At Kitty in NY we do recommend in-home cat boarding instead of travelling with your pet. Cats do not like long trips and will do well in a temporary home until you get back. Avoiding the stress of the trip will be greatly appreciated by your favorite feline. We have clients who boarded their cats for 3/6 months , even for a year. Our caregivers will send you regular updates during the whole boarding period. Contact us and tell us what services you need.
If you need to take your cat on a car, train or air trip you should ensure it is comfortably secure in the right carrier.
You may give your cat the Bach Flower Essence "Rescue Remedy" to help it with the stress of traveling. Give a few drops in his/her water every day. The flower essence will help your cat remain calm.
It can be dangerous (and ilegal) to have a cat loose in your car – it cause an accident by becoming entangled with the driver. If a window or door was opened the cat could escape and get lost.
You need to invest in a carrier which is strong and easy to clean. Cats can urinate/defecate (or vomit) during long trips. Spray the inside of the carrier and car with Feliway before you're ready to go. Feliway sprayt mimics the pheromones cats leave when they are comfortable and relaxed.
Place the carrier where it will be secure if you have to use the brake suddenly but where it has a good air flow (not under luggage in the back of the car). You can secure the carrier behind the front seats or use the seat belt to hold it securely on the seat. The cat could meow initially or even throughout the whole journey – speak calmly and reassuringly to it but do not let it out of its carrier. The meowing will probably drive you mad but the cat is unlikely to be suffering; just voicing its dislike of the situation! Eventually the constant motion and noise of the car will probably induce your cat to sleep.
If you need to take your cat on a car, train or air trip you should ensure it is comfortably secure in the right carrier.
You may give your cat the Bach Flower Essence "Rescue Remedy" to help it with the stress of traveling. Give a few drops in his/her water every day. The flower essence will help your cat remain calm.
It can be dangerous (and ilegal) to have a cat loose in your car – it cause an accident by becoming entangled with the driver. If a window or door was opened the cat could escape and get lost.
You need to invest in a carrier which is strong and easy to clean. Cats can urinate/defecate (or vomit) during long trips. Spray the inside of the carrier and car with Feliway before you're ready to go. Feliway sprayt mimics the pheromones cats leave when they are comfortable and relaxed.
Place the carrier where it will be secure if you have to use the brake suddenly but where it has a good air flow (not under luggage in the back of the car). You can secure the carrier behind the front seats or use the seat belt to hold it securely on the seat. The cat could meow initially or even throughout the whole journey – speak calmly and reassuringly to it but do not let it out of its carrier. The meowing will probably drive you mad but the cat is unlikely to be suffering; just voicing its dislike of the situation! Eventually the constant motion and noise of the car will probably induce your cat to sleep.
Taking a plane with your cat
If you intend to travel by plane with your cat then you need to plan well ahead. You have a wide selection of airlines and how they transport your cat may influence your choice. Some airlines allow cats to travel with their owners (there is a weight limit and the size/type of carrier should be taken into account, airlines have all instructions regarding pet travel directions on their websites) Sometimes cats have to travel in a special part of the hold which is heated and pressurised. Their fee varies from airline to airline, you should contact them to receive a quote.
Obtain a health certificate from your veterinarian. This health certificate should meet the requirements of your state or country of destination, as well as your airline carrier. Be sure to check on the time restrictions. Certificates often need to be obtained within 2 weeks of the flight. Carry the health certificate and your cat's vaccination certificates with you.
Place identification and contact details on the outside and inside the crate. Print 'Live Animal' on the top and sides of the crate.
Clip your pet's nails. This will prevent breakage of a nail if the pet scratches at the crate door.
It is not recommended to travel with kittens under three months old. If possible select a direct flight so that there is no need for your cat to be disturbed for transfers. This may also affect the timing of the flight you choose.
If you know your cat is a bad traveller and has previously been sick or agitated during a trip it is worth consulting your vet about giving a sedative. However, some cats actually become more agitated with tranquillisers. You should limit the use of tranquilizers as drugs can alter the way cats adjust to temperature changes. Cats also recover from the journey faster when not sedated.
Remember to check all the regulations and requiremensts if you are taking your cat from one country to another. Preventive health requirements such as rabies vaccination (or even quarantine) will vary. Failure to comply with all requirements could be time consuming and expensive.
If you intend to travel by plane with your cat then you need to plan well ahead. You have a wide selection of airlines and how they transport your cat may influence your choice. Some airlines allow cats to travel with their owners (there is a weight limit and the size/type of carrier should be taken into account, airlines have all instructions regarding pet travel directions on their websites) Sometimes cats have to travel in a special part of the hold which is heated and pressurised. Their fee varies from airline to airline, you should contact them to receive a quote.
Obtain a health certificate from your veterinarian. This health certificate should meet the requirements of your state or country of destination, as well as your airline carrier. Be sure to check on the time restrictions. Certificates often need to be obtained within 2 weeks of the flight. Carry the health certificate and your cat's vaccination certificates with you.
Place identification and contact details on the outside and inside the crate. Print 'Live Animal' on the top and sides of the crate.
Clip your pet's nails. This will prevent breakage of a nail if the pet scratches at the crate door.
It is not recommended to travel with kittens under three months old. If possible select a direct flight so that there is no need for your cat to be disturbed for transfers. This may also affect the timing of the flight you choose.
If you know your cat is a bad traveller and has previously been sick or agitated during a trip it is worth consulting your vet about giving a sedative. However, some cats actually become more agitated with tranquillisers. You should limit the use of tranquilizers as drugs can alter the way cats adjust to temperature changes. Cats also recover from the journey faster when not sedated.
Remember to check all the regulations and requiremensts if you are taking your cat from one country to another. Preventive health requirements such as rabies vaccination (or even quarantine) will vary. Failure to comply with all requirements could be time consuming and expensive.
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