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,
