The Ultimate Checklist For Traveling With A Cat
Traveling with a cat can be overwhelming. There are lots of things to consider and that you need to bring for them. Not only practical things for daily use and survival, but comfort items to help relieve stress too. We broke our travel checklist up into 2 categories: the essentials and the extras. Hopefully this list can help alleviate your stress of packing when traveling with a cat.
The Essentials
1. Food and Water (plus bowls)
Bring your cat’s normal food with you. If you know your cat gets stressed and loses their appetite when traveling, go for a more desired food. Be sure to calculate out how much you’ll need for your trip’s duration, and bring that plus a little extra. Or if you will have access to go shopping and get more, make sure you have enough to last until then. You should also bring bottled water in case you do not have access to fresh water for them. And of course, don’t forget to bring the bowls to put the food and water in!
2. Treats
Along with their food, you want to bring some treats too. These can be great for helping relieve stress and boredom during travel, but also good for helping adjust to the new setting.
3. Litterbox, litter, scooper, waste bags
Cannot go anywhere without making sure they have bathroom access! If driving, be sure to offer the litterbox to them when you make stops. When flying, try to encourage them to go before boarding, as well as lining their carrier with absorbent pet pads just in case. It is easy to forget the scooper and waste bags as you are heading out the door, so double check that they are packed!
4. Transporting Carrier
Whether you use their backpack or another carrier for car rides, you need to have that with you for your cat’s safety. If you are flying, be sure that the carrier fits the regulation measurements to go on the plane.
5. Harness + Leash + Backpack
If you know you will be bringing your cat along on adventures when you are there, be sure to pack what they need. Their normal gear is best to bring, so they do not have to get used to new things.
6. ID tags
Always make sure you have proper identification on your pet. If you are going to an unfamiliar place and they manage to escape, it is good for them to have ID on them.
7. Vet documents
When flying, make sure you have all the required documents needed for pet travel. Check with your vet and they can help get the papers needed for both your area and your destination. It is always good to get a vet check-up before any major traveling, just to make sure your cat is healthy. And if your cat needs any anti-nausea or anti-anxiety medications, be sure to get those in advance as well.
8. Bed/Blanket
If your cat has a favorite sleep item, be sure to bring that. Whether it is a bed, blanket, sweater, carrier, etc., having their normal place to sleep can reduce stress in the new environment. For our cats, one likes her normal carrier and the other has a favorite catnip mat.
9. Toys
Your cat’s favorite toys need to make the trip. They can help reduce stress and make your cat more comfortable. You can bring their favorite toys, food puzzles, or another thing else they like for entertainment at home.
10. Any other relevant gear needed for adventures
If you know you’ll be going on a boat, bring your cat’s life jacket. Also look up the weather at your destination. If it will be warm, maybe bring a cooling vest or bandana. Or bring a sweater if it may be colder. We have a post what to bring for summer hikes and winter hikes, so check those out for ideas on what you may need. Bringing along their first aid kit is a good idea too. If you do not have one, check out our post on how to make your own here to get some ideas of what to bring.
If You Have Room
1. Extra toys
Helps keep your cat entertained. If your cat gets bored easily, pack a few extra to rotate the toys throughout the trip.
2. Scratching post
If you are traveling by car or plane, there’s a good chance you may not have room for the scratching post on top of the essentials and your own items. But if your cat uses it a lot or you’re going to stay in a hotel or air b&b where they might scratch furniture, it may be a good idea to throw it in there. You can even get a smaller, more easily portable one for the trip. If you are staying in a hotel, be sure to check out our article on tips for staying in a hotel with cats.
3. Extra blankets/comfort items
Always bring their top comfort item to help them feel at home. But if they have more than one, pack them all if there’s room. The more you bring, the more at home your cat will feel.
4. Cleaning Supplies
For a cat who is used to traveling, this may not be necessary. However, if you know your cat may go outside of the litterbox if stressed, bring pet cleaning products to clean up after them.
5. Back-up gear
It is always good to be prepared. If you have an extra harness, leash, or backpack, bring them along. You never know if you may need it!
6. Clicker/Target Stick
Clicker training can be very useful. If you already clicker train your cat, you can bring that along with you to be able to offer mental stimulation inside.
7. Pet GPS Tracker
This may be something you might not have, but potentially invest in. Going to new places can increase the risk of your cat getting out or away from you. Having a tracker on them in an unfamiliar area is never a bad idea.
8. Grooming supplies
Sometimes, stressed cats may not groom themselves as much. Bringing a brush for them daily could help. You may also want to bring shampoo, waterless shampoo, or pet-wipes in case they get into anything and need to be cleaned up. Bringing nail clippers may be a good idea too if it may be an extended stay.
Conclusion
Being able to bring your cat along on vacations or trips can be so much fun. While traveling with a cat can be stressful, it doesn’t have to be! And having your best furry friend with you to enjoy the trip is well worth it. We hope this list helps you prepare for any future traveling you may do with your cat.
