How to Travel with a Cat

I’ll be honest — before I took my first trip with my cat, people thought I had lost my mind. “Cats hate travel!” they said. “They’ll freak out in a car!” they warned. And okay, yeah, maybe they had a point. But I refused to let my love for adventure clash with my obsession with my two cats, Mochi and Luna.

So, I did what any crazy cat mom would do — I figured out how to travel with a cat without losing my sanity (or my luggage to an angry furball). And guess what? It’s possible. You just need to plan, prepare, and embrace the occasional chaos.

If you’re like me — a devoted cat parent who also craves adventure — this guide is for you. Let’s talk about what actually works, what’s a disaster waiting to happen, and how to keep your kitty (and yourself) happy on the road.

Should You Even Travel with a Cat? (A Reality Check)

Before we start stuffing your cat into a carrier, let’s get real. Not all cats are made for travel. Some are natural-born explorers, while others would rather set your suitcase on fire than leave the couch.

Signs Your Cat Might Be Okay with Travel:

✔️ Curious and enjoys exploring new spaces
✔️ Not easily stressed by car rides or new environments
✔️ Has experience with crates or carriers
✔️ Enjoys human company more than hiding under the bed

Signs Travel Might Be a Nightmare:

❌ Freaks out when taken outside the house
❌ Hates car rides and turns into a howling demon in a moving vehicle
❌ Gets easily stressed or refuses food when in new places

If your cat hates change, forcing them to travel isn’t worth it. But if they’re chill, adventurous, or at least trainable, you can make travel with a cat enjoyable for both of you.

Choosing the Right Travel Gear for Your Cat

Travel with a cat isn’t like throwing a dog in the car and heading off on a road trip. Cats require strategy, comfort, and — let’s be honest — bribery to make things work.

The Must-Have Travel With a Cat Kit

• Cat Carrier: A hard-sided carrier is best for flights, while a soft-sided one is better for car travel.
• Harness & Leash: Even if you never use one at home, trust me, it’s a lifesaver for travel with a cat.
• Litter Box Setup: Travel litter boxes exist! Bring a small collapsible litter box + litter to avoid accidents.
• Comfort Items: A blanket or shirt with your scent helps ease stress. Bonus points if it smells like home.
• Water & Food Bowls: Always have travel-friendly bowls for hydration breaks.

Your cat’s travel experience depends on the setup. The better you prepare, the less you’ll hear the heartbreaking meooowww of discontent from the backseat.

Road Trips with a Cat: Yes, It’s Possible!

The first time I took Mochi and Luna on a road trip, I prepared for the worst. I imagined hours of screaming, panic, and scratched upholstery. But by the end of the trip? They were asleep in their carrier, curled up like we never left home.

How to Prepare for a Car Trip with a Cat

• Start with Short Rides – Before a long journey, test short drives to help your cat get used to the motion.
• Use a Secure Carrier – Letting your cat roam freely in the car is dangerous (and illegal in some places!). Always use a properly secured carrier.
• Plan Litter Breaks – If the trip is long, offer a litter box break in a safe, enclosed space every 4-6 hours.

One huge tip? Never, ever open the car door without securing your cat first! Even the calmest cat can bolt if they panic.

Flying with a Cat: What Airlines Won’t Tell You

Flying with a cat is doable — but holy catnip, it requires patience.

Before Booking a Flight

• Check airline pet policies – Every airline has different rules on carriers, fees, and in-cabin pets.
• Choose a cat-friendly airline – Some airlines (like Delta and JetBlue) are better for cats than others.
• Call to Confirm – Even if you read the policy, call and double-check. You don’t want surprises at check-in!

The Airport & Flight Experience

• Security Check: Be prepared to remove your cat from the carrier while going through TSA (yes, it’s as chaotic as it sounds).
•  Under-Seat Carrier: Your cat must stay in the carrier under the seat for the entire flight.
•  Calm Vibes Only: A stressed cat = a loud flight. Talk softly, offer treats, and use pheromone sprays like Feliway to help calm them down.

Flying with a cat takes planning, but it’s completely possible if you do it right.

Keeping Your Cat Happy in a Hotel or Airbnb

Arriving at a new place can be overwhelming for a cat — new smells, strange furniture, and the terrifying unknown lurking in every corner.

How to Make a Hotel/Airbnb Cat-Friendly

• Set up a “safe zone” – Pick a quiet corner for their carrier, litter box, and food so they feel at home.
• Let them explore slowly – Don’t force them to roam. Give them time to sniff around at their own pace.
• Check for hiding spots – Cats are masters of disappearing acts. Look under beds, behind furniture, and in weird gaps before leaving!

The more your cat associates travel with safety and comfort, the easier each trip will be.

Is Traveling with a Cat Worth It?

Absolutely. If you plan ahead and respect your cat’s limits, travelling together can be amazing. Seeing new places, and experiencing new adventures — without the guilt of leaving your furry best friend behind — makes every trip even better.

But here’s the truth: some cats will never love travel, and that’s okay. If your cat prefers to stay home, find a great pet sitter and enjoy your adventures solo. But if they’re willing to be your little travel buddy? The bond you’ll build on the road is priceless.

So, fellow cat lovers — would you take your cat on a trip? Or is your feline royalty better off ruling the house while you explore? Let me know — I’d love to hear your experiences!