The days are getting longer, the vaccination campaign is accelerating, confinement will soon end, the reopening of borders is approaching and with it, summer trips. This year, there is no question of depriving yourself of it! And how does it work if you want to travel with your cat?
For more than a year, successive confinements have exploded adoptions of pets around the world. According to an article in New York Times, their number has jumped 500% in some cities in the United States. The same trend can be observed in France: as soon as animal adoptions were authorized again on April 16, 2020, the Society for the Protection of Animals observed an immediate increase that lasted throughout the year with a total of nearly 38,000 adoptions in 2020 and a record low of just 3.8% return. As a result, for many, the 2021 holidays will rhyme with travel in the company of a pet. But how do you travel with your cat?
A thorny question, especially since cats value their comfort and do not particularly appreciate journeys. But don’t worry, by car, train, boat or plane (provided the airline allows it), it is quite possible to bring your little furball. It is enough to follow a few rules to ensure its well-being. And it starts before departure. It is indeed wise to anticipate your feline’s anxiety by taking some precautions. We give you the best tips.
What are the steps to take before departure?
Not overfeed it, but hydrate it well: eating just before the trip may cause nausea instead opt for a simple meal 8 hours before departure. On the other hand, to avoid the risk of dehydration when your cat is in his crate, make sure to hydrate him more.
Bach flower for cats: Urinary marking, vomiting, scratching… It is quite normal for your cat to be worried when caging for departure. The good news: all it takes is a few drops of Bach flowers, an effective calming agent derived from soothing flowers specially developed by the English doctor Edward Bach in the 1930s, to soothe it. Simply pour 4 drops into its container of water the night before departure.
Synthetic pheromones: The natural pheromones, emitted by the cat, allow it to reassure itself about its environment thanks to its own smell. The synthetic pheromones developed by the laboratories, to be sprayed on its transport case, calm your cat when its natural pheromones are not enough and he feels anxious. You can also reduce your cat’s stress with a pheromone collar.
Zylkene capsules: This food supplement based on a milk protein is effective in the fight against stress according to several scientific studies. It is a powder that must be started to give 2 days before the big day and once at the vacation spot, you can continue for a few days. Without taste or smell, your cat will see nothing but fire.
Accessible cage: It is advisable to make several arrangements to ensure the comfort of your cat throughout the journey. The first: familiarize him with his cash register before departure. If possible, place his crate in a visible place that he appreciates a few days before your trip so that he gets used to it. What type of fund to choose? Here we clearly prefer flexible transport boxes that are less bulky than rigid boxes. In any case, opt for a sufficiently ventilated and light model. Carrying over the shoulder is a plus, especially if you are traveling by train.
Our selection of essential products
How to make it comfortable during transport?
Litter mat / Draw sheet: With the stress of travel, small accidents cannot be ruled out… plan for this possibility with a litter mat or a mattress pad inside the transport cage.
Travel bowl: If your cat does not eat during the trip due to stress, you should nevertheless make sure that he always has access to fresh water. Especially for long plane trips, very dehydrating. You can plan a treat or two.
Travel blankets: Keep your cat from getting cold during the trip and ensure their comfort by putting a soft blanket in their crate. Do not hesitate to add his favorite toys as well.
Good shopping for a serene journey
See also: 5 mistakes to avoid to keep your cat healthy
Juliette Barlier
Web editor for AuFeminin since January 2021, Juliette comes directly from California and writes on subjects related to culture, astrology, and plants from an angle …