Today’s post is written by the lovely travel writer and cat lady Katrina Daez! She shares with us cat lovers some smart tips about travelling with your kitty. Over to Katrina!
Hate leaving your cat behind whenever you have to go on holiday? It just hurts to see those large, sad eyes stare at you as you leave the house. So on your next adventure, why not take your furry friend with you? If you can keep it calm, well-fed, and hydrated throughout the trip, then you and your feline companion are good to go. Before you hit the road, here are some things you need to remember:
- Find the purrfect place to stay at
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Finding a cat-friendly rental isn’t that hard. There are many accommodations nowadays that offer pet-friendly amenities. Check out Queensland’s Twenty One Palm Beach or Jervis Bay’s Seaflower. Many of these rentals offer gardens where your cat can freely roam. Some even offer spa treatments that’ll make your furry buddy purr in delight. Plus, after hours of travelling and being cooped up inside the car, you and your cat deserve some R&R. Take a look at this list for more ideas.
- Pack your cat’s favourite things
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Cats are a lot like kids. They easily get bored, so you need to keep them occupied. Plus, they’re very territorial, and can easily get upset if they’re exposed to places or items they’re not used to. To keep your cat calm and avoid those ear-splitting wails while inside the carrier, don’t forget to bring:
- Your cat’s blankie (or a scrap of your old shirt—your familiar smell will help keep it calm)
- Toys
- Some dry snacks/treats
Place these items inside the carrier, and your cat’s a happy camper (at least for a few hours).
- Keep it cool and well fed
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Nothing can make a cat more moody than lack of food and water—who wouldn’t be? So be sure you bring enough water and cat food for the trip. You can buy pet food during stop overs, but cats are picky eaters. What if the next convenience store doesn’t stock your cat’s favourite snack? It’s better to just bring your own supply—your cat will very much appreciate it. Extra bottles of water and a travel-friendly water bowl should help keep your cat hydrated.
- Feed your ginger some ginger
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If your cat has a habit of throwing up whenever you drive it to the vet, bring motion sickness medications. You can talk to your vet and see what your options are. Your OTC choices can include sedative drugs such as valium that are meant for severe motion sickness. Some cats are just better off sedated to prevent anxiety, vomiting, and nausea. If you’re not keen on using OTC meds, try ginger pills or mix ginger in your cat’s dry treats. Just make sure the vet gives you the go signal and you’re using the right dose.
- Attach an ID tag to your cat’s collar
Image from: www.vetstreet.com
Make sure your cat has an ID tag securely attached to the collar. In case your cat pulls a Houdini on you, it’s easier to find and identify your furry kitty. Another option is to have your cat micro-chipped before the trip. Don’t forget to register the microchip as well as your contact details. The Australian Animal Registry has more information on how to register your cat.
With enough planning and preparation, travelling with your feline friend shouldn’t be a stressful experience. So pack your bags, get your cat on that carrier, and hit the road. Have fun!
When planning your next road trip with your furry buddy and you need to hire a car, check out what Alpha Car Hire has to offer. Aside from budget-friendly rates, expect reliable customer service and no hidden charges.
More about Katrina:
I’m a travel writer and budget traveller. My pet cat’s name is Milky. When I’m not reading books, I’m looking for seat sales and travel promos. The beach is my favourite destination–it’s soothing and invigorating all at the same time. I’m not an adrenaline junkie, but I’m willing to try anything new. Cliff diving is on my list for my next trip to the beach.
