Cats On Vacation: 7 Things To Prepare And Pack
Cats on vacation? But of course! Our hard working feline friends need a break from the hum-drum of reality too! Here’s what they’ll need to live their best life during a get-a-way with the family.
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Why should people only get the luxury of traveling the world? Cats are naturally curious creatures, and so it makes sense that you’d want to share your adventures away with them.
It’s true – not all cat personalities were made to be vacation buddies. But for the bravest among us, this list will help you be more prepared for the grand adventures that await!
What Do Cats On Vacation Need?
If you’re stuck on where to begin to get your pet prepared for a vacation, here is a checklist of things to take and do to get you started, to ensure your cat is safe and comfortable on their travels.
Cat-Friendly Accommodation
With a hotel, B&B, or friend/family member’s home in mind, contacting them should be your first port of call. Ask whether they are open to cats staying at their business or home.
This will help you find a spot that will provide the facilities and warm welcome your cat needs to settle in for the duration of their stay. Knowing your favorite feline is comfortable and safe will help the both of you enjoy your time away a whole lot more.
Pet Carrier
Ideally, you’ll want something durable but comforting. Lucky for you, there are plenty of options ranging from a cat carrier backpack to a budget-friendly traditional metal door carrier. What you’ll need depends on how you’ll be traveling and whether you want to take your cat out with you for walks and sightseeing while you’re away.
A pet stroller is a great, safe way to do some sight seeing with your four-legged travel companion. I’ve had my pet stroller for many years and love it. It’s a fun way to share the outdoors with your pet while keeping them secure.
Our choice, similar to the one we have, also has a drink tray and compartment for purse or shopping bags. Let the travels begin!
Will There Be Other Animals Present?
We never truly know how our cat will interact with other pets until the moment strikes. To prevent a standoff between your cat and a neighboring pooch, ask the owners of the accommodation in advance whether any other animals reside within the hotel.
If the answer is a yes – consider other, safer accommodations. It’s better to be safe than sorry. No one wants their vacation to be cut short or ruined from an incident that could have been avoided.
Creature Comforts
What creature comfort is your cat’s favorite? #catparents #catlovers #cats
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Familiar items from home, such as their comfy cat bedding and favorite cat toys, will help your pet settle quickly into their new temporary accommodation. Small reminders of home make a really big difference in the overall well-being of your cat while away.
Cardboard boxes are always a feline favorite! Consider unfolding one into your luggage. The smaller, cozy spaces help your kitty feel a bit more at ease in an unfamiliar environment. Set their favorite blanket or bed inside for an extra special way to soothe their anxiety.
My personal favorites that seem to always help relax are the self-heating pads. If your cat is a senior with joint pain, these are especially helpful.
Packing List
You’ll need to take the essentials like;
- Cat food
- Pet water bottle
- Litter box and litter [click here for our favorite by far!]
- Treats (of course)
- Cleaning supplies such as plastic bags and wipes
Packing everything they need will give you some time to scout out a nearby pet shop when you’re away, should you need it.
Don’t forget to bring them back something irresistible to up the spoiled meter even more! 😉
Keep Cats Inside
It’s often a legal requirement in most countries to quarantine your pet indoors and acclimate your cat to its new surroundings. While looking for a place to stay, check the destinations’ legal requirements and query the hotel to ask how secure their hotel rooms and grounds are too. In doing so, please bear in mind; cats can jump five times their height and run at a speed of up to 30 mph!
Consider these questions:
- Does my hotel room/accommodation have a balcony?
- Can I prevent my cat from bolting out the door into the hallway or outdoors?
- What happens if my pet destroys something?
- Does my cat have a relaxing window to sunbathe and neighborhood watch in?
- Do I need to take any extra precautions to keep my pet safe?
- Is there a way to safeguard your cat while the cleaning crew is in your space? Or can cleaning be postponed until you check out?
Microchip
If you haven’t already, you might want to consider microchipping your feline friend in case they wander off while you’re away. If someone finds your cat, they can take it to a vet to have its chip read, retrieve your contact details, and return your furry friend to you.
There have been some remarkably heartwarming stories in the news about long lost and unlikely reunions because of a microchip! This heartwarming story tells the tale of a cat lost in 1995 and reunited in 2008 – 13 years later! Yes my friend, miracles do happen!
Just Remember…
With each item you pack and check off your list, keep the below quote in mind, which sums up the treatment your cat shall be expecting;
“In ancient times, cats were worshiped as gods; they have not forgotten this.”
– Terry Pratchett
So let’s not disappoint them, and give your cat the organization and care they deserve before setting a date for your break away.
Just because we have decided to take our cats on vacation doesn’t mean we get a vacation from being their full-time slaves! 😀
Keep these precautions in mind:
- Do I have clean-up materials in case my pet has an accident on the carpet?
- Will there be an extra fee for pets? If so, how much?
- Has your Vet cleared your cat for travel? Will the stress be too difficult for my cat to handle?
Curious which hotel chains are the most pet friendly? I’ve got you covered! Take a look at this list from Trips with Pets for the pet policy of each major chain.
Have you ever taken your cats on vacation? How did the adventure go? I’d love to hear from you!
Thanks for sharing this post with your social media family. I appreciate each of you!
With Love and Healing Purrs,
Great thing indeed, but having their peeps is also part of what they need. Cats travel well if they have what they need.
Have a fabulous day, Holly. ♥
Hi Sandee! How are you and your family doing? It’s really wonderful to hear from you again. I apologize for my absence. There has been a lot going on due to dramatic schedule changes (etc) and I have been struggling to keep up. Hoping to balance back out now.
