When vacation time rolls around, finding someone to care for your cat isn't always possible, and you unexpectedly may find yourself with a cat travel companion!
Unlike dogs, who will jump at the chance for a car ride, cats aren't really interested in joyrides. Their home is their kingdom, and leaving the castle can be stressful. One way to alleviate the stress (on both of you) is to create cat travel checklist — items that will keep your fur baby comfortable, happy and healthy on the road.
Cat Carrier
The safest way for your kitty to travel, even on short trips, is in a cat carrier. A sturdy carrier not only protects your pet from a possible impact but also deters them from getting tangled up in the driver's feet and the gas and brake pedals. A hard plastic model is a good choice for cat travel, and buckling it in the backseat with a seat belt adds an additional layer of safety. Be sure to face the carrier looking out so your kitty can check out the world around them. If your cat displays anxiety, place a towel or blanket over the gated door to block their view. Your carrier should be big enough that your cat can sit and stand comfortably, as well as turn around in, but not so big that there is room to roam. A carrier that is too big could result in an injury if your vehicle is involved in an accident or sudden braking.
Food and Water
Pack your feline friend's favorite cat food in easy-to-access containers. Instead of lugging around a giant bag of dry food, transport the kibble in a clear plastic container. Because your kitty can't drink out of water fountains, bring along bottled water and a bowl so they have a fresh supply at all times. It's best to start offering food slowly to make sure your cat won't get sick in the car before offering the normal daily amount. Save the rest for when you reach your destination. Don't forget to bring their favorite cat treats to reward them for being good, and console them when they feel cooped up.
Litter Box
Most cats aren't trained to relieve themselves at a rest stop. Therefore, must-have (but not the most pleasant) items include a cat litter box, fresh litter, and a scoop. Traveling with your cat isn't the time to introduce them to a new type of litter, so use your regular brand in a travel-friendly jug with an easy-to-pour spout. Petfinder suggests stopping every two to three hours for bathroom and water breaks.
Cat Bed
If you don't want to haul an extra item in your already-cramped car, your hard plastic cat carrier can be turned into a bed! Bring along your kitty's favorite pillows and blankets to line the carrier bottom so they can snuggle up inside. The familiar smell of the regular bedding will help them relax. Another option is to remove the top of the carrier, if possible, to give your cat more space when you're not cruising in the vehicle.
Tasty Tips
Toys
You don't need to bring your entire arsenal of toys when traveling with a cat. Instead, stock up on a few old favorites and add a few new playthings to keep their interest. Because you'll be in such close proximity, avoid noisy, jingling toys. The commotion could drive you a bit crazy. Remember, the key to successful cat travel is happy and stress-free for you, too! It's also a good idea to take some time to play with your cat when you're stopped so they can get some exercise. Spending all day sedentary in a cat carrier could cause them to act out once you reach your destination. By allowing your cat to exhaust some of that pent-up energy, it keeps their body healthy and could save you from having to deal with a diva kitty.
Scratch Post
It might seem a bit excessive to bring along something for your cat to sharpen their claws on while you're on vacation, but if they are used to getting their scratch on, you would rather it be on a scratch post than on some expensive furniture at the hotel or house you're staying at.
ID and Photos
Before leaving home, confirm that your cat's collar and ID tag are secure. In the event your cat escapes, have recent photos on hand to share with locals as well as on social media. If you make a pit stop somewhere to let your cat out of their carrier and relieve themselves , make sure that the windows are not down for them to escape.
Veterinarian Contact Information
In today's world with smart phones, this may be something that you can access on the go, but if you reach an area on your trip without a great signal, you will want to be able to contact the veterinarian in case something happens to your cat. It is a good idea to keep your normal veterinarian's contact information with you to call to let them know, but you should also do some research ahead of time to find a vet at your vacation destination. This will make life much less stressful than trying to find a vet after something has happened to your cat.
Multiple Cats
If you have multiple cats that you are planning on bringing with you it is best to have separate carriers for them to ride in, even if they are used to spending time together. This, again, will help keep them safe in case of an accident. It can also prevent them from getting tired of one another having to constantly climb over one another to get comfortable.
