Family holidays often don’t feel complete without our beloved pets by our side. And while dogs tend to be seen as the traditional travel companions, there’s no reason that cats can’t be let in on the fun too! If you’re considering taking your feline friend on holiday this year, Paul Trott from pet care brand Catit shares his top tips on how to make travelling together a walk in the park.

Whether you’re exploring more of the British Isles or driving further afield to Europe, you don’t have to leave your feline companion in a cat hotel, cattery or with a pet sitter. With a little forward planning and some creature comforts, read on to find out how you could spend your next holiday with the cutest member of your family along for the ride.

Choose the right carrier

If getting to your destination involves hours on the road, this is the most important part of ensuring your cat stays comfortable and happy. Finding a spacious, sturdy carrier is always a worthwhile investment, as high-quality models will last you for years and many holidays to come. Front and top-opening carriers are often the smartest choice, as they allow you to take your cat in and out more easily than front-opening only varieties. This can be particularly useful if your feline friend tends to retreat into their carrier when they feel a little anxious or overwhelmed. It can also help to line the carrier with a blanket, as this can absorb some noise from travelling in the car, as well as provide something comfortable for them to settle down and sleep in.

Look out for carriers with useful features like grip pads inside, as these can prevent your cat from sliding around inside while you transport them to and from the car, but also during any harsh braking or winding roads throughout the journey. It’s also wise to let your cat get familiar with the carrier in the few days or weeks before your trip: letting your cat smell, sit, and play in what they’ll be travelling in can make it easier to adjust to on the day you set off.

Prioritise road safety

Once you’ve chosen the right carrier for your cat’s size and breed, it’s important that you travel with this secured safely in your vehicle. Place them in the back of the car and loop the seatbelt through the handle of their carrier, making sure it’s nice and tight. This way it won’t slide around across your back seats, which can be a real safety hazard for your cat but also potentially distract you from the road. If you ever notice your cat having an issue as they travel with you, always make sure you find a safe place to pull over before helping them to avoid any accidents from a lapse in concentration.

If you already practice leash and harness training with your cat, this can come in incredibly handy when you need to travel together. Our feline friends need to stretch their legs and take toilet breaks just like we do, so a leash can help you take breaks together during your journey without worrying that they could run away or get lost. However, leads aren’t for every cat: some take to it better than others, so don’t try to rush or force this just because you might be travelling together soon. Adjusting to a new environment can be stressful enough, so it’s best to keep as much of their normal routine as possible.

Remember toilet breaks

If your cat is still quite young, you may want to line the carrier with an absorbent pad in case of any accidents. However, if you’re confident that your cat is well toilet-trained, simply bring along their litter tray (or a lighter, more travel-friendly version) to use at your accommodation. As well as using it at your hotel or Airbnb, make sure that it’s easily accessible among your packing so you can simply grab and go for any toilet breaks at a service station or lay-by.

Plan your trip well in advance

When travelling with your feline friend, a little extra planning goes a long way. Once you’ve organised your own packing, make a quick checklist of the essential things your cat needs every day, and add a few extra home comforts that will help to reassure them when getting settled in a new environment.

When it comes to feeding times, it’s best to give your cat a meal around two to four hours before you travel. This way they’re satiated but not overly full, and they still have enough time to go to the bathroom after eating. Having treats to hand can also help you calm them down while they’re in their carrier, so be sure to pack their favourite kind with you when you’re heading on a trip together. You might want to place these inside a treat ball or interactive toy to keep them stimulated and occupied throughout the journey.

You may have packed some catnip toys for playtime when you arrive at your destination, but for the journey, it’s best to keep these stowed away in your bags. The scent of catnip gives most cats a burst of energy and playfulness, which is something you definitely don’t want while you’re travelling in the car! Instead, save this for a treat once you’ve arrived and they have got settled and familiarised with your accommodation.

Don’t forget important documents

If you’re travelling further afield with your cat, then it’s vital to bring along things like their ID and documentation. Some of the requirements have changed since Britain left the EU, but with a little research, travelling with your pet can still go smoothly if you have all the relevant paperwork prepared, printed off, and ready to go.

When crossing international borders, you’ll need to present the authorities with an Animal Health Certificate signed by a registered vet. These have replaced pet passports, which — if issued in the UK — can no longer be used when travelling to EU countries or Northern Ireland (GOV.UK). To get an Animal Health Certificate, your cat must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies (at least 21 days before receiving their certificate), and for some countries, recently had a tapeworm treatment (Royal Veterinary College). Once issued, you must use this paperwork to travel within ten days.

Remember that pet travel restrictions can differ significantly between countries, so be sure to research your destination well ahead of time and organise any important documents before your trip.

When it comes to going on holiday with your pets, don’t let dogs have all the fun! With a bit of extra planning, the right gear, and some of their home comforts, cats can be equally great travel companions. For more news and advice on all things feline, check out the rest of our blog.