By land, sea or air
Even moving a vase around can be stressful! The veterinarian Belén Amil (collegiate Nº PO-1110) explains it to us, whom we have consulted for this article.
So when it comes to traveling, we think very much if we take our beloved pets with us , and we almost always end up deciding for the no, which, as they tell us from the ABRIGA-FELVET association -the same ones that run the fantastic Gatoteca in Madrid-, is the best.
Here we tell you, among other things, how to carry out this separation without great drama. But what if, for example, you have to go to live away for a while ? There is no discussion there: you need your kitten(s) with you!
Typical "Are you really going to leave without me?" face.
GENERAL TIPS:
- "In the event that you make frequent trips to the same place For example, to a relative's house, you can perfectly accustom the cat to these trips and let them enjoy the experience, or at least the place of destination", the experts at La Gatoteca explain.
- This same center explains to us that, to trips of less than ten days , the best thing is that the kitten stays at home and "Have someone you trust come by daily (or every two days maximum) to clean his litter box, feed him and keep him company" . If you don't have anyone who can take care of these tasks, it's best to hire a home care service like Kitty-Sitters, from Gatoteca itself.
- Regarding the animal residences , from ABRIGA-FELVET advise against them, because, in this way, our cats "accuse the lack of security of not staying at home, the stress of being in an unknown place and even the smell of many cats".
- If you are finally going to travel with him, always take your cat in a hard carrier, approved and large enough enough for him to lie down and turn around.
- The ideal is to also carry a sheet or similar to cover the carrier : "Most cats are fascinated by small, dark places," explains our veterinarian.
- Procure do not feed him during the previous hours to the trip, to avoid a possible upset stomach.
- Always carry fresh water with you and a container in which the cat can drink as comfortably as possible.
-She tries to weather conditions are not too extreme. For example, if it's cold you can put a hot water bottle in its carrier.
- Use absorbent mats to relieve themselves in the container itself, if it does not have its own waste channeling system. They are like a kind of diaper paper that you can buy at your vet.
Oddly enough, cats should not go in the suitcase, but in an approved carrier
- If the trip is going to be long, you will need a largest carrier in which a sandbox and a drinker fit, as recommended by the veterinarian Belén Amil.
- If you can, spray the carrier with cat pheromones (sold in spray). "Since they simulate those that the mother secretes during the breastfeeding period, it makes the trip more bearable," adds Amil.
- If the cat has a high peak of anxiety during the trip, we can use the natural treatment Rescue Remedy , according to the specialists of the Gatoteca.
- Always carry with you **the cat's health card (passport)** and all its up-to-date vaccinations and deworming.
- "If it does not have microchip , consider putting it on, since it is mandatory and necessary in case of loss", Amil tells us again.
- Another tip from the vet: "If you can, put a toy in the carrier or some blanket that the cat especially likes; ", with a towel or blanket that the cat likes. These objects, along with the presence of the owner, help to make it a little calmer during the trip."
- If the trip is very long, you may want to consider giving it a mild sedative to the minion Amil explains how: "If we know in advance that our cat has a terrible time, that it meows during the trip, that it vomits or that we notice it is very upset, there are some tranquilizers and/or sedatives that we must use as indicated by the veterinarian, since that depending on the dose in which they are administered, they can cause an innocent relaxation or a deep sleep, and not all cats react the same. They must be used with caution".
- In La Gatoteca they opt for natural pre-trip therapies , so they recommend treating the cat the days before with products that help strengthen the immune system in the face of the stress that it will suffer during the trip, such as echinacea or Bach flowers.
- Plan the trip well in advance , since there will be countries that require documentation or vaccines that you do not have (and some must be approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the destination before your arrival).
"The traveling cat" has his own bus pass in Reading (England) !
BY LAND
Car: The good thing about traveling by car is that you can stop when you consider it necessary and take the cat out for a while (of course, with the windows and doors closed) . However, from the ABRIGA-FELVET association they consider that the longer the trip, the worse , so if the journey takes a long time, it may be better to think of another means of transport.
