🐾 How to travel with your cat: a complete guide and checklist for a stress-free trip

Traveling with your cat can be a wonderful experience… if you prepare well. Whether by car, train, or plane, many cat owners have concerns about organizing a trip with their cat.
In this guide, you'll find practical tips, preliminary steps, and a downloadable checklist to make the trip as smooth and safe as possible for both of you.

✈️ Can you travel with a cat?

Yes, and more and more people are doing it. Whether it's moving, vacation, or a short getaway, traveling with your cat is possible if you prepare it with time and care.
Of course, not all cats are the same: some are more adventurous and others need more time to adapt.

🩺 Before the trip: what you can't forget

The key to avoiding problems during your trip is to prepare everything in advance. Here are the essential steps:

✔️ Visit the vet

• Check that your pet's record is up to date (vaccinations, microchip, deworming).
• If you're traveling abroad, check if you need a pet passport or health certificate.
• Ask about natural tranquilizers or pheromones if your cat is very nervous.
  

✔️ Documentation

To travel within the European Union, you will need:

• Microchip
• Current rabies vaccination
• European Pet Passport

Some countries outside the EU require additional quarantines or certificates.

🧳 Practical preparations for the trip

✔️ Approved carrier

The carrier should be comfortable, safe, and ventilated. If you're traveling by plane, make sure it meets IATA regulations.

Tips:

• Leave the carrier open at home a few days beforehand so your cat can explore it.
• Put a blanket with their scent or a favorite toy inside.
• Spray him with calming pheromones (like Feliway).

✔️ Train little by little

Take short car rides or role-play to get your child used to the movement and noises.

🚗 Travel by car or plane?

By car:

• Use a harness or carrier secured with a seat belt.
• Do not leave your cat loose in the vehicle.
• Make regular stops to check that it is quiet.
• Avoid giving food 3–4 hours before the trip.

By air:

• Check if your cat can travel in the cabin.
• Please book in advance, places are limited.
• Always carry your documentation with you.

🏡 Upon arrival at destination

✔️ Prepare your new space

• As soon as you arrive, leave your child in a quiet room with their litter box, food, water, and carrier.
• Don't force him to go out: let him do it at his own pace.
• Put his favorite blanket and toys on him.

✔️ Find a trusted veterinarian

Have a nearby veterinarian on hand in case of emergency. Save the information on your phone and keep a printed copy.

✅ Checklist for traveling with your cat

Here's a list so you don't forget anything:

1. Updated health card
2. Rabies vaccine and microchip
3. Pet passport (if traveling outside of Spain)
4. Approved and ventilated carrier
5. Blanket or toy with your scent
6. Harness and leash
7. Pheromone spray
8. Usual food and water
9. Hygienic bags and portable litter box
10. Popular snacks and treats
11. Wet wipes
12. Veterinarian's details at destination
13. Pet-friendly accommodation reservation confirmed
14. Label with your name and contact number

💡 GAT Final Tips

• Don't improvise. Preparation is key to keeping your cat safe.
• Speak in a calm voice during the journey.
• Never open the carrier unless you are in a secure, closed space.
• Don't force him to explore: let your cat set the pace.

❤️ Traveling with your cat is possible

With time, patience, and proper preparation, your cat can accompany you on many adventures.

And remember: for him, the most important thing isn't the destination... it's being with you.

Did you like this guide?

📩 Subscribe to our Catario blog for more feline tips.
📥 Coming soon, also available in PDF format so you can download it and take it with you on every trip.