Things to Consider When Traveling with Cats!
Traveling with cats is a seemingly simple but difficult situation. So what should be considered when traveling with cats? Because cats are emotionally attached to their environment, they don’t like traveling to other places. Moving away from their environment is a sign of vulnerability for them. The urge to explore new places is present in dogs, but it’s hard to say the same for cats. For this reason, it is necessary to know some detailed information about traveling with cats. So what are the things to consider when traveling with cats? We answered this question for you in our article…
Why Traveling with a Cat is Difficult
As it is known, cats are creatures that are under great stress while traveling. Considering the stress they experience even when just taking them to the vet, what they will experience on an intercity trip and what they will make their owner experience can turn into a complete chaos. However, if some points are taken into consideration, the process can be a little easier. First of all, it is worth mentioning that before traveling with cats, it is absolutely necessary to get a veterinary opinion. As someone who knows your cat well, the veterinarian will give the most accurate guidance on this issue.
Can Cats Take Long Journeys? How Many Hours Can Cats Travel?
Cats can travel long distances as long as the right conditions are created. But the duration of this journey is also very important. Of course, cats have a certain amount of patience and endurance. It is recommended not to choose trips that will exceed 5-6 hours. The effective factor at this point is that cats cannot meet their air and food needs sufficiently. Apart from that, especially the need for toilet will be a big problem. If you are in a position to control it from time to time, for example, if you are going with your private vehicle, it can extend 5-6 hours.
What to do when traveling with cats?
Before asking the question of what to do while traveling with cats, there is something to be considered before traveling. Before traveling, these tiny creatures should be put into the acclimatization process with short-distance journeys. In this way, they will have an idea that they will return home, that is, to their own living space after the journey, and their stress will gradually decrease. It should not be forgotten that stress is the most obvious emotion that puts a cat in difficulty during the journey.
Once it is clear that the cat is used to traveling, a series of measures should be taken depending on the method of travel. These methods can be explained as follows:
- Traveling by Car: Cats should be kept in a sturdy carrying case when traveling by car. Because it can cause an accident in the vehicle and at the same time there is a risk of jumping out of the window. In addition, the temperature of the carrying bag should be ensured according to the weather conditions.
- Traveling by Train: The type of carrying case is very important when traveling by train. It should be both secure to prevent the cat from escaping and lightweight to be carried comfortably. On the other hand, a bag with a hard bottom should be preferred in order not to dirty the wagons. Because soft floors can transmit urine to the outside.
- Traveling by Airline: Unfortunately, most airlines do not allow cats to travel with their owners. They usually travel in a warm section created for animals in the luggage compartment of the plane. However, the point to be considered here is that direct flights should be preferred. Connecting flights are not good for cats.
- Bus Travel with a Cat: You can travel by bus during the intercity exchange. You can take your cats with you depending on the company. But it is also known that many companies want to take them in the luggage compartment. However, there may be weather problems and cat losses in the luggage compartments.
Using the Cat Carrier Bag
As it is known, carrier bags are largely produced for taking cats to the vet. As cats learn this over time, they show restless behavior in the bag. For this reason, before traveling with cats, they should be accustomed to the bags. The important thing here is to make the carrier a fun and stress-free place for cats. For this, you can put a favorite toy inside. You can also sprinkle your cat’s favorite treats inside the bag. In this way, traveling with cats will become quite easy.
How to prepare a cat’s toilet on a trip? Cats Toilet Problem on a Long Journey
If you are traveling with a cat for the first time, one of the difficulties you will have is to relieve your cat’s toilet needs. Even if you put your cat to sleep, it can poop without realizing it. At this point, cat pads will be in a position to do your job. Because it is very difficult to carry with sand. Cat pads are used after neutering and other surgeries to control the toilet of cats with medication effects. You can also consider this option while traveling.
Should you use cat tranquilizers for traveling?
One of the most preferred methods for traveling with cats is to use sleeping pills. Unlike tranquilizers, they make cats sleep for a certain period of time. However, the name of these drugs should not be given without consulting a doctor. Depending on your cat’s health condition, you should use it under veterinary control. You can also check out our ‘Cats and Travel’ category to learn other tricks of traveling with cats. You should also take a look at our social media account Kedi Sevgisi, where various information about cats is shared! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8h_3NkQr2QU
