How do I prepare my cat for travel?

Bring Along Favorite Toys and Blankets Just like you, your cat will appreciate having some of their favorite items from home when traveling. A favorite blanket or bed, familiar toys, and their own food and treats will make your trip more enjoyable and less stressful for both of you.



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Medication prescribed by your veterinarian: Buprenorphine (brand names: Buprenex®, Simbadol®), gabapentin (brand name Neurontin®), and alprazolam (brand names Xanax® and Niravam®) are examples of medications that are sometimes used to reduce the anxiety that some cats experience when traveling.

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Confine your pet Use a pet restraint, preferably a hard-shelled crate, to keep your cat contained in the car. If you're flying to your new home, follow your airline's recommendations for the proper crate or carrier. Make sure the carrier is secured and level in a seat with a vent pointing toward it for ventilation.

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Whether you travel by car or by air, make sure to set up a quiet and comfortable space for your cat as soon as you arrive to give them time to adjust. Make sure they have access to food, water, a litterbox and a comfy place to sleep in an area that's quiet.

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As much as you might like to have your kitty join you on vacation, cats are creatures of habit and probably won't care much for the change in routine and scenery a vacation offers. Some cats become very nervous in unfamiliar situations, like cars. They might start meowing loudly or even get sick.

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If your road trip is only a couple hours long, your cat will likely be fine without a pit stop. However, if you will be in the car for several hours, you should plan on taking a pit stop every few hours. Give your cat the opportunity to get a drink of water and go to the bathroom.

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Confine your pet It's not safe to let your kitty roam the vehicle freely. Use a pet restraint, preferably a hard-shelled crate, to keep your cat contained in the car. If you're flying to your new home, follow your airline's recommendations for the proper crate or carrier.

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