Should You Take A Vacation With Your Cat?

Vacationing with a cat can seem daunting. Cats may not be the stereotypical travelers that dogs are, but with the right preparation, bringing along your feline friend and surviving the experience scratch-free is possible. You never know, you might even enjoy it.  Here’s how to turn a “what-was-I-thinking” nightmare into a cherished vacation with your cat.

Should You Bring Your Cat On Vacation?

First things first: before you pack Mr. Whiskers’ travel bed and secure his seatbelt, ask yourself a big question–should your cat come with you? Cats are, by nature, creatures of routine, and the sights, sounds, and smells of a new place might just leave them wide-eyed with either curiosity or outright horror. While dog owners might imagine their pooch splashing along the shore, it’s worth pondering if your cat will feel similarly inclined or if they’d rather snooze in a patch of sun at home.

If your cat has a history of calm car rides or shows a touch of interest in things beyond your living room, they might enjoy the adventure. But if they’ve historically treated vet trips as a heinous betrayal, your answer may be purr-haps not.

The Search For Cat-Friendly Accommodations 

Should you decide your cat’s up for the trip, now comes the tricky part: finding a place to stay that actually welcomes whiskers and paws. Sure, many vacation rentals and hotels boast “pet-friendly” policies–a term that, more often than not, means they’re expecting dogs. Cats? Well, let’s just say there’s a stigma. David Grimm who brought his cats on vacation learned this firsthand and shared his experience on The Washington Post.

On Airbnb, the first filter for “pets allowed” might reveal dozens of promising choices. But start mentioning that your “pet” is, in fact, a cat, and you’ll find a number of owners become uncomfortably familiar with the phrase “dog only.” Cats, it seems, have acquired a reputation for damaging furniture, leaving behind allergens, and bringing the ultimate terror to homeowners: fleas. Yes, fleas. Forget your kitty’s angelic home behavior–these owners envision a feline flea fiesta ready to erupt on their carpet.

After an exhaustive search (and maybe a little pleading), you might score a pet-friendly hotel or rental that’s as cat-friendly as it is dog-ready. Expect a surcharge, and don’t be surprised if the owner asks for photos of your cat, likely to confirm they’re not secretly renting to a Bengal tiger.

Preparing For The Drive

Once your vacation digs are settled, you’re ready to focus on the journey itself. Cats are generally ambivalent about cars–or flat-out opposed to them. Most car trips they’ve experienced likely ended at the vet, so you may have some convincing to do.

A spacious, cozy carrier is essential. This is not the moment to set your pet loose in the backseat (no matter how much he insists), as both of you will have a much safer trip with him secured. A familiar-smelling blanket, a soft toy, and perhaps some treats will help make this small space feel safe.

Packing Essentials For Your Furry Traveler

Vacations require preparation, and when you’re traveling with a cat, that means packing up half of their personal belongings. At a minimum, here’s your list:

• Litter Box And Litter - Changing up this essential routine is a recipe for stress, so bring the exact same litter and box setup they’re used to.
• Favorite Food - Bring plenty of the food they love (the exact same food, mind you–no “vacation flavors”), and consider bottled water if your destination has hard or soft water that could upset their system. 
• Comfort Items - A scratching post can help save furniture and curb their curiosity about rental couches, while a few toys can be helpful for stress relief.
• Food And Water Bowls - Don’t forget to bring their bowls as some pets are picky about where they eat. If you’re looking for travel-friendly cat essentials, try Mo and Bear’s Purr-ent Starter Pack. It contains two cans of the best wet cat food, a stainless steel bowl, and a practical drawstring canvas bag. 
• Health Records And Proof Of Flea Treatments - Get your cat’s medical records ready just in case your accommodations ask for them. 
• Anti-Anxiety Medication - Some vets suggest a quick calming medication for anxious travelers. If your cat is already known to hiss at his reflection, consider talking with your vet beforehand.

Turning The Vacation Rental Into A Home

So, you’ve arrived. Here’s where the fun begins. After a long car ride, it’s tempting to throw open the doors and let your cat stretch out in every room, but resist the urge. The secret to settling in a nervous kitty is *gradual introduction.* Set up a small “safe zone” in one room, complete with a litter box, food, water, and any blankets or beds from home. Let them adjust before opening up more of the space, giving them the chance to expand their empire at their own pace.

And while you may be imagining scenic strolls along the shore with your kitty in tow, real-life vacationing with cats often ends up looking more like intermittent peeking-out-from-behind-the-couch sessions. And that’s okay! Some cats take the world in small doses — let them do their thing.

Adjusting To A New Routine

Once your cat has settled, it’s time for both of you to relax. Or, rather, for you to relax while keeping a half-eye on your cat’s whereabouts. Cats, after all, are masters of wedging themselves into the oddest of places, so don’t be surprised if they discover some previously unknown crevice that will have you on all fours calling their name by nightfall.

One of the best ways to keep them calm is to maintain a routine. Feed them on the same schedule, avoid loud noises if possible, and give them their favorite spots to nap in peace. A vacation can be a mental workout for a cat, so regular play sessions and some petting will go a long way.

A word of caution, however: outdoor walks might seem appealing, but proceed with care. Leash-walking a cat can be tricky — for every cat that’s a leash-loving natural, there are plenty more who respond to a harness as though it were an anvil. If you do take your cat outside, keep it short, close to your lodging, and always secure.

The Verdict: A Trip to Remember (Maybe)

Taking a vacation with your cat may not feel like a beachy breeze at first — especially if your feline is a homebody who enjoys the familiarity of, well, staying home. But for the more curious and adaptable cats, a getaway can actually be a pleasant change. Plan carefully and add a good dose of humor, and you’ll be able to enjoy the trip without either of you feeling out of place.

So, should you (and are you ready to) take your cat on a vacation? If you’ve got the patience and willingness to prepare, then maybe, just maybe, it’s worth a try. After all, a vacation is better with the whole family along–fur included. And who knows? Your little companion might just end up enjoying the change as much as you do–even if they spend most of it hiding under the bed.