Travelling with the cat

If the cat is being carried from A to B in a cat carrier, it is important that it have enough space in the box to sit up and turn around, and that it be given time to get used to the container. The cat carrier must be waterproof, easy to clean and easy and safe to stow away. Your pet must have a sufficient supply of air, and must on no account be able to get out of the box.

Car trips

If cats have not got used to travelling by car when they are very young, it is best to leave them at home. But even when cats are experienced travellers, there are things you need to be aware of. During the trip they must be kept in a safely secured container. The cat should never be left in the car without supervision for a prolonged period, as the temperature inside a car is subject to fluctuation, and excessive heat can have fatal consequences. Draughts from an open window when driving are another thing that cats find hard to tolerate. Four hours before and during the journey, no food should be given – if the trip takes less than five hours, do not give the cat any water either. Unless you have the required papers for your pet (vaccination certificates etc.), you will not be allowed to cross most borders.

Travel by rail

Cats can travel by train for free – though again they have to be kept in a secure carrier, which should not be any bigger than a travel bag, and must stay either on your lap or under the seat. Rail journeys are subject to the same principles – no food during the trip or for four hours before. When travelling abroad, check with the rail companies before you travel.

Air travel

When planning your journey, you need to inform the airline that you are taking a cat with you. Different airlines have different regulations. If you are allowed to take a cat on board, it must remain in a suitable and absolutely secure carrying box under the seat. When taking off and landing you can give the cat a paste – this encourages salivation, forcing your pet to swallow, which will alleviate the pressure on the ears which otherwise can be very unpleasant for them.

All kinds of travel are subject to the proviso that basically they mean stress for your domestic moggy, and should really be avoided if at all possible! There are homoeopathic remedies which are supposed to have a tranquillising effect. Chemical tranquillisers should certainly be avoided at all costs, as you cannot know in advance how your pet is going to react.

