Travel Tips for Your Kitty

For car travel your cat should be in a carrier. Cats welcome that security. A loose cat in the car can be a danger for the driver, passengers, and the cat. The best carriers are the sturdy plastic type; they are the most durable and easiest to clean. Cats should be exposed to the carrier a few days before the trip. Leave the carrier out and open so that your cat can explore it.

Cats travel best on an empty stomach. Do not feed for 6 to 10 hours before the trip to prevent the cat from vomiting or defecating. Allow your cat to drink until 2 hours before departure. Cats can travel for a long time (18-24 hours) with no water. There really is no need to supply water during the trip if your cat is healthy. Older cats or cats with kidney problems should have access to water. A water bottle that drips water can be used for long trips. Cats can easily go without food for 24 hours. Plastic food bowls that clip onto the wire doors of the carrier can be used.

Make sure to have paper towels, extra bedding, and a small garbage bag in case you have to clean the carrier. For long trips, fill the cat carrier with soft litter made of compressed newspaper pellets (Good Mews Cat Litter) and nothing else. This litter is comfortable for your cat to rest on and it absorbs tremendous amounts of liquid.

If you plan to stop at motel, bring along your cat's litter box, as cats prefer their own familiar one. Disposable litter boxes are also available.

Many hotels/motels allow cats to stay overnight. Motel 6 accepts cats with no extra charge. For further listings, check out www.petswelcome.com or purchase Eileen's Directory of Pet Friendly Lodgings, U.S. and Canada ($19.95).

Check the hotel room first and make sure it is cat safe-no open windows, no small places where your cat can hide or get stuck. If you leave your room, put the "Do not disturb" sign on your door, and put your cat back in the carrier.

Air travel is also stressful for your cat, especially if the cat flies in the cargo hold. The Sherpa Bag is designed to fit under the airline seat so that your cat can be with you. Call ahead to get airline approval. Some airlines charge $50-$100 to allow your cat to be with you.

Your cat should wear a secure collar and identification tag. In case your cat gets lost, carry a current photo to help in the search.

If you follow all the suggestions, your trip with your cat can be a pleasant and manageable event.