Common Travel Problems

Common Travel Problems

A cat's idea of a vacation is a stroll through your neighbor's flower garden. For the most part, they don't like planes, trains OR automobiles. Sure, there is the occasional feline who will bask in the sunlight streaming through a car's rear window, but these travel-loving cats are rare. Most find car rides stressful to say the least; you are more likely to have your cat bouncing off the windows rather than enjoying the view. But since some trips -- like those to the veterinarian -- are unavoidable, you need to teach your cat some "rules of the road". While traveling probably will never replace sleeping and eating as your cat's favorite activities, a little preparation and an understanding of the common travel problems should make the trip manageable for both you and your cat.

Problem	Solution
Finding suitable transportation. Amtrak and most interstate bus carriers do not accept animal passengers, with the exception of service dogs like seeing-eye dogs.	Take a plane; most airlines will accept your cat as a passenger. If it's feasible, take your own car.
Travel could cause motion sickness.	Withhold food and water for four hours before departure.
Finding accommodations where your cat is welcome.	Confirm in advance that the establishment accepts animals. If staying with friends or relatives, make sure your cat is welcome and can be housed comfortably.
Finding medical attention on the road.	Use our or have your veterinarian recommend a colleague at your destination. In an en route emergency, you can contact the American Animal Hospital Association at 1-800-252-2242 for a referral.
Fleas, ticks and other parasites decide to come along for the ride.	When he is out of his carrier, use your cat's leash and harness. Keep him out of high grass and bushy areas. Be sure to carry a supply of flea and tick spray or powder.
Fighting exposes your cat to disease and infection.	Don't let your cat out of his carrier in the presence of another animal. Always use his leash and harness when he is out. Never leave him unattended in an open area, whether he is inside his carrier or not.
Your cat decides to take off on his own and gets lost.	Keep your cat in his carrier while in transit. If you must let him out, use a leash and harness. Be sure he wears his collar at all times. Both his carrier and collar should have identification information, including his name, your name, address and telephone number.
Your cat decides to take off on his own and gets lost.	Do not leave your cat unattended while away from home.

Coping With Motion Sickness

You can reduce the chances that your cat will suffer from motion sickness by withholding food and water for at least four hours before departure.
If the trip will last for an extended period of time, be sure to offer him periodic water and litter box breaks. The best time for feeding your cat is at the end of the travel day to allow him sufficient time to digest.
Have a supply of paper towels and moist towelettes handy for cleanups if your cat should get sick.

Hotel Safety And Convenience Tips

Inspect the room before letting your cat out of the carrier. Take any necessary "cat-proofing" actions.
Ask the staff if and when the room was sprayed with insecticide. If recently sprayed, request another room. You don't want to expose your cat to insecticides.
Check for cat hiding places. Use masking tape with heavy paper or pillows to block access to places where he could become trapped.
Beware of toilets with blue toilet bowl cleaner. These are poisonous, and can be deadly. Keep the lid closed so your cat can't drink the water.
Make sure all drawers, windows, and doors are closed before you let him out to explore.
Put his lined litter box in the bathroom or another out-of-the-way location. Put no more than two inches of litter in the box.
Place his water dish filled with bottled water in plain "cat view."
If your cat tends to cry or meow when under stress, or if he climbs the drapes or sharpens his claws on furniture, keep him in his carrier, a portable wire "Tokyo" cage, or the bathroom when you leave.
It's a good idea to place the "Do Not Disturb" sign outside your door so an unsuspecting maid doesn't come in and inadvertently let your cat out.
Be sure to clean up all the scattered litter before you check-out.
Wash your cat's dishes. Put empty food cans in a plastic zipper or twist-tie bag, or ask Housekeeping where to dispose of the cans.
Do a thorough toy and trash check to make sure you've left nothing behind.

Preventing Your Cat From Getting Lost

Your cat should always wear his collar with a tag attached. Include his name, your name, address and telephone number on the tag. An "emergency kit" with additional information is also highly recommended. Assemble an envelope containing: Medical and vaccination records (These will be needed when crossing state lines or in case of a medical emergency.) Ownership papers or other documentation such as veterinary records to prove the cat belongs to you The name and phone number of the cat's veterinarian A current photograph of your cat If you will be staying more than a few days or if your cat has an ongoing medical problem, you should secure the phone number of a referred veterinarian at your destination. (For referral vets you can call the American Animal Hospital Association, 1-800-252-2242, between 8am and 5pm MST.)

If Your Cat Does Get Lost

Contact animal control agencies and humane societies in the local and surrounding areas. Provide descriptions and photographs and check with them daily. Contact the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Animal Care regional office closest to where your pet was lost. Help can also be sought from radio stations. Leave telephone numbers and addresses with all of these contacts should you have to return home.