You can spare yourself a lot of trauma by getting your kitten comfortable with traveling at a young age. This doesn't mean she'll never hide from you when you pull out the carrier, but it does mean you both will be much less stressed and anxious on your way to your next destination.
For Traveling by Car:
1. If you're staying at hotels or motels, make sure they accept pets.
2. Keep your kitten in her carrier at all times. If you're traveling long distances, consider getting a large crate so you can put a small litter box in the corner.
3. Put a harness on her for the duration of the car trip. Make sure the harness has an ID tag with your current contact information attached. When you take her out of the carrier, put the leash on her. (When you get to your hotel or other destination, you can remove the harness and replace it with her collar, which should also have an ID tag on it.)
4. Bring disposable litter boxes with you. These are easier to clean up for one-night stops at hotels. If you've got room in your car and are going to be at your vacation destination for a while, bring a full-size litter box. Bring your kitten's usual brand of litter with you.
5. Pack your kitten's usual food and a supply of water from your home. Sudden changes in chlorine levels and pH, and possible bacterial contamination, can lead to constipation or diarrhea. Bring her bowls and any medications she might be taking.
6. Make sure to pack at least one interactive cat toy so you can help your kitten relax in your hotel room or at your destination.
7. Bring a photo of your kitten just in case she happens to get lost.
8. Do not leave your kitten unattended in the car! Even if you're just stopping for a few minutes to use the restroom, your car can get fatally hot very quickly. She may even be stolen out of your vehicle while you're not there.
For Traveling by Air:
1. If you must fly your kitten, get approval to carry her in the cabin. With the current regulations about carry-on luggage, you won't be able to bring more than one personal item (purse, messenger bag) and one cat, so keep that in mind.
2. Airlines have very strict rules about pet travel, so call well in advance, make your reservation for your kitten, and pay any extra fees for this privilege. Get a copy of the airline's pet policy, and your and your kitten's reservations, in writing. Bring these with you when you check in for your flight.
3. Make sure you have all required documentation (this might include proof of vaccinations and health records).
4. Your kitten will need to be in an airline-approved carrier. At minimum, that means the carrier needs to fit under the seat in front of you. Check with the airline for specifics about approved carriers.
5. Put a LIVE ANIMAL label on your kitten's carrier. Even though she'll be with you, if something happens and you and your kitten are separated, this is important.
6. Check before you leave to make sure your carrier is in good repair.
Related Advice from Other Cat Owners
How to Travel with Your Cat
Check with the airlines to find one that will allow you to take a pet in the cabin with you. I just did that with US Airways from Las Vegas to Sacramento with my cat, Minxy. They charged me $100 for Minxy and she had be in a small carrier that would fit under the seat.
I upgraded to 1st class for $50 at the airport so there was a bit more room. One thing to be aware of is that when you go through the security checks you have to take your pet out of the carrier and walk through the metal detector with them. If your cat is at all skittish get her in a cat leash harness so you can hang onto her if she wriggles.
I also brought my cats with me from the UK to the US. They had to go cargo on a transatlantic flight. If you have to do this get a direct flight so they don't have to wait around in the heat.
~Lisa D., owner of Domestic Shorthair
How to Calm Your Cat on a Plane
We now give our cat children's Benadryl for car rides because he gets car sick. I'd ask your vet to recommend an appropriate dosage of Benadryl and try that first (do ask your vet, mine said that certain types of Benadryl are not safe for cats). If you do decide to go with any kind of meds, you need to test them out ahead of time, when you're home with access to a vet just to make sure that she doesn't respond abnormally.
~Kelly H., owner of American Shorthair
Where to Get Tranqulizers for Air Travel
I would definitely get tranquilizers from the vet as opposed to one from the pet store because pet store stuff usually isn't strong enough and sometimes the all-natural stuff can be harmful if the dosage is wrong. Will your cat be flying in the luggage area? If so, I think a tranquilizer is necessary because the luggage area is loud and noisy and sometimes very cold and dangerous. The atmosphere is not as well regulated as the cabin. If at all possible, I'd see if you can have Kitty be your "carry-on" luggage because there have been several pet deaths for pets kept in the luggage area (poor air in area, bad handling from workers, shock or fear tumbling around in the area during turbulence, simply getting lost just like luggage does). If she's riding in the cabin a calming agent or mild sedative would be good but I think that's all.
~Calindy M., owner of Domestic Shorthair
Tips for Air Travel with Your Cat
You will have to take your cat out of the carrier to pass through the x-ray machine. I would definitely get her a harness and leash so you can do that safely. You don't want her getting freaked out and escaping in a crowded airport.
Continental has a great pet transport policy that I know many breeders use but I don't know if they fly to wherever you are going. I would check with the airlines on what type of carrier would be approved to bring on the plane with you and what health certificates that they and the country that you are traveling to would require for her to enter.
~Sandy N., owner of Persian
Before Taking a Road Trip with Kitty
It's hard to believe, but most cats are homebodies. They don't need getaways like we do. I would worry that your kitty may inadvertently escape, and being far from home, not know how to get back to you and safety. Having said that, if you really want to bring her along, it's certainly better than leaving her at home alone with a few bowls of food and water. I would absolutely have her microchipped before you go. It's not that expensive and your cat can be identified and returned to you if she does get out. While you do that, make sure she's up-to-date on all her vaccinations including and especially rabies. And, of course, if she's not spayed, she should be before you go.
~Joy W., owner of Maine Coon mix
Easing a Cat's Travel Anxiety
I would suggest talking to your vet about giving your cat something to ease his anxiety while traveling. If he is more relaxed, your trip will be less stressful for you both. Try using the meds at home a few days prior to your trip to ensure your cat has no ill effects from it. Make sure you have enough for a trial run, for the trip and back if needed.
I would also suggest using a wire dog crate instead of your typical cat carrier. Your cat will be able to see what’s going on and a comfy bed could easily be placed inside. I would avoid food, this may cause car sickness. Offering water along the way would be fine, but I wouldn't be surprised if he declines. A small litter box could also be placed inside but if he is stressed, he may not even use it. A harness and leash would be great for quiet rest stops. Get him used to the harness before your trip. Having his harness on during the trip will allow you to easily attach the leash. Make sure all doors and windows are shut before opening the crate and attempting to put the leash on.
Prepare him for the trip beforehand. Place him in the crate, take him out and sit in the car without it running for a few minutes, do this a few times. Then try sitting there with the car running. Then drive around the block and gradually make your trips a little longer. To get him used to the crate at home, put some yummy treats inside; get him to associate the crate with good stuff.
~Kathy L., owner of Siamese
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