Traveling with a cat can often seem daunting, as our feline friends cherish their routines and the comforts of home. If you’re considering taking a trip with your cat, it’s critical to ensure that their travel experience is as stress-free as possible.
Whilst cats love an adventure, they also love to be secure and cozy. So, when you’re away from home, it’s important that they have everything they need to be comfortable. Let’s take a look at everything your cat will need while you’re on the road, as well as some top tips for traveling with your kitty. To make life safer for your cat when you’re at home, check out our list of the best invisible cat fences, too!
In this article
- Your cat’s travel essentials
- Top tips for car travel
- Top tips for plane travel
- Top tips for train travel
- Traveling with multiple cats
- FAQs
Your Cat’s Travel Essentials
Everything your cat needs for a safe trip!
Crates & Carriers
Crates and carriers are essential to keep your cat secure en route. These travel accessories provide a safe and comfortable space for your cat, reducing stress and preventing escape during the journey. A good crate or carrier also ensures proper ventilation and visibility, making the trip more pleasant for your feline friend.
Here are our top picks for crates and carriers.
Happy Ride® Backpack Pet Carrier
The Happy Ride Backpack Pet Carrier is super convenient, allowing you to safely transport your cat anywhere & keep them close at all times. The adjustable padded shoulder and chest straps provide the perfect fit, and the fiberglass rods & honeycomb support keep it stable, whether it’s on your back or sitting on a train seat.
The rollable mesh window provides ventilation and visibility and it comes fully constructed for stress-free unboxing. It’s also easy to take apart for cleaning and the blue, gray, & brown leather design makes it stylish to carry around.
Happy Ride Collapsible Travel Crate
The Happy Ride Collapsible Travel Crate creates a roomy, comfy space for your cat in the car. It has a mesh front and sides for full ventilation & visibility, with two doors, a headrest strap, & a hidden seatbelt to keep them secure and prevent chewing. It folds away for storage when not in use and has a handy leather handle for carrying, with two pockets, and a comfy, waterproof fleece cover that is removable & machine-washable for easy cleaning.
LIONROGE Double-Compartment Pet Rolling Carrier With Wheels
The LIONROGE Double-Compartment Pet Rolling Carrier With Wheels is ideal for traveling with multiple cats. The double-compartment design can hold two cats and the divider is removable if you only need space for one. It’s made from durable, breathable linen & high-grade anti-scratch polyester, with five mesh windows, metal zippers, a telescoping handle, and flexible wheels.
It’s also got two doors and two large pockets for storage, plus a no-slip shoulder strap that’s adjustable for comfortable use. It’s very easy to put together and comes with two comfy mats for cozy travels.
Leash
Whether you’re planning on taking walks together on your trip or you need a safe way to take breaks from the car, a good leash is a must! Leashes provide control and safety for your cat in unfamiliar environments, preventing them from wandering off or getting into dangerous situations.
Here’s our favorite leash for your travels.
Come With Me Harness & Bungee Leash
The Come With Me Harness & Bungee Leash gives your cat some freedom whilst keeping them close and within reach. It comes in three sizes and six colors, including black, pink, and green, and it’s made from lightweight, breathable nylon. It’s also easy to put on & take off with quick-snap buckles and the bungee has plenty of stretch for feline flexibility.
Food & Drink
Portable bowls are a must for hassle-free eating & drinking on the road. They make feeding and hydrating your cat convenient and spill-free, no matter where you are. The right portable bowl is easy to clean, durable, and designed to prevent spills, ensuring your cat stays nourished and hydrated throughout your trip.
Check out these top portable bowls.
Kallak Collapsible Twin Pet Bowls
The Kallak Collapsible Twin Pet Bowls fold completely flat and fit into a convenient zip-up carrying case the size of a CD. The pop-up bowls are made of food-grade, BPA-free silicone which is 100% recyclable and holds up to 3.5 cups of food & water for long days on the road.
They have metal rims for added stability and the Oxford cloth case contains non-slip bases to secure them for spill-proof eating & drinking. The bases are also attached by velcro, so they can be taken out and cleaned if they get messy. It’s fitted with a carabiner clip, too, which can hook to backpacks for camping & day trips.
Franklin Sports Spill Proof Pet Bowl
The Franklin Sports Spill Proof Pet Bowl is specially designed to be splash-proof for travel. It’s made from non-toxic, and BPA-free silicone which is durable, odor-proof, and flexible. It also comes in two sizes; 16 oz and 27 oz for bigger and smaller pets.
Travel Litter Box
Portable litter boxes make bathroom breaks as easy & hygienic as possible. They offer a clean and familiar place for your cat to relieve themselves, reducing stress and maintaining hygiene on the go. A good travel litter box is lightweight, easy to set up and clean, and compact enough to fit in your travel gear.
We recommend this reliable travel litter box for your journey.
Petsfit Portable Litter Box
The Petsfit Portable Litter Box is ultra-light, compact, flexible, and versatile, with an easy-carry handle, a roll-up door, and a fold-up design. It’s waterproof with a handy D-shaped buckle for hanging up your litter scoop and comes with a detachable zipper to fix the bottom and top lids together to form a closed box. The inner lining is also removable & machine washable and the brand provides a 1-year warranty with a professional After-Sales Service.
For cat litter, we love the odor-neutralizing PetSafe ScoopFree Natural Cat Litter made of a natural mineral derived from fossilized algae. No one wants to travel with cat litter odor smelling up their car!
For Anxious Travellers
If your cat gets anxious when traveling, consider investing in some anti-stress calming spray. These sprays use natural pheromones to create a calming environment, helping to soothe your cat’s nerves and reduce travel anxiety. They are safe, drug-free, and easy to use, making them a perfect solution for anxious cats.
