Pet Travel Specialists Since 1978

Helping your cat to travel well
Pet Travel Tips

Cats can be especially tuned to the environment and to their owners’ moods. To help your cat have a good trip, follow these travel tips:

Before the Trip
If possible, let your cat become accustomed to its crate. Putting a special tidbit inside can be a good way of helping a pet associate the crate with good things. Make a very comfortable, tempting bed inside the crate, and place the crate in a favorite sleeping area. Some cats like to look down on you, so try putting the crate up on a high surface, such as the top of your refrigerator. Don’t close the cat into the crate just yet. Instead, leave the crate door open to allow your cat to explore the crate and sniff it inside and out – and perhaps discover that this can be a comfortable place to take a nap.

Cats can be especially sensitive to change, and when their normal environment begins to alter, instinct often tells them to find a new home. To avoid losing your pet before moving, keep your cat indoors. Remember that when movers and other people are working in your home, doors are often left open.

At Pick-Up Time
The way you act at pick-up time is crucial to how your cat feels. Be as upbeat as you can and convey a sense of confidence. A lengthy, emotional departure will cause your pet unnecessary anxiety.

     • Preventing Escape: Cats often choose pick-up day to vacate the premises!
         Please confine your cat to a small room to prevent escape.

     • Food: Make sure the cat has access to litter and water at all times, but please
         remove food four hours before pick-up time. Please prepare two portions of
         your cat’s food in two separate plastic bags. We will attach these portions to
         the outside of the crate at pick-up time, and they will be available in the event
         that your cat’s trip is delayed.

     • Bedding: If you wish to provide bedding for your cat’s comfort and security,
         please do. We recommend a small blanket or towel. Please don’t use a large
         bed that could become hot and uncomfortable, and don’t include heavy items
         that could be dangerous in the event of turbulence. A small blanket that smells
         of home is fine, but avoid blankets with holes or a loose weave since these can
         become caught in the cat’s paws and cause distress.


At Your New Home
Cats can be disoriented by travel, and they may try to run away, so please do not open your cat’s crate until you are home. Carry the crate inside and close the door before releasing the cat.

You can help your cat adapt by returning to your normal routine as soon as possible. Offer drinking water and a light meal right away, but don’t be surprised if your cat doesn’t want to eat immediately. Cats often need time to adjust, so allow your cat a separate room with food, water and litter for two to eight days after arrival.


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