The paw-sible challenges and 7 top tips for success

There are 12.5 million cats in the UK. That’s almost one cat for every 5 people. 29% of UK households include a cat. Most UK households with pets plan their summer holidays around pet care. And although fewer than 5% of cat owners actually take our cats on holiday with us, the number is growing year-on-year. But even if this summer’s journey is only as far as a familiar cattery or the local vet clinic for a pre-holiday health check, you’ll want to plan ahead. Because travelling can be a scary and stressful experience for cats. This article looks at the pros and cons of travelling with cats. And 7 ways to make unavoidable journeys as safe, calm and stress-free as possible

Should they stay or should they go meow?

Paws for thought

First, let’s look at the pros and cons of actually taking cats on holiday.

On the plus side:

• You know where they are and what they’re doing
• You won’t miss each other
• You can be sure your cat gets medicine for a long-term health condition
• There are more and more pet-friendly places to stay for a summer break

The downsides:

• With some very notable exceptions, cats are more stressed by leaving their familiar territory (home) than by the temporary absence of their preferred humans.
• Most cats will be more settled and happier at home.
• Cats can be adept escape artists. They’re at risk of getting lost, injured by cars or attacked by territorial local cats if they get away from a car or holiday accommodation.
• Many, possibly most cats, are stressed by any form of travel. Not only will this result in them being very vocal, they may pee and poo in their carrier, then stand in it. Resulting in more trauma to clean them up afterwards.
• Stress can directly increase the risk of sudden, severe health problems like a blocked bladder, or tummy upsets.

Exceptional circumstances:

• With a completely laid-back, people-cat.
• Going to stay somewhere for a long time (months rather than weeks)
• Travelling to a familiar second home

Make a purr-fect travel plan 

However long or short your journey with a cat, always plan ahead. The priorities are safety, comfort and minimising stress

Safety First 

Travelling by car

1. By law, all occupants have to be safely restrained in a moving car. A sudden stop or bump could catapult your pet through a window into the road or into a human passenger. 
2. Driving without due care and attention: if your cat distracts you when you’re driving, you risk a hefty fine and points on your driving licence. 
3. Make sure your cat is microchipped, it’s the law. If your cat escapes the car or gets lost somewhere unfamiliar, it’s your best chance of getting them home again.
4. For their safety and yours, cats should travel in their own secure pet carrier.
5. Place the carrier on the back seat, secured with the seat belt passed through the handle. Or on the car floor behind the front seats.
6. Keep the carrier closed at all times: a stressed cat will try to escape the car. Feline fear, stress and escape attempts risk injury to other occupants, including the driver. Even relaxed cats can be unpredictable. Sudden movements could distract the driver, and a loose cat might get between the driver’s foot and the control pedals.
7. Never leave cats unattended in a car, especially on warm, sunny days. Cats die in hot cars. 

Comfort

1. Place the carrier on a level surface where it’s unlikely to move. 
2. 6 hours is the longest your cat can comfortably remain in their carrier. Any longer and they’ll need a break to drink and use a litter tray.
3. Puppy/kitten pads lining the base of the carrier will absorb pee and diarrhoea if your cat has an accident. Take along some spare bedding for the journey home – just in case.
4. Withhold food completely before travelling or feed just a smaller, lighter meal to reduce the risk of travel sickness.
5. Ensure the transport is about the same temperature as your cat’s home. 
6. Play soothing, quiet music or turn the radio off, depending on your cat’s travelling preference.
7. Your cat may feel more secure with a familiar-smelling towel or blanket covering their carrier in the car or on public transport.

Travelling on public transport 

• You can take up to 2 pets free of charge on trains in the UK.
• A secure pet carrier is essential for travel in taxis, buses or trains.
• Travelling by plane requires special airline approved pet carriers.

Keeping calm and feline good

1. Get your cat familiar with their basket – make it part of the daily scene, with positive vibes. Not just appearing for trips to the V-E-T or the cattery!
2. Spray a calming diffuser, such as Feliway, in and around the basket to help your cat feel calm and secure in it.
3. Use catnip and favourite toys to increase basket appeal.
4. Add favourite bankets (as long as they are washable!).
5. Many cats feel more secure with a cover placed over their carrier. This helps because hiding away is a natural response to stress.
6. Drive steadily and carefully. Wherever possible, avoid winding roads, loud noisy streets, roadworks and sudden stops. Travel at quieter and cooler times of day, where possible.
7. Try calming supplements such as Yumove Calming cat. Or natural travel sickness remedies containing Skullcap and Valerian.

Some cats will not settle despite these measures. Talk to your vet about treatments to help your cat if they can’t tolerate travelling.

Travel sickness and travel stress in cats – how vets can help

1. Motion sickness: anti-nausea medicines, such as Maropitant (Cerenia) tablets are licensed for cats.

Some types of antihistamine medicines are also prescribed off licence to settle symptoms.

2. Travel stress and anxiety: gabapentin, trazodone, buprenorphine and alprazolam are the options your vet may suggest.

When trying any of these medications for travel stress, it’s worth having a ‘trial run’ before a longer journey. Effects will vary between cats. Side-effects can include drowsiness or being unsteady on their feet.

Caution! Never give human travel-sickness medication to your cat. It can do serious harm. Always seek veterinary advice on safe medicine for travel sickness.

Travelling abroad with your cat?

Advance planning is essential if you plan to take your cat out of the UK. Talk to your vet as soon as you start to think about taking your cat to another country. 

For travel to the EU or Northern Ireland, your cat will need:

• Their own Pet Passport, or
• A UK Health Certificate. To get a Health Certificate, your cat needs to see an Official Veterinarian (OV) between 1 and 10 days before you travel. Not all vets are OV’s, so check with your local practice.

Both the Pet Passport and UK Health Certificates need proof of:

• Microchipping date
• Rabies vaccination – booster dates. Your pet can’t travel to any EU country or NI until at least 21 days after their first rabies vaccination, or restarting rabies vaccination if boosters have lapsed.

Other requirements: Unlike dogs, cat’s don’t need tapeworm treatment before returning to the UK. Check the entry requirements for the country you’re travelling to. Different countries can have different rules surrounding the frequency of rabies boosters and worming requirements. 

A word of caution!

There are some biting insects and other parasitic disease hazards in EU countries that we don’t have in the UK. Ask your vet about effective preventive care for parasites, including worms. It may not be required for a Pet Passport or Health Certificate but it could be life-saving for your pet.

Mission Im-paw-sible?

If travelling with your cat is too stressful for all concerned, here are some alternative ways to ensure everyone has the most relaxing summer:

• Catteries: visit local catteries as close as possible to home. Select one that offers the level of care your cat needs and that you expect. Start with short breaks. And if it works well, keep to the same cattery and book well in advance!
• Pet sitters: family, friends or trusted professional sitters. These are ideal because your cat stays in their familiar home, with all their needs provided. They’ll still need company – some more than others.
• Automatic feeders: best for outdoor-ranging cats and short absences for a night or two at most. Indoor cats are more likely to need company and a clean litter tray!

However you and your cat plan to spend the summer, have a wonderful time. And don’t forget to take us with you! 

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