Whether it be by car, by train, by airplane or boat, it`s not always easy to travel with your cat. It is necessary to always arrange certain things in advance – the tickets, an adequate kennel, tranquilizers, and water – in order to insure him maximum comfort and avoid any irregular meowing during the many hours of travel …
Cat shows, week ends in the family cabin, or big vacations … For a civilized chat, the opportunities to travel are seldom missed. A worthy master who describes to be called such will always plan ahead so that his animal experiences the transportation in the best of conditions. Certain animals are familiarized at a young age with transportation from one place to another, and they accept the situation perfectly, however others struggle with being moved around so much.
If the owner of the cat intends on staying in a hotel, he mustn`t forget to find out if his feline traveling companion will be admitted (only 1 hotel out of 6 accept clients with their pets). In all cases, always remember this precaution: to always attach an identification tag to your cat`s collar. A nervous and angry animal will always run away quickly!
By Car
Even for a short trip, it is always preferred to use a kennel or cage. Neverheless, is the cat is calm and reliable, you can always make an exception to the rule: the can will always be able to sit on the knees of the passengers, but the kennel must always be within reach.
If used, the kennel must be placed so that even sudden breaking, stopping or starting will not make it fall. Above all, never put the cat in neaither in the trunk nor should he be left in a vehicle without sufficient air circulation or to much sun exposure, which could put him at risk for heat exhaustion. If the trip lasts several hours, give him water and let him out to tie himself from time to time when nature calls. It`s better to not feed him too much before leaving, which could cause car sickness. Certain cats are subject to this, so it is always prudent to consult your veterinarian, who will prescribe a medicine that prevails noxiousness and that won`t cause drowsiness. If your cat is really irritated, feels uncomfortable or bothered, but is not vomiting, your cat will need a tranquilizer.
By Train or By Bus
Train and bus companies generally do not accept cat unless they are in there kennels. Certain ones, however, allow passengers to keep their cat on leash. The fees are usually minimal, consult the companies before hand.
By Plane
For cats weighing less than 5 kilograms, (a little more than 10 pounds), staying in the cabin is allowed if they are in a kennel. But each airline has it`s own rules, and can not exceed a certain number of animals allowed on the plane. It is that necessary to plan ahead to insure oneself a spot on board. In the cargo, cats travel in kennels that can be reserved or bought from the airline. The cargo is heated and pressurized so your cat will travel in good conditions. Neverheless, he will suffer slowly without the presence of his master. In this case, it is better to give him tranquilizers to ease his anguish.
For fees included with the ticket price consult your airline.
By Boat
Ships are not usually well equipped for animal transportation. Usually, animals would travel in cages. In certain boats, animals are tolerated in the cabins. For a small sea voyage, by ferry for example, you can generally use a portable kennel. Once again, there are not rules, it is best to consult the company. Typically, the advantage of taking a boat instead of the others is the extra space. Your cat will be able to walk on the deck with his master. The inconvenience however is a longer voyage and seasickness, which most cats are sooner to.
Foreign Travel
Whether it be Rome, Vienna or Athens, before taking your cat to a foreign country, it is necessary to know what vaccinations and documents are demanded by the country.
It`s good to know that Air France has a database of information that reflects the formalities to comply with in whatever country. If not, you can always consult the embassy or consulat of the concerned country.
Most of the time, your cat will need to have a recent certificate of health, given by a qualified veterinarian. Some documents proving that your cat does not have rabies might also be necessary.