Car rides and flights with a cat: here's how it's sure to work out!

There are many reasons why you might need to travel with your cat — whether it's for a move, a vet visit, or a relaxing holiday. No matter where you're headed: preparation is everything!

Preparing to transport your cat🐾

• Get a suitable carrier bag for your cat. A good carrier should be big enough, and your cat should feel safe inside it.
• Give your cat plenty of time to get used to the carrier by feeding it treats and playing with toys inside. This process of getting used to it should start well before the first actual trip.
• If you force your cat into the bag, it will forever associate the bag with a negative experience and react with stress just at the sight of it. Time, patience, and positive associations with the bag are therefore key.
• Offer your cat plenty of water and food before longer trips, but don't overfeed it, to avoid nausea. If the trip lasts several hours, it also makes sense to bring water along.

Tips for car rides with your cat🚗

• Give your cat enough time before the ride to calm down and empty its bladder.
• Use a car seatbelt or secure the carrier some other way so the bag can't slide around.
• Avoid opening the carrier while driving, as this can be dangerous for your cat. If the cat jumps out in the car, it can cause chaos.
• It's best to bring your cat's favorite toy or a familiar blanket to give it a sense of comfort.

Tips for flying with your cat ✈️

• Book a spot for your cat with the airline early.
• Use an approved pet carrier that's large enough for your cat and well ventilated. Our Check-In Carrier Bag has the perfect dimensions for flights, by the way. It's best to double-check the airline's guidelines before you travel, too.
• Make sure your cat is well fed and hydrated before the trip.
• Just like with car rides, bring along a toy or blanket to give your cat a sense of familiarity.
• Be sure to research the entry requirements at your destination in advance to avoid any issues upon arrival.

Tips for arriving at your destination 🏠

• Take plenty of time to help your cat get used to the new environment, ideally by setting up a separate room with food, water, a litter box, and a sleeping spot.
• Let your cat explore the room and avoid overwhelming it by taking it out of the carrier too soon. It's best to simply wait until your cat wants to come out of the carrier on its own.
• Give your cat time to get used to the new smells, sounds, and people around it.
• Let your cat slowly and gradually explore the rest of the new environment by opening the doors to other rooms bit by bit and letting it explore.
• Stay patient and loving with your cat, and give it the time it needs to adjust.

Emergency planning 🚨

• Make sure you're prepared in case of an emergency or if you lose your cat. Bring a photo and description of your cat, and make sure you have your cat's chip number on hand. Be sure to register your cat with a pet recovery service before the trip, too!
• Also bring a copy of your cat's health records so you can react quickly and effectively in an emergency.
• It's also a good idea to get your cat used to wearing a collar before your trip. With a tracking collar, such as our AirTag-compatible NEMO, you can always find your cat again in an emergency.

Traveling with a cat is definitely a challenge, especially if your house tiger isn't used to travel yet.
The right carrier, careful preparation, and plenty of patience will help you make the trip safe and pleasant.

Also always remember that every cat is different and has different needs. Watch your cat during the trip and adapt to its needs to make sure it feels comfortable and safe throughout the journey.

With the right planning and preparation, it's sure to work out! 🐾✈️🚗