Tips for Traveling With a Cat

Traveling with a cat comes with a unique set of challenges the foremost of which is finding a hotel that will accept your feline friend. Even hotels that are pet-friendly don’t always welcome cats. For example, the Moxy Hotels official website notes, “all of our hotel rooms welcome furry friends (so long as your friend is a dog and weighs 20 lbs. or less).”

In my experience, Loews Hotels offers the best VIP treatment for cat lovers. They provide scratching posts, litter boxes, pet beds, treats, placemats and food bowls for their feline guests. They even have a gourmet room service menu just for your cat!

You can book a Loews Hotel for your next stay in Nashville, New York, Orlando or any of their 26 locations across the U.S. and Canada. Keep in mind that only two pets are allowed per room and additional cleaning fees may apply.

More Tips for Traveling with a cat:

In addition to a cat-friendly hotel, you should prepare your pet for her trip. The following tips for traveling with a cat will get you ready to go.

• Make sure your cat is up-to-date on vaccinations. Rabies and feline distemper shots are required.

• Get your cat microchipped and equip her with a collar and identification tag just in case she gets lost while traveling.

• Get to know your cat’s travel style. Some cats are good on leashes, while others feel more comfortable in a pet carrier. Make the carrier a happy place for your cat at home. Practice on short car rides or day trips before taking a longer trip.

• For nervous cats, ask your vet about supplements or medications that can offer your cat relief from travel anxiety.

• If flying, make sure you use the right size carrier for your cat. The carrier will count as your carry-on bag. Pack a portable water dish and litterbox inside. Remember that your cat goes under your seat, not in a luggage compartment.

• If you plan on traveling internationally, check with the airline to make sure pets are allowed. You will need to comply with any requirements of your destination country, such as obtaining an international health certificate for your cat.

Finally, be patient with your cat and adapt to her needs. Your cat most likely won’t be thrilled about the new scents and sensations of traveling, but she will likely get used to it in time. Prioritize her safety in new environments. For example, check doors and windows to make sure she won’t be making a great escape. Let her get exercise on a leash in safe environments, and make sure to bring plenty of food, water, medications, and waste removal bags.

Traveling with your cat can be a purr-fect way to bond with your pet, especially if you are traveling solo or will be away from home for an extended time. Making your cat comfortable takes planning and effort, but a cat-friendly hotel like the Loews Hotels can make your job a lot easier.

In need of further inspiration? Check out Samantha Heller’s guide, A Dog Mom’s 7 Tips for Traveling with a Dog.