Understandably, long-distance travel can cause some pets to feel anxious. When an additional trip through an airport and onto an airplane is added in, it is easy to see why some pets display more severe signs of distress.
Pets of any kind take comfort in their familiar home surroundings and routines. Cats, in particular, are known to thrive in such environments which allow them the independence that other animals don’t require.
This can create additional problems for cat owners who are looking to take their pets on vacation with them. The following 3 tips can help you reduce and manage your cat’s anxiety when traveling abroad:
1. Pick calm and quiet environments
Whilst this may seem difficult given the nature of airports and travel in general, it’s important to remember that cats can be very sensitive to loud noises and busy environments.
If you’re sitting around and waiting at any point, try and make sure that you pick the quietest area possible. Sitting just a few extra meters away from others can make all the difference for your cat who will prefer peace and quiet.
2. Monitor your cat’s behavior
Looking out for anxiety and stress when traveling abroad with your cat is really important. Catching any signs of distress or anxiety early gives you a much better chance of successfully comforting your cat and preventing this reaction from developing further.
Consider easing their travel stress by providing anxiety-calming chews specially formulated for pets, ensuring a more relaxed and enjoyable journey for your feline friend.
Even a slight change in behavior can be a sign of discomfort and your cat requires extra attention.
3. Be organized
Organization in terms of both time and what to bring can go a long way in reducing your cat’s anxiety when traveling. Making sure that you leave plenty of time to walk around the airport calmly means that your cat isn’t going to be disrupted as much in their carry case.
Running through an airport with your cat just a couple of minutes before you need to be somewhere is going to cause unneeded stress for both you and your pet.
In terms of what to bring, make sure that you have everything ready to go well in advance of your travel. A familiar carrier and blanket are a good place to start. You should also make sure that your cat is happy to eat any food that you bring with you. These measures will reduce the previously mentioned stress that is caused by unfamiliar surroundings.
Alongside your cat insurance, these tips aim to provide peace of mind that your travel can be as easy and stress-free as possible. It’s important to remember that you can only make sure your cat is happy and relaxed about traveling if you are too.