Traveling to Your Hometown with Your Cat! A Guide to What to Bring, Preparations, and Transportation

If you live with a cat, you might worry about what to do when you go back to your hometown for a visit.

Should you leave them at a pet hotel, or let them stay home alone...? While it is difficult if you are traveling by airplane, bringing your cat along is an option if you are traveling by car or Shinkansen.

In this article, we will explain the pros and cons of bringing your cat along when visiting your hometown, as well as the necessary items, means of transportation, and precautions.

Pros and cons of bringing your cat along when visiting your hometown

Taking your cat with you on a trip home has both benefits and, of course, drawbacks.

Pros of bringing your cat along

For cats that are clingy or require physical health management, there are major benefits to bringing them along.

• You can spend more time with your cat
• No pet hotel costs
• No worry about being separated in the event of a disaster
• You can manage meals and medication
• Your cat won't feel lonely

Cons of bringing your cat along

Cats are creatures sensitive to changes in their environment. Depending on your cat’s personality and the mode of transportation, traveling together can be a source of stress. It is important to understand these drawbacks as well.

• Limited transportation options
• The cat may feel stressed by travel
• Illness due to environmental changes
• Risk of escape
• Need for anti-escape measures at your parents' house

What you need when bringing your cat along

When you take your cat with you, they will be spending time in an unfamiliar place. It is important to be well-prepared with things you need during travel and things you need at your destination.

The items you need are as follows:

Carrier bag/cage

Always keep them in a carrier bag or cage during travel. If it is one they are already used to, it will also serve as a safe space for your cat at your destination.

Harness and leash

Even if they are in a carrier, there is a risk of them escaping due to a sudden jump. We recommend using a harness and leash to prevent escapes while traveling or at your destination.

Since this is also useful when evacuating during a disaster, it is best to get your cat used to wearing them regularly.

Litter box and cat litter

At your destination, you can use a portable litter box or a cardboard box as a substitute. However, to help your cat feel at ease, mix some of their used litter with the new litter.

Food and bowls

Give them the food they are used to eating, even when visiting your hometown. Ideally, try to bring along their familiar food bowls as well.

Towels, blankets, and toys

Since the destination won't smell like them, your cat may feel nervous and stressed.

Place a towel or blanket that has your cat's scent on it inside the carrier to create a calming space for them. Be sure to bring their favorite toys too.

Portable cage

If your cat needs a designated spot to stay at your destination, a portable cage can be very convenient. There are lightweight and compact options similar to pop-up tents, so consider looking into those.

Cat health record

If your cat gets sick at your destination and you need to visit a veterinary clinic, having their health history will be very helpful for the diagnosis. We recommend preparing a health record that summarizes your cat's weight, eating and urination habits, past illnesses, and vaccination history.

Regular medication

If your cat takes any medication regularly, don't forget to pack it. Also, if your cat has a pre-existing condition or suffers from motion sickness, it is a good idea to consult with your regular veterinarian about bringing them along.

Transportation methods when bringing your cat

The precautions for bringing your cat vary depending on whether you travel by car or train. Let's look at the points to keep in mind for each.

If traveling by car

A major advantage of traveling in your own car is that the cat can travel door-to-door. You can avoid crowds, and there is less risk of them being exposed to heat or cold.

However, a carrier or cage is essential even in a car. Secure it firmly with a seatbelt. Do not hold your cat while riding in the car.

There are surprisingly many cases where cats jump out of windows or doors when stopping at service areas for a break. Also, if your cat enters the driver's area, it could lead to driving errors.

Keep them in their cage or carrier during the trip and check on them to see if they are getting motion sickness. If you need to let them have water or use a litter box during the trip, it is safer to have their harness and leash on.

If traveling by train

If you purchase a "pet carry-on ticket" (290 yen for JR lines) at the station window, your cat can ride on trains and Shinkansen. Traveling by train allows for a smooth, congestion-free trip. It is also less likely for them to get motion sickness.

However, stations can be very crowded during peak holiday seasons like Obon or New Year’s. The noise and the presence of strangers can be stressful for a cat.

Cover the carrier with a towel or blanket to hide the surroundings so your cat can't see out. Just like with car travel, it is safer to put a harness and leash on to prevent escape.

Also, note that the cost of the ticket and the permitted size/weight of the carrier vary by railway company. Be sure to check in advance.

Reference: JR Central "Information for passengers bringing pets"

Summary

Cats are creatures very sensitive to changes in their environment.

Your cat considers their home to be their territory, and leaving that territory causes them stress. Thinking about your cat makes it hard to decide whether to take them with you.

For healthy cats, it is generally considered acceptable to leave them home alone for a night or two.

However, for longer trips, "taking them with you" is an option. As explained in this article, make sure to check the items you need and precautions in advance, and prepare thoroughly.

Depending on your cat's personality and age, it might be less of a burden to leave them at a pet hotel or hire a pet sitter. Please choose the method that ensures your cat stays comfortable.

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