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Going away on holiday is exciting, but for cat owners it also comes with an extra layer of responsibility. Whether you're planning to take your cat with you or arrange for their care whilst you're away, proper preparation is essential to keep them safe, comfortable and healthy.
In this article, we will explore:
How to prepare for travel with your cat if you're taking them in the car
What to consider if you're opting for boarding
What you'll need if you are taking your cat abroad
Travel Safety Tips
As territorial animals and creatures of habit that thrive with routine, most cats do not enjoy travel. But with a little planning, you can make the experience safe and as smooth as possible.
Visit the vet before you go
Before hitting the road, schedule a checkup with a vet for your feline friend. This means that they can have a full health check and ensure that they are healthy enough to travel.
If you have concerns about your cat experiencing travel sickness or anxiety, your vet can recommend products to help ease this for your companion. Some cats benefit from products such as Feliway and Calmex (which are available over the counter) and in some cases, prescription medication. Discuss these options with the vet to see what the best options are for your cat.
Microchips are a must
Accidents can happen and a scared cat can panic and escape when in an unfamiliar environment. Make sure to double check your cats microchip information is up to date and has all the relevant contact details required.
Pick up the right carrier
Choose a sturdy, well ventilated carrier that your cat has enough room to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably in. Plastic carriers are best as they are wipe clean if your cat has a little accident. Line the carrier with a soft blanket or something that smells of home. A spray of Feliway in the carrier half an hour before you travel can also help ease your cat's anxiety about travelling.
Practice makes purrfect
Help your cat get used to the carrier by always leaving it out for their access, don't just bring it out for vet visits and travel! Placing treats and toys inside can also make the carrier seem more inviting.
Never leave your cat alone in the car
Even for a few minutes, this can be fatal- cars heat up quickly, even with the windows cracked, even on a milder day. If you must stop, ensure someone can stay in the car with your feline friend, and plan ahead for pet-friendly pit-stops. If you're on a long journey, plan for these safe breaks where you can check on your cat, offer water, and ensure that they are calm and secure.
Boarding vs Cat Sitters
Generally, cats are much happier in their own environment so a cat sitter that comes to your home is a great idea and minimises their stress. Most cat sitters will offer a pre-meeting to meet your cats and get to know their routines and habits before you go on holiday. Most cat sitters are also happy to do other jobs too so this can be helpful to keep your house plants watered!
Cats can also go into boarding kennels or catteries. We would recommend that you choose a cat-only boarding environment as sometimes noisy dogs in the kennels can cause more stress for your feline friend. Walk arounds of most catteries can be arranged so make sure to visit before hand and check they are safe, clean, secure, and cat-friendly.
Preparing Your Cat for Boarding
Vaccinations
Ensure your cats vaccinations are up to date and cover the necessary requirements for your chosen cattery. Most catteries require: RCP (Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia). We can provide a certificate showing which vaccinations your cat has received. It can also be important to ensure your cats vaccination record is up to date as most catteries will want proof of the above.
Parasite prevention
It is also important that your cat is up to date on their parasite prevention for fleas, ticks and worms as most reputable catteries will now ask for this. There are different options available such as tablets or spot-ons and some last longer than others. For any advice on which products to use, ask one of our vets.
Tour the facility
Take time to visit the cattery and check you are happy with their setup and facilities. Ask questions such as feeding routines, daily care, staff qualifications and how emergencies are handled. If your cat has additional medical needs such as daily medication, be sure to check the cattery can do this for your cat whilst in their care.
Pack familiar items
If the cattery allows you can send your cat with familiar items such as their favourite toy, blanket and something that smells like you. A familiar scent can provide great comfort in a new environment.
Provide clear instructions
Leave written notes about your cats feeding schedule, medical needs, and personality quirks. Include vet contact information and emergency contact information.
Overall, leaving your cat when you go on holiday can be scary at first but with the right checks and preparation it can help make the process much smoother; giving you more time to relax and enjoy!
Travelling abroad with your cat
Each country has its own rules for bringing in pets. Start research early, some preparations need to begin 3-6 months in advance. Check official government websites for up-to-date requirements.
Common requirements include:
Microchipping
Parasite treatment
Valid rabies vaccination
Travel health certificate
We do not have an OV (Official Veterinarian) so cannot offer travel certificates at Manchester Cat Clinic. This means that if you are travelling abroad with your cat, you will need to visit a different practice to get a travel health certificate (Animal Health Certificate if travelling to to an EU country, or Export Health Certificate if travelling to non-EU country).
If you are travelling to Europe via Dover or the Eurotunnel at Folkestone, you can use the online AHC service, which is very cost effective and convenient.
We also recommend the Cheshire Travel Vet for Animal Health Certificates and can arrange for you to meet him at Manchester Cat Clinic if needed.
Petmedics in Worsley are accepting new clients for both AHCs and EHCs.
Tip: Choose pet-friendly airlines. When flying internationally, you’ll generally have three travel options, including in-cabin, checked baggage (where cat travels in the cargo hold of the same flight) or manifest cargo (where cat flies separately as freight). It is not possible to have pets in-cabin in flights returning to the UK, and only a few airlines will allow pets to travel in-cabin leaving the UK, so some people taking long journeys will travel by car or rail to Paris and then fly with their pet in-cabin to/from there.
For more information about taking your pet abroad...
PetAir (for air travel) - https://www.petairuk.com/
Whether your cat is coming along for the adventure or enjoying a staycation at a boarding facility, preparation is the key to a stress-free holiday.
By focusing on comfort, safety and health, you can travel with peace of mind knowing your furry friend is well taken care of.
If you have any questions or concerns around your cat and their travel book and appointment with one of our vets or nurses to discuss options.
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