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Are you and your whiskered buddy moving to a new place, or maybe you’re about to attend a family reunion across the country? Whatever the reason, your cat needs to travel a long distance. However, moving can be stressful and scary, not only for you but also for your precious fur baby. Knowing how to ship a cat and some proper planning will ensure your feline companion has a safe and stress-free travel experience.
First things first, you need to decide how your munchkin will travel. Choosing the best travel method depends on several factors, such as the distance, your cat’s personality, and your budget.
There are two options available: air travel and land transport. Air travel could be a wise choice if your pet had to be transported across the country. However, flying can be stressful for some cats. On top of that, not all airlines are pet-friendly. But if it’s just a short distance or your pet isn’t a fan of flying, land transport is the best option. Yes, it can take longer, but it’s less stressful for your feline friend, who hates flying.
Once you’ve picked how to ship a cat, you need to decide whether to handle everything on your own or hire a pro. DIY can be cheaper and allow you to be with your fluffy travel companion throughout the journey, but it requires a lot of research and meticulous planning. In that case, hiring a professional pet transport company can be your best bet. This service can handle everything, which is a lifesaver, especially if you’re not confident enough to keep your pet safe and comfortable on the road.
Before your fluffy friend sets off on an adventure, there are a few things to do.
Taking your cat to a vet before the trip is critical to ensure your fur baby is healthy enough to travel. Ensure your cat’s vaccination is up-to-date, and get a health certificate from your vet. These documents are required for travel, especially by air. Talk to your vet and discuss any health concerns related to travel. That way, you’ll have peace of mind and reassure the pet transport service or airline that your feline buddy is fit to travel.
Get your floof used to its carrier. Your cat should feel comfortable and secure in it. Leave it open at home a few weeks before the trip. You can put its favorite bed mat or toys to recreate its hideaway’s ambiance. You can also place treats inside to encourage your cat to spend more time in the carrier. That way, your fur baby will feel less stressed during the trip.
Traveling can take a toll on your cat, especially when its routine is disrupted. Thus, it’s best to take some steps to keep it calm while on the road or in the air. You may use pheromone sprays or wipes to reduce anxiety. Again, you may put familiar blankets or toys in the carrier to comfort your cat. If your vet thinks it’s necessary, they will prescribe a medicine to ease anxiety. Always follow your vet’s advice and recommended dosage regarding medications.
Now that you’ve decided how to ship a cat, it’s time to do some research. If you plan to fly your cat, look for airlines that allow pets. Some airlines only let pets ride in the cargo hold. However, the noise and unfamiliar territory can cause stress for your cat. If your fuzzy furball is a nervous flyer, find an airline that lets you bring your kitty into the cabin. Check and read their size and breed restrictions for in-cabin pets beforehand.
If you prefer to hire a pet transfer service, ensure the company has years of experience transporting pets. While most companies use temperature-controlled vans, it’s still best to ask how comfortable your cat will be once the journey starts. You want to ensure your pet feels safe and secure, especially if it’s a long ride. Also, ask whether they ship multiple pets at once, which could stress your fur baby. Don’t forget to read reviews to ensure you hire only the best.
But if you want to drive your cat, ensure a secure, escape-proof carrier. Take breaks every few hours to let your feline friend use the litter box and get some fresh air. Never leave your cat unattended in the car, even for a short period, to prevent heat strokes. Also, don’t place it in the front seat to avoid injuries in case of an accident.
The day has finally arrived! Before hitting the road or heading to the airport, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Give your four-legged baby a light meal before the trip. A big meal can make your cat sick in the car or upset its stomach. A light meal, on the other hand, can prevent such problems, keeping travel clean and worry-free. Also, limit its water intake to reduce accidents in the carrier, but make sure it stays hydrated.
If your vet prescribed medications to ease your furry friend’s anxiety, give it to your kitty according to the vet’s recommended dosage. If advised, try a test dose the day before the trip to see how your feline friend responds. Sedation can calm some cats, but it’s not advisable for everyone.
Ensure the carrier is clean and comfy. Besides fresh blankets and toys, make sure you put self-absorbent padding in the carrier in case of accidents. Also, check and secure the door and latches to prevent escapes.
Once you arrive at the airport or meet the pet transfer service, prepare all necessary documents, including your cat’s health certificate, proof of vaccination, or any airline or transport company documentation. Ask questions about the travel procedures and ensure you’re comfortable with the arrangements.
If possible, observe your cat during the journey, especially if you’re traveling by car. If your cat is flying, talk to the airline staff once you land to confirm your fur kid is appropriately handled.
Once you reach the destination, it’s time to help your fuzzball adjust to its new environment. Set up a quiet space in your new home with familiar things like beds and scratching posts. Let your pet rest for as long as it wants, and don’t force it to come out.
If your feline buddy has rested, allow it to explore the new surroundings at its own pace. Some cats adjust quickly, while others might need a few days. Also, watch out for any unusual behavior or signs of stress. If you notice anything concerning, talk to a vet near your area.
Traveling abroad with your furry companion is much trickier. Many countries have specific rules and regulations about pets coming across borders. These rules may include quarantine periods, proof of vaccination, and other paperwork. If you want to take your whiskered buddy out of the country, research the needed documents and other requirements early and consult your vet.
If your fluffy friend isn’t microchipped yet, consider getting this done. A microchip is an electronic device inserted under your cat’s skin. It has a unique identification number that tells you where your cat might be if it gets lost during the trip.
Traveling can leave your wallet crying, and shipping a cat is no exception. The transport cost depends on several factors, such as how far the destination is, how to ship a cat, and whether or not to hire a professional pet shipping service. Whether doing it alone or hiring a pro, land transport will only cost a few hundred bucks. On the other hand, air travel can run into thousands of dollars. Start saving early and budget accordingly for your feline’s travel expenses.
It depends on your cat’s personality, the distance you’re traveling, and your budget. Short trips or cats that hate flying are best suited for land travel. Flying is faster for long distances but choose a pet-friendly airline.
DIY transport is much cheaper than hiring a pro and lets you stay with your pet during the trip. However, it requires meticulous planning. If you’re not confident doing everything or handling your travel, a professional pet transport company can streamline the process.
The price depends on the distance, the transport method, and whether or not to hire a pet shipping service. Ground transport can cost a few hundred dollars, while air travel can run into thousands, depending on the specifics. Always budget ahead and save accordingly for the best travel experience for your feline friend.
Research is key! For ground transport services, look for years of experience and positive reviews and ask questions about their comfort measures. For airlines, check their pet policies, cargo vs. cabin options, and breed restrictions.
Visit a vet for a health checkup to ensure your cat is ready to hit the road or take off and get vaccinated if needed. Also, get it used to its carrier by leaving it open in your home with treats and toys inside.
Feed your cat a light meal and control its water intake while staying hydrated. If your vet prescribed medications for your kitty’s anxiety, follow their advice regarding the recommended dosage. You may also use pheromone sprays to calm your cat. Don’t forget to double-check the carrier’s security and have all the documents ready.
Transporting a cat may seem overwhelming. But if you know how to ship a cat safely and comfortably, your kitty will have a happy journey—be it on the road or in the air. Follow the tips above to give your cat the best travel experience possible.