I wholeheartedly agree with you — cats need their peeps whenever possible. They are just like children and see us as their parents…and slaves! 🤣 Cats and travel don’t always mix but it’s surprising how many don’t mind the adventures!
Sending love your way dear Sandee. Thanks for taking your time to comment. I always appreciate you. Have a wonderful rest of the week! ♥
I even know a lot of boat kitties. They enjoy their cruises. It’s a wonderful thing. We are all well here. 🙂
Oh you just made me smile Sandee! That sounds absolutely adorable. Thank you for making me smile. I am grateful to hear you are all well. ♥
Great compilation of cat’s list on vacation .The microchip is a nice to have accessory , we often hear of kitties getting lost .I’m sure cat owners will love this.
You are so precious. Thank you for taking the time to comment! ♥ I really do appreciate you coming by and sharing your thoughts.
I agree — microchips really do save pet lives. So many stories have absolutely amazed me over the years of unlikely reunions. Thank you for your kind words! Praying you are well 🌺
You are very welcome Holly !It is my pleasure to read your posts and every time I learn some amazing and interesting facts . I am so glad to have connected with you in the blogging world . Yes all is well at my end and hope the same with you as well. Take care .
These are such great tips! It’s important to make sure your cats are taken care of while you’re away.
The cat stroller is so cute! I’ve never seen one like that before. It’s super nice!
The story you shared was so touching! It’s amazing when things like that happen after all those years.
Thanks Michelle! The cat strollers really are amazing. I was surprised how much my cat “Shug” loved to go riding in it. It gave her a chance to be outdoors in some fresh air without the risk of being hurt. And I agree — the microchip story was touching. It’ll hit you right in the heart when you realize how deeply pet parents and the animal have missed each other! ♥ It’s a very special bond.
The only vacation our cats get is down to my home town at Christmas. I don’t like taking them anywhere else and when we go on vacation we’re planning on having a friend come over and do the feedings etc. But I respect people who do take their cats with them or put them into kennels. I just personally feel like my two (the oldest especially) would be too nervous. Thank you so much for your information and tips. I love this site!
Hi Nyxie, thanks for stopping in & sharing your thoughts! I appreciate you.
I get where you’re coming from. It’s definitely an individual choice — whether to leave our felines in the familiar spaces of their home, board them in a care facility or take them on vacation. Our cats personalities are as diverse as ours are! The choice should definitely be made on an individual basis. Your cats sound precious & and I’m sure they are spoiled rotten! 😀
Well now I want a pet stroller! Our cats sometimes go with us to grandma and grandpa’s as they live out of town and we go for at least a few days generally. They don’t like the carrier (meow x 100 in the car) but like seeing their relatives at the destination 😉 Another terrific post full of thought and helpful tips, Holly!
😀 The cat strollers are a ton of fun, I must admit. Someone had a pretty neat idea when they thought those up!
Aw! I bet grandma and grandpa love seeing them too! Sorry the trip is so memorable for all the wrong reasons though! 🤔 Do they get car sick? Or just really don’t like travel? I found in cases like that, Feliway spray in the cat carrier (on their blanket) 1-3 hours before you plan to leave works wonders!
You are so sweet, Christy! Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and say such kind things about me. Love you! ♥ Hope y’all are doing well. I always enjoy your visits!
I can’t get over the title, I love it 😂 Cats on vacay, it should be a reality TV series!
I rarely ever see anyone with a pet stroller but on the rare occasion I have I’ve wondered whether Virgil would take to one. I don’t think he would. My old dog, Robbie, would have loved it. Lazing and luxury, that was him to a tee. The one you’ve linked to, with the drink tray and comportment underneath, looks amazing, so much more robust and practical than I’d imagined possible.
Very good note on the fact that if you’re staying in other accommodation you need to be mindful of the rules there and you’ll probably have to acclimatise your cat to staying indoors, which is where those creature comforts could be incredibly helpful. The question of ‘what happens if my pet destroys something’ hardly bears thinking about, likewise the concern that if you crack the door an inch he/she may be out of there like lightning before you even see them leave!
I love your humour, Holly, and this is super list of things to keep in mind and suggestions for making the vacation go as smoothly as possible, for both felines and their human slaves (owners, same difference 😉).
Caz xx
🤣 I think you just had a brilliant idea — cats on vacation reality TV series! Caz! We could be billionaires, ha ha ha! With the entitlement syndrome cats have — I can only imagine the places they’d demand to be! Private island with lots of fish, birds, creepy crawlers and squirrels? Oh yeah!
Virgil might surprise you and take to the pet stroller really well. If he isn’t overly anxious, he might enjoy a little luxurious ride out! Your Robbie was absolutely adorable! And it sounds like he had it made with you. Of that, I have no doubt! I bet he would have enjoyed it. They really are a ton of fun. I agree with you; I too was surprised by how well made and practical they are. They’re basically glorified versions of human baby strollers with more netting, etc. The person who thought them up was a genius!
You always know how to make me laugh! Cracked me up when I read your comment, ” for both felines and their human slaves (owners, same difference 😉).” — Ha ha, you are telling the truth!
Thanks for another awesome comment, Caz! ♥
Drove off onetime with our cat, Samantha, proudly on the hood!
Just a little joy ride
Samantha understood!
🤣 I am so glad you shared that story with me! Samantha sounds like quite the patient kitty. Adorable!