How to travel with a cat

Whether you’re heading abroad or simply driving to the local vet, read our top tips for keeping cats safe and comfortable while on the move.

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Taking a cat on a journey can be a daunting experience – both for them and for you. Regardless of whether you’re taking your own car or going on public transport, travelling can be stressful for cats.

Not only are they away from the safety and security of their own territory, but travel invariably means cats come into contact with unfamiliar noises, smells and sights. To make matters worse, travelling can cause some cats to suffer from motion sickness.

Nevertheless, there will be times when you need to travel with cats, if only to visit the vet. So, how can you reduce stress as much as possible when travelling with a cat – or multiple cats?

Travelling with cats in a car

In the UK, it’s a legal requirement to secure your cat comfortably and safely while driving, so they can’t distract you or cause an accident.

Before travelling with your cat, you’ll need a sturdy carrier that meets requirements – it must be secured so it doesn’t move when you brake, accelerate or turn, and fit in a place that is easy to access.

For short trips, a soft-sided carrier with lots of ventilation can work, although they are difficult to clean. But for longer journeys, you’ll want to opt for a hard-shell carrier with secure clips and enough room to add a litter tray and some food. Hard plastic carriers are also easier to clean if your cat has an accident.

During the warmer months, keep the car cool and the carrier in shade, so your cat isn’t sitting in direct sunlight. This will help them stay calm and comfortable.

Travelling with cats by public transport

You can travel with cats on public transport in the UK, but the rules vary depending on the service. For example, National Rail and the London Underground allow cats as long as they’re in a secure carrier.

Some local buses also allow cats in carriers, but National Express coaches don’t allow pets, except for assistance animals. It’s worth checking the specific rules of your transport provider before you travel, and for longer journeys, try to book a quiet coach or travel during off-peak hours to limit loud noises.

As for taxis, some companies will accept pets, but it’s usually at the driver’s discretion, so always mention your cat when you book. On-demand taxi apps, such as Uber, now often offer pet options, connecting you with pet-friendly drivers for a small additional trip fee.

Travelling with cats by plane

Before considering travelling by plane with your cat, think very carefully about whether it’s really necessary and if other options would be preferable. It’s important to put your cat’s welfare first. As territorial animals, cats would not want to travel abroad to go on holiday. If emigrating, there needs to be serious thought about the travel time, as well as whether the cat will cope in the new environmental conditions of the destination, e.g. too hot or too cold, local threats to cats etc.

While most UK airlines don’t allow you to travel with cats in the cabin, some offer the option for pets to be stowed in the hold underneath the plane. Airlines such as British Airways, KLM and Air France permit cats to travel as cargo, while budget airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet don’t.

Before flying, make sure your cat has an Animal Health Certificate (AHC), along with a microchip and up-to-date vaccinations, particularly the rabies vaccine, and parasite control. If you’re travelling to a destination within the EU or elsewhere, ensure you have complied with the necessary requirements. Some destinations may also require a Fit-to-Fly Certificate from your vet. With a Petplan policy, pets can travel with their owners to the EU and have cover for up to 90 days within a policy year.

For cargo travel, choose an IATA-approved hard plastic carrier with ventilation holes and enough room for your cat to stand, stretch and turn comfortably. And don’t forget to securely attach a luggage tag with your details, so your cat can easily be identified at the destination.

Additional tips for making your cat comfortable during travel

Familiarise your cat with their carrier

Prepare your carrier long before you set off, making sure it’s a comfortable, safe space for your cat. Fill it with familiar bedding that has your cat’s scent on it, as well as toys and treats, and leave it with the door removed so they see it as an extension of their usual environment and hopefully a safe den.

For longer trips, you could try experimenting with the placement and position of your cat carrier. Most cats, including nervous cats may respond well to having a towel placed over their carrier (while ensuring good ventilation).

If you are travelling with multiple cats, each cat should travel in their own carrier.

Be prepared

For long trips, plan regular breaks and have a water bowl and litter tray handy. If you need to break your journey overnight, always research pet-friendly accommodations ahead of time.

Being prepared will help to keep you calm and relaxed, ensuring your cat doesn’t pick up on any stress signals.

Pack the essentials

When travelling with cats, don’t forget to pack your cat’s food, bowls, bed, toys, portable litter tray and any medication they need.

Your cat should have access to fresh water right up until the start of a big journey, but avoid feeding them immediately before in case they are sick while travelling. Instead, feed your cat a light, high-protein meal – such as boiled chicken or fish – three to four hours before you leave.

Use a pheromone spray

To help keep your cat calm in transit, spritz a calming pheromone spray (such as Feliway) inside their carrier. You’ll want to apply it at least 15 minutes before departure to allow the alcohol to evaporate.

How can I calm a very anxious cat during travel?

Some cats may benefit from natural remedies such as calming collars, or treats with ingredients such as valerian. Speak to your vet before purchasing these to make sure they’re safe for your pet’s health history.

If you have cat insurance with Petplan, you can also access our Pet Expert Chat and receive advice on how to travel with a cat from a qualified behaviourist. Head to your My Petplan account to get started.

If your cat is particularly anxious and showing signs of discomfort (such as meowing, or having accidents in their carrier, which could be a sign of distress), make sure to take regular breaks. Consider pulling over so they can stretch their legs inside their carrier for a few minutes – but only in a secure spot. Don’t let them roam freely in the car, outdoors or on public transport.

If your cat’s anxiety is severe, discuss with your vet the possibility of a prescribed medication to help your cat cope. Medication may keep them calm during travel, but this should only be done under veterinary advice.

If you’ve followed the above tips and your cat still struggles to settle, you may want to consider whether it’s best to use a pet sitter or cattery. Cats are highly territorial creatures and most find travelling stressful, so try to limit disruptive journeys for their happiness and wellbeing.