Relaxivet Calming Spray
This Relaxivet Calming Spray promises relief and comfort from stress and anxiety. It’s totally safe and drug-free, with organic calming pheromones to help relax and de-stress your kitty. It’s great value and comes backed by thousands of excellent reviews. Simply spray your car or cat carrier before you go, and for the best results, repeat after/every 6 hours on long trips.
Smart Products
If you’re looking for some extra security, consider a smart tag or tracker. These devices help you keep track of your cat’s whereabouts, providing peace of mind during your travels. They are particularly useful in unfamiliar places where your cat might get lost. A good smart tag or tracker is easy to use, durable, and offers real-time tracking.
Here are some of the best smart products to consider for extra peace of mind when traveling with a cat.
FidoAlert Tabby Alert ID Tag
This free service is a life-saver…quite literally. The Tabby Alert ID Tag operates as an Amber Alert system for pets, notifying users within a 5-mile radius when a pet is reported lost. Just fill in some information about your cat and your emergency contact details on the FidoAlert platform, then should they be reported missing, digital fliers will be sent out to the local community at no extra cost.
The QR-engraved ID tag also makes sure your pet is identifiable and it’s a very simple, user-friendly process, with free initial tags and additional tags available at a low cost.
Tractive GPS Tracker for Cats
Tractive’s Cat GPS Tracker is the top product in the industry for cats. They offer cost-effective basic & premium subscription plans with worldwide coverage. It easily attaches to any collar or harness and calculates your cat’s live location, updating every 2-3 seconds. It’s waterproof with LED lights for night-time use and activity & sleep tracking, as well as family sharing, safe-zone setting, and location history.
Extras
For long trips, we recommend bringing your cat a blanket or something comfy to sleep on during the journey. Consider what your cat may need to feel comforted & prevent boredom en route, too, for example, their favorite toy, as well as any medication they may need.
These extra comfort items ensure your cat remains comfortable, entertained, and healthy, making the travel experience smoother for both of you.
Critical Immune Defense
Critical Immune Defense is a great extra for senior travelers and cats going abroad; boosting their immune system before you travel on your new adventures and long-term health and preventing older joints from getting achy on long journeys.
With awesome natural ingredients like maitake mushroom and white turmeric root extract, it reduces inflammation, promotes healthy cell growth, and protects against food, water & environmental toxins.
Top Tips For Car Travel
Be sure to pack any essentials, such as water, in places you can access easily on your trip. If you’re going on a long trip and your cat is new to the car, take some shorter trips with them first to get them used to it, and try to make it a positive experience with treats and rewards.
Cats shouldn’t be in the car for more than six hours without a break, so make time for breaks for water, the toilet, and outdoor time, especially if they’re older. Also, remember that cats can overheat in hot cars just like dogs, so keep the car ventilated if it’s warm weather. Keep a window shade handy to block direct sunlight and keep the interior cool.
Top Tips For Train Travel
If you’re getting the train with your cat, be sure to check all of the train’s rules for pets and get them used to their carrier in advance. You should also look for a journey with breaks if you’re going to be traveling for more than 6 hours.
It’s a good idea to bring along a familiar blanket or toy to help your cat feel secure and calm during the journey. Additionally, choose a quiet carriage if possible to minimize stress for your cat.
Top Tips For Plane Travel
If you’re flying with your cat, be sure to check all of the airline’s rules for pets & carrier sizes and check the country’s rules for international pet travel if you’re flying abroad.
Make sure you’ve got your cat a pet passport and any other paperwork you need, such as proof of vaccinations, and get them used to their carrier before you go. You should also take cleaning supplies, just in case your cat has an accident.
Consider booking a direct flight to reduce travel time and stress for your cat, and try to schedule the flight for a time when the airport is less crowded. It’s also wise to have a backup plan in case of delays or cancellations.
Traveling With Multiple Cats
If you’re traveling with multiple cats, it’s best to have separate carriers for them to ride in or use a double carrier, even if they are used to spending time together, for their own comfort and safety. Separate carriers can help prevent stress and squabbles, ensuring each cat has its own space to feel secure.
Make sure each carrier is well-ventilated and has a comfortable lining to keep your cats cozy during the journey. Additionally, label each carrier with your contact information in case of emergencies and carry a small travel kit with essentials like food, water, and a litter scoop for easy access.
FAQs
Can cats travel abroad?
Yes, but you will need a pet passport to travel with your pet outside of the US, and different countries & modes of transport have different rules. For example, some places require pets to be vaccinated and quarantined for short periods of time. Always check the specific requirements of your destination well in advance.
How long can I travel with my cat in the car?
It depends on your cat’s age and health, as well as the temperature you’re traveling in, but generally speaking, most cats will sit happily in a carrier for six hours at a time. Ensure frequent breaks for fresh air, water and bathroom needs to keep your cat comfortable and hydrated.
Can you leave a cat alone in a hotel room?
We don’t suggest leaving your cat alone in a strange place, especially not a single room, for a significant period of time. However, short periods, to grab breakfast, for example, may be okay, depending on the hotel’s policy and how comfortable your cat is being alone. Always inform the hotel staff that there is a pet in the room and leave a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door.
Final Thoughts On Traveling With A Cat
Wherever you’re going and however you’re getting there, be sure to follow our top tips to keep your cat safe and comfy on your trip. For extra security, check out our full list of the best cat GPS collars. Happy travels! If you have any other tips or questions about traveling with your cat, feel free to share in the comments below.
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