Cats generally don't make the best travel companions. Your cat, during a road trip, is more likely to meow in terror the entire ride.
If you're determined to take your cat along wherever you go, you can make the journey easier for both of you by assembling a few very important accessories before you leave.
10 must-have travel accessories that you should never forget for your cat companion
Clean Bill of Health
Within 10 days of your departure, visit your vet's office for a check-up to ensure that your pet is healthy enough to travel with you. Your cat needs to be up-to-date on her shots, and you should get written proof of her health with a signed health certificate (also called a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection) and vaccination status (including rabies vaccine status) to take with you.
Identification
Make sure your kitty has a collar with all of his identification attached before you leave.
Buy a secure cat collar with ID tags attached. On those IDs, write your name, address, and phone number (including your cell phone number).
Microchipping is added insurance that your pet will be returned to you if he is found. When you get your cat microchipped, make sure the tag includes your most recent contact information, including your cell phone number.
Bring along a recent photo of your cat.
Comforts of Home
Help your kitty get acclimated by bringing a few comforts of home with you on the road.
Line her carrier with a favorite blanket that smells like your house. Also bring along her favorite kitty bed, which will make her feel more secure. Throw a couple of stuffed toys into your suitcase so she has something to snuggle and play with.
First-aid Kit
Bring along any medicines your cat will need to stay healthy and calm.
Some people like to sedate their cat on long trips, but experts don't recommend giving cats tranquilizers, because they can raise blood pressure and interfere with body temperature regulation.
Your Cat's First-aid Kit
In case of accidents or emergencies, pack a travel-sized cat first-aid kit that includes all of the following items:
-Gauze
-Nonstick bandages and adhesive for the bandages (never use human Band-Aids on an animal)
-Hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting if your cat eats something poisonous
-Eye dropper
-Digital thermometer
-Tweezers/scissors
-Cotton balls
-Ear cleaning solution
-Eye wipes.
Toys and Treats
A few favorite toys will remind her of home and keep her occupied while you're outside sun-worshipping.
The same thing goes for treats.
Makeshift Litter Box
Your cat wants to be as comfy as possible, so make sure she has somewhere to "go."
You're going to have to bring her bathroom facilities with you.
Bring along a litter scoop and plastic bags.
Bring a roll of paper towels and a box of wet wipes to clean up any accidents that may occur along the way.
Water
Water is one essential your cat absolutely can't do without. She'll need to drink at regular intervals throughout your trip, just as she would at home. She may need water even more often if you're going to be spending time in a warm climate.
Storage and Serving Containers
Your kitty needs something to carry all of her stuff on vacation, just as you do.
To conserve space, try to buy the smallest supplies possible, or use disposable items so you don't have to carry everything back home with you.
Cat storage essentials include:
-Food container (a small plastic bin or resealable Ziploc bags)
-Food and water dishes
-Bags to hold cleaning supplies, toys and blankets
-A binder or folder to hold your cat's medical records and health certificates
Once you reach your destination, your cat's carrier may be a good place in which to consolidate and store all of these items.
Food
Your vacation is not the time to change your cat's diet. You'll only invite a whole lot of digestive woes for your cat and messy cleanups for yourself.
Bring a large enough supply from home to carry you through your entire trip. Try to stick to your home feeding schedule while you're traveling.
Cat Carrier
You and your cat will both feel much more secure if you put her in a carrier.
Put your cat's favorite blanket and toy inside the carrier so she'll feel more comfortable in unfamiliar surroundings.
The carrier should be big enough for your cat to stand up and turn around. It should be made of a leak-proof material that won't let in moisture.
To fly, many airlines require that carriers be ventilated on at least two or three sides so your pet has plenty of air during the trip. Label the crate "Live Animal" if your cat is going to be flying in the plane's cargo hold.