Traveling with your beloved cat! What should you pack?

Recently, hotels and ryokans where cats can stay have become popular, and more cat owners are enjoying traveling with their feline companions.

It's wonderful to be able to travel with your beloved cat. But I also worry about whether it's truly safe to take them out.

This time, we will explain in detail what you need and what to watch out for when taking your cat on a trip.

Can you take your cat on a trip?

Cats are highly territorial and very sensitive to environmental changes. First, keep that in mind.

As the saying goes, dogs are "loyal to people," so they will likely enjoy themselves in a new place with their owners. Many dogs also have no trouble eating or using the toilet.

On the other hand, cats are said to be "loyal to their home," and they feel fear and stress when leaving their home territory. They may also dislike outings for vet visits, moving, or rearranging the room.

Some cats tremble just by stepping outside, but others love walks and car rides. Whether you can take your cat on a trip largely depends on your cat's personality.

Characteristics of cats that can be taken on a trip

Whether you can take your cat on a trip depends on your cat's personality and physical condition. Check these points to avoid putting a burden on your cat.

• No chronic illness
• Vaccinated
• Flea and tick prevention in place
• Can eat in new places
• Can use the litter box in new places
• Doesn't dislike carrier bags/crates
• Doesn't dislike harnesses/leashes
• Used to travel
• Wearing a cat collar/microchip

Kittens and senior cats are not suitable for travel, as the journey itself can be a burden.

Also, cats in heat or those that have not been spayed or neutered may be refused by hotels/ryokans due to their regulations.

Things to note when traveling with your cat

When traveling with your cat, thorough preparation is essential. Check the precautions before and during the trip to avoid burdening your cat.

Beware of escapes during travel

When traveling by car or public transport, the risk of escape is higher. Check that your carrier bag is not damaged and avoid crowded times.

Even when traveling by car, always put your cat in a crate or carrier bag instead of holding them. Securing it to the seat or luggage area prevents tipping accidents and escapes from doors or windows. A harness and leash would also be reassuring.

It's also important to take frequent breaks for hydration and toilet use. Cats can also get motion sickness, so be sure to learn about motion sickness prevention.

How to spend time at your destination

Whether you can let your cat roam freely in your room at the accommodation varies by hotel or ryokan. Be careful to prevent them from jumping out or escaping the room, and always follow the rules.

Also, it would be good to consider shedding and scratching.

Cat supplies needed for travel

Some ryokans and hotels provide cat supplies such as crates and litter boxes, but your cat will feel more secure if you bring items they are accustomed to using. Get them used to them in advance.

Carrier bags/crates

Carrier bags and crates become your cat's place during travel. A collapsible, portable crate is fine. It's also useful in emergencies, so having one that can fit a litter box is convenient.

To reduce stress as much as possible, also put their usual blanket or towel inside.

Litter box

A portable litter box is convenient. It's a good idea to practice a few times before your trip. Mixing used litter with new litter can make them feel more secure.

Food/Treats

For food and treats, use what your cat is used to eating. Some cats may stop drinking water at their destination, so make good use of wet treats like Churu.

Cat collar, ID tag, leash, harness

In case of an escape, make sure your cat wears a cat collar and an ID tag. While a microchip is certainly essential, the benefits of a collar and ID tag are that they immediately identify your cat as owned and serve as a marker during searches.

Also, a harness and leash can prevent escapes during toilet breaks or jumping out of the carrier bag. If you're taking your cat on a trip, thorough escape prevention is crucial.

How long can a cat be left alone?

Cats are good at being left alone. For about 1 to 2 nights or 2 to 3 days, cats can stay home alone.

If you prepare enough food, water, and cat litter, and control the room temperature with air conditioning, your cat will feel more secure staying in their familiar territory. The feeling of "missing them" might actually only be experienced by the owner.

If you need to leave your cat for more than two nights, you can ask family, friends, or a pet sitter to look after them. You can also board them at a pet hotel, so choose the method that puts the least burden on your cat.

Summary

Whether to leave your cat at home, entrust them to a pet hotel or friend, or take them with you. It's a dilemma when planning a trip, going back home, or on a business trip.

Cats generally dislike travel. To minimize their burden, thorough preparation is essential. Getting them used to carrier bags and crates, as well as cat collars and harnesses, will give you peace of mind.

Also, the cat supplies needed for traveling with your cat can also be used as emergency evacuation supplies. Even if you don't have plans to travel with your cat, please refer to this information for emergencies!

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