Awesome life hacks by ANGRY ORANGE

Travel tips for cat owners

by Jessica Britt

It’s a well-known fact that traveling is good for both our body and our mind. It’s not just my personal opinion as a travel addict, it’s scientifically proven that traveling has multiple health benefits such as: creating stronger antibodies, lowering stress and anxiety levels, decreasing heart disease risks, and increasing the overall life expectancy. I don’t know about you, but I’m seriously thinking about packing my bags right away and catch the first flight.

Our hectic lives might be overwhelming sometimes, that’s why we need to disconnect from our daily routine and reset our minds from time to time. Embracing new cultures, meeting new people, seeing amazing places, trying different foods, and living breathtaking experiences out of our comfort zone will most likely lift our spirit and give us a better perspective on our life. Sometimes getting lost far away from home means finding your true self. Yes, traveling broadens our horizons and teaches us to let go of fear.

I admit I am a travel enthusiast and a proud cat mom. You might wonder how is this possible. Can you have both- a happy pet and a passport full of stamps or a high-mileage car? Definitely. I traveled many times with my furry companion and I have a few tips for those of you who are concerned about taking your fluffball with you on the next trip.

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1. Before taking your cat on a trip, visit the veterinarian first. Some countries have strict requirements regarding pets, so you may need to update your cat's shots before the big trip. Besides that, if your pet has any health issues, you need to know about them before embarking on a trip. Keeping your pet in a confined space for a long time, might aggravate their health issues and create discomfort for them.

2. Choose the right cat carrier. The safety and comfort of your pet should be your top priorities when traveling with them. Make sure the carrier you purchase is suitable for the size of your cat. They should be able to stand, sit, and turn around freely, so they don’t get a claustrophobic feeling.

3. Make sure you have the right road trip essentials. Going on a trip with your pet might seem like an adventure. And you don’t go on an adventure unprepared, right? Don’t forget to pack your cat’s favorite food, some calming treats, their favorite toys, a disposable litter box, and their medication, if your cat is under specific treatment. Your cat might get car sick, so it is recommended to carry anti-nausea medication from your vet, just in case.

4. Make sure you take frequent breaks during long car trips. Driving can be stressful for your cat, especially if they are not accustomed to the car. That’s why it’s important to take frequent breaks, so your pet can stretch their legs, get them some food and water, and “go potty”.

5. Ensure that your cat is wearing a collar ID tag with your name, address, and phone number attached to it. You might also take into consideration a microchip for your cat. Just about every animal shelter and veterinarian in the US have RFID devices to detect microchips, in case your cat gets lost. Better safe than sorry.

Are you planning a road trip with your cat this season?