the memories of our other cats travel with us, too.

Tito, indulging in a snack and sipping some water during one of our pit stops, as if he’s at a feline roadside café.

Prepping for the Big Trip: Cat Edition

Now, let’s get to the nitty-gritty of traveling with cats. Preparation is key, and I’m talking about more than just packing their favorite toys (although that helps, too). Here’s how I get my feline crew ready for the road:

1. The Valerian Routine:
First up – valerian! No, not for me (although I could probably use some). This calming herb works wonders for my cats. I get valerian packs, valerian spot-ons, and anti-stress valerian collars. Trust me, this stuff is magical. It helps to keep the cats calm and relaxed, which is essential for a long journey.

2. The Super-Sized Crate:
My cats travel in style – or at least in comfort. We use a large dog crate (yep, you read that right) for all three of them. This isn’t your average carrier; it’s a spacious, cozy setup that even includes a connected cat toilet. That’s right – no emergency stops needed! We use Catit Go Natural lavender-scented litter, which helps keep everything fresh (or as fresh as cat litter can be).

3. Food, Water, and Pit Stops:
Cats aren’t as demanding as humans when it comes to snacking, but we make sure there’s dry food available at all times. Water is offered during our pit stops, which happen every 200-250 km. Speaking of pit stops, last time we drove the entire 1400 km in one day – 19 hours of driving, thanks to the infamous German “stau” (traffic jams for those not in the know). This time, we’re breaking it up a bit. We’ll stop after 850 km and rest in Eppingen, Germany. We found a cozy Airbnb that’s cool with cats – always double-check, even if the listing says “pets welcome!”

Myratz, ever the curious one, immediately testing out the litter box as soon as we packed him in, making sure everything was up to his high standards.

What You Need to Know When Traveling With Cats

Now that you know how we prep, let’s dive into some tips that can make your journey smoother and less stressful – for both you and your cats.

1. Get Your Cats Used to the Carrier:
If your cats only see their carrier during vet visits, they’re going to hate it. Start making the carrier part of their daily lives. Leave it out with the door open, toss in some treats, and let them explore it on their own terms. By the time your trip rolls around, they’ll see the carrier as just another cozy spot to hang out.

2. Use a Large, Comfortable Carrier:
As I mentioned, we use a large dog crate for our three cats. If you have multiple cats or just one that likes to stretch out, a larger carrier can be a game-changer. Make sure it’s well-ventilated and secure, with enough room for them to move around a bit.

3. Keep Your Cats Calm:
Valerian isn’t the only option for calming your cats. Some people swear by Feliway spray, which mimics feline pheromones to help reduce stress. You can also try calming treats or CBD oil (just make sure it’s safe for pets and talk to your vet first).

4. Plan Your Route (and Pit Stops):
Know your route and plan for regular stops. Not only do you need to stretch your legs, but your cats will appreciate a break from the motion as well. Find pet-friendly rest stops, and if possible, book overnight stays in places that welcome cats.

5. Don’t Forget the Essentials:
Pack everything your cats might need, including litter, food, water, toys, and their favorite blanket. Having familiar items around can help ease their anxiety. Also, don’t forget to bring any medications your cats might be on.

6. Microchip and ID Your Cats:
This one’s crucial. If your cat manages to escape (heaven forbid), having a microchip and a collar with ID tags can make all the difference in getting them back safely. Make sure the information is up-to-date before you hit the road.

On the Road: How to Keep Everyone Happy

So, the car is packed, the cats are secured, and you’re ready to roll. But how do you make sure the journey is as stress-free as possible?

1. Keep the Car Cool and Quiet:
Cats don’t appreciate blaring music or sweltering heat. Keep the car cool and play some soft music or nothing at all. The less stress, the better.

2. Talk to Your Cats:
Okay, this might sound silly, but talking to your cats can help soothe them. They’re used to your voice, and hearing you can make them feel more secure. Plus, who else are you going to talk to on a long drive?

3. Stay Calm:
Cats pick up on your emotions, so if you’re stressed, they’ll be stressed too. Take deep breaths, stay calm, and remember that you’re all in this together.

4. Don’t Open the Carrier:
It might be tempting to let your cats out for a stretch, but this can lead to chaos (trust me on this one). Keep them in the carrier until you’re in a safe, enclosed space.

Traveling With Cats: My 1400 km Adventure With My Furry Trio — Pierre, acting like the self-appointed GPS, meowing directions from his cozy spot.

Arriving at Your Destination: The Cat’s New Kingdom

You’ve made it! Now what? Transitioning your cats to a new space can be tricky, but with a little preparation, it can be smooth sailing.

1. Set Up a Safe Space:
When you arrive, set up a quiet, safe space for your cats. Put their carrier in a room with their litter box, food, water, and some favorite toys. Let them come out and explore at their own pace. Don’t force them to interact or explore too quickly.

2. Give Them Time:
Cats are creatures of habit, and new environments can be overwhelming. Give them time to adjust. They’ll come out when they’re ready. Keep their routine as normal as possible to help them feel more at home.

3. Monitor for Stress:
Watch for signs of stress, like hiding, not eating, or excessive grooming. If your cat seems particularly anxious, try using the valerian, Feliway, or whatever calming method you used during the journey.

Final Thoughts: Traveling With Cats is Totally Worth It

Sure, traveling with cats can be a bit of a challenge, but it’s so worth it. You get to keep your furry friends with you, and they get to experience new places (even if they’d prefer to stay under the bed). Plus, there’s something special about knowing you’ve shared this journey with them, every step of the way. So, pack up the carrier, grab some valerian, and hit the road – you’ve got this!

That’s all for today, fellow cat lovers!

If you’re planning a trip with your feline friends, I hope these tips help you navigate the journey with ease. Don’t forget to c heck out my little shop dedicated to cat owners and soon-to-be cat owners. And of course, give your kitties a little extra love today – whether it’s a head scratch, a treat, or just a cozy spot to curl up.