Using a cat travel checklist to prepare for your trip will ensure you don't forget anything to keep your cat happy and healthy.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Savory Entrée Can Variety Pack
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Entrée Variety Pack
Feline Sensitive Stomach & Skin Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Senior Vitality Adult 7+ Tuna & Vegetables Stew
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Entrée Can Variety Pack Cat Food
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Ocean Fish & Brown Rice Recipe
Supports the developmental needs of kittens to help start life with healthy growth and a strong immune system
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Pollock & Barley Cat Food
Highly digestible food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for cats age 7+
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Tuna Dinner
Carefully made, gourmet daily nutrition. Tasty chunks with Salmon & Tuna in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Tuna Dinner cat food
Delectable chunks with tender tuna smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Beef Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of gourmet savory beef to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Healthy Cuisine Seared Tuna & Carrot Medley Cat Food
Delicious seared tuna paired with tender carrots in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports energy level and beautiful fur in mature cats
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Ocean Fish Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition to help avoid the formation of hairballs with the delicious taste of savory minced ocean fish
Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Healthy Cuisine Tender Chicken & Rice Medley
Delicious tender chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce with precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Vegetable & Turkey Medley Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Duck & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Related articles
Caring for a Sick Kitten
Learn about common illnesses and health concerns among kittens, how you can spot their symptoms and steps you can take to prevent them from happening.
Do Cats Understand Mirrors?
Do cats understand mirrors? Find out what science can to tell us and how cats perceive their own reflections.
All About Kittens: A Comprehensive Guide for New Pet Parents
Preparing for a new kitten? Learn helpful tips for bringing home a feline friend, preparing your house, supplies you'll need, feeding tips & more.
Dealing with a Cat That's a Picky Eater
Cats are notoriously picky eaters, but there are ways you can encourage her to eat her food. Discover some tips for getting her past her picky habits.
Cat Training: How to Train Your Cat the Easy Way
Discover how to train your cat, starting with very basic first steps that both reward good behavior and discourage the bad.
Want to Foster Cats? Here's What You Should Know
Want to foster cats or kittens in your home? Learn the steps to take to become a cat foster parent, as well as helpful advice from a long-time foster mom.
Tips for Building a DIY Cat Perch
Learn why your cat loves to be up high and how to build a DIY cat perch to keep her happy. Discover what materials you'll need and how to put it together.
Origins of 6 Common Cat Sayings
Learn about the origins of the most common cat phrases and exactly what it means when you hear one.
Heart Disease in Your Cat: How Nutrition Can Help
Heart diseases can manifest in cats similar to humans, so it is important to catch the warning signs early and consult your vet. Learn more now.
Cats and Fireworks: How to Keep Your Cat Calm
Is your cat afraid of fireworks? Cats and fireworks aren't always a good pair. Here's how to tell if your kitty is stressed and how to keep them calm.
Cat Vision: How Do They See the World?
Discover some myths and truths about how your cat sees the world, including whether they have night vision and if they are actually colorblind.
Feline Idiopathic Cystitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
Learn about feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC), which causes lower urinary tract problems in cats, including risk factors, symptoms & treatment options.
Brushing & Food: Keys to Maintaining Your Cat's Oral Health
Brushing your cat's teeth is just as important as brushing your own. Learn signs or oral health problems in your cat and how to avoid them.
How Wellness Checks Help Senior Cats
If you have a senior-aged cat, learn why its so important to take her to regular vet visits & blood work, especially if she has a health condition.
Do Cats Understand Words?
Discover interesting information about whether you cat actually understands your words and if it's important to actually talk to your feline friend.
Do Cats Like to Be Petted?
Petting & picking up a cat can be tricky, but she'll give you signs to show she's ready. Learn her favorite spots to be petted and handling techniques.
Suggestions for Grooming & Bathing Your Cat
Grooming is an important part of your aging cat's well-being. Learn tips to keep her looking good with these grooming tips for older, mature adult cats.
Understanding Ailurophobia: The Fear of Cats
Learn the history and symptoms of ailurophobia, or the fear of cats, and how to help people who suffer from this condition.
Meal Feeding vs. Free Feeding Cats: What's Best?
Curious if your cat can eat on her own schedule? Learn about free feeding, how it can impact your cat's diet, and if this method is a good fit for her.
From Kitten to Senior Cat Food: Cat Nutrition by Lifestage
Learn the importance of changing your cat's food with their changing life stages because one size does not fit all.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.