It is usually safest to place them in the footwells of the rear seats. It is also the most appropriate, because pets cannot, under any circumstances, restrict your freedom of movement or your field of vision while driving (you expose yourself to a DGT fine of up to 200 euros).
However, the experts at La Gatoteca give us another option: "If we decide that he travels in the car out of his carrier because it does so more calmly, they must always be tied to the seat belt anchorage of the rear seats by means of a special strap together with a harness (better than necklace). If not, we will be breaking traffic regulations."
Bus: The journey in this medium with cat is quite restricted. To begin with, only one service animal is accepted and, furthermore, this must always travel in the hold (in the passenger compartment is prohibited), at the expense and risk of the owner. This is the one that will drop you in there following the driver's instructions, so he must show up at the station about 15 minutes before leaving.
However, ABRIGA-FELVET insists that the owner must go with his pet: "A trip in the hold or trunk can be very traumatic for them." To minimize this fact, there are some bus lines that do have specially air-conditioned and adapted places for this purpose, such as Alsa's Premium line (with prior reservation).
Train : Renfe has very clear instructions for the transport of animals, which you can read here . In general, traveling with cats by train is comfortable and safe , and it is allowed as long as the rest of the customers do not object, so if you can choose a seat, choose it in the least crowded part of the train , for what may happen and for the peace of mind of your cat (only one per passenger is allowed). That means, above all, that you stay away from the cafeteria and the bathrooms.
The price for transporting it corresponds, in tourist class, to the 25% of your ticket , while in higher classes this service is offered free of charge. Also, if you travel by Cercanías you don't have to pay anything to take it.
We already told you about Georgie, the sailor cat
BY SEA:
Boat: Unless you're traveling with your kitty in your own boat, as this globetrotting couple does, you'll have to adapt to the conditions of each shipping company . In general, they will let you take the cat or cats with you (if more than one fits in the carrier, some companies allow it) following the advice that we have recommended at the beginning and reserving your place in advance. Some, like Transmediterránea , charge for this service a different price depending on the route , while others, like Balearia , charge a fixed rate of 10 euros or they offer it for free for some destinations.
Some companies make it easier than others to travel with these living stuffed animals.
BY AIR:
For your cat to accompany you on your plane trip there are some general guidelines: you will have to call ahead to reserve your ticket (it may, for example, not fit in the cabin because there are already too many animals on that flight) and your carrier will have to be IATA approved (International Air Transport Association). Also, you will have to inform you about the rules of the airport and the country you are going to , preferably at the corresponding embassy or consulate to avoid surprises. In Japan, for example, it is mandatory for the animal to spend 15 days in quarantine from its arrival.
Beyond these general considerations, the thing varies a lot by company with which you fly, so it is best that you inform yourself in yours. Ryanair and Easy Jet, for example, animals are not allowed on their flights. Others, such as Iberia, Air Europa and Vueling will leave you take your pet with you in the cabin (and the first one can even provide you with a carrier at the airport itself). However, regulations in Great Britain and Ireland prevent this from happening, so if you travel to those countries, your feline friend must go in the hold. In addition, the three companies have Fixed prices by way very similar. In Iberia, for example, they charge you in Spain, €25; in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, €50 and in America and Angola, €150.
"Are we there yet?"
BONUS TRACK: THROUGH A TRANSPORTATION COMPANY
input, not the best idea because "the figure of the owner is not present and can further increase the pet's stress", Amil and the ABRIGA-FELVET experts agree. But yes i can't travel with your favorite furball otherwise, you may want her to hit the road alone with specialist companies like Baggage Pets or TravelDog. In the case of the latter, they always have sand and water in their carriers ; on car journeys, the drivers, who are trained in veterinary first aid , they will stop whenever necessary and in case of flying, they take care of all the paperwork related to documentation and coordinate assistance during technical stopovers (animal hotels, airport veterinarians, etc.).
_ This report was published on October 16, 2015 and updated on July 20, 2017_*