13 Tips For Traveling with a Cat (Plus Adorable Kitty Pics)

By Jordi Lippe and Jordi Lippe-McGraw
May 20, 2016
Credit: Ganddygram via Instagram
It’s becoming abundantly clear that traveling animals are the toast of Instagram. Honestly, what else makes a picture of a destination more alluring than sticking an adorable creature in the middle of it? While we’ve previously written about the cutest dogs and how to travel with a canine, we figured it’s only fair to cover the felines as well.

We’ve already introduced you to Amelia aka the “tropicat” who is sailing around the world with her owner Captain Liz Clark and Jesperpus, a three-year-old mixed breed who loves (cross-country skiing). But, there’s also Bolt and Keel, who enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking, and Gandalf, who has checked off two countries and nine states already.

And since cats are notorious for having it be their way or the highway, we decided to reach out to some of these adventurous feline owners and find out their tips on how to travel with a cat.

Check out what they had to say, along with some adorable cat pics.
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1. Let Them Acclimate to Their Surroundings

Credit: Bolt and Keel via Instagram

"Be patient," said Bolt and Keel's owner Kayleen VanderRee. "It takes them a bit to figure out their surroundings before we get going."

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2. Make Your Cat Feel Safe

Credit: Bolt and Keel via Instagram

"We often put them in a backpack or our jackets and that makes them feel much more protected," added VanderRee.

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3. Be Smart About Feeding

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"It is very easy for your cat to become sick during travel," said the experts from Camp Bow Wow. "Providing time for food to digest lessens the chances of your pet becoming ill."

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4. Familiarize Your Pet with its Crate or Carrier

Credit: Getty Images/Moment Open

"Pets like familiarity," added the Camp Bow Wow expert. "If you plan on keeping your pet inside a carrier or crate while traveling, make purchases at least a month before travel to allow your pet ample time to get comfortable with the new environment. Place him or her in the carrier and provide treats. Gradually lengthen the time your pet is in the crate or carrier until your pet seems at ease in its new space."

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5. Be Up to Date on Your Immunizations

Credit: Getty Images/Moment Open

According to the experts over at pet sitting site DogVacay, it's important to ask the airline if it has any immunization requirements. You will likely have to show the records before you board the flight.

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6. Find the Right Harness

Credit: Bolt and Keel via Instagram

While Bolt and Keel wear extra small dog harnesses, it's important to make sure you find the perfect one so your cat is comfortable doing anything...like skiing.

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7. Book a Non-Stop Flight

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Traveling can be stressful for your cat, revealed the experts at DogVacay. To minimize the anxiety, it's best to reduce the number of transfers and handlers.

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8. Pay Attention to Their Needs

Credit: Bolt and Keel via Instagram

Unlike most cats, Bolt and Peel are comfortable in the water, but it's important to keep their needs in mind. "We often have to slow down for them to enjoy it," noted VanderRee.

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9. Don't Give Your Pet Any Medications Before a Flight

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It may be tempting to make your kitty a little drowsy for a long trip, but it's not the best idea on a plane. The changes in altitude can cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems.

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10. Bring a Litter Box

Credit: Bolt and Keel via Instagram

Just like you'd bring a leash to walk your dog, it's important to bring a litter box on the road with you to keep a certain routine for the cat.

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11. Traveling Cats Must Be Healthy Ones

Credit: Ganddygram via Instagram

"Insects and other animals can carry harmful diseases," the owner of @gandygram told us. "Having a up-to-date medical record is more of a requirement some places as well as a teeter test."

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12. Use Plastic Baggies And Doggie Bags For Cat Needs

Credit: Ganddygram via Instagram

"Travel sized meal bags can be measured out and tucked away for later when it is feeding time," added @gandygram. "When traveling litter can be a mess and smell, so using doggie bags to scoop litter into to be thrown away makes it much easier. Even a days worth of litter can be put into zip bags for when it's time for a fresh littler box."

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13. Keep Your Cat Hydrated

Credit: Ganddygram via Instagram

"Finding what a cat likes to drink from can be important to make sure they drink the water they need," noted @gandygram. "Also knowing the signs of what cat dehydration look like ahead of time."

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By Jordi Lippe and Jordi Lippe-McGraw