Traveling with Kittens
Should I take my kitten with me or leave them at home?
Kittens are more comfortable in their own environment. Better to hire a pet sitter.
How do I get my kitten in a carrier?
Gently. If you can’t just place him in it while you’re holding him with one hand under his chest and one under his back end, then try tilting the carrier on its end and lower the kitten into the carrier, back legs first. You can also wrap everything but her head in a towel and put her in that way to prevent getting scratched. Leaving the carrier out with the door open all the time makes it less scary to your kitty when the time comes to use it.
How do I take my kitten in the car?
Kittens are not small dogs. They get very anxious when removed from their familiar environment. If you want your kitten to be a good traveler, you will need to train him to go into a carrier and relax. A kitten loose in the car is very high risk for escape and dangerous for the driver.
- OxGord Pet Carrier soft sided, Petmate top load pet kennel
- These are safe and comfortable for pet travel
- Sleepypod
What if my kitten doesn't like the carrier?
You can start with short periods of confinement and lots of yummy treats! Gradually get your kitten used to being in a crate for longer periods of time, in a moving vehicle. The alternative is to get a strong sedative from your veterinarian or to endure the sound of your kitten meowing for the entire trip!
- NurtureCALM feline calming pheromone collar
- Calm Cat Anxiety and stress relief coat
Can my kitten stay in a hotel with me?
Always confine your kitten in a "safe" room, like the bathroom, when entering hotels or strange houses. Make sure she is relaxed and using the litter box before letting her explore. Never allow your kitten to go outdoors unsecured. They have been known to travel many miles to get back home.
- www.petswelcome.com, www.vetstreet.com
- www.hotels.com/pet-friendly-hotels, www.pettravel.com
- Many websites provide information for traveling with your pet and hotel availability
Can my kitten travel by air with me?
In most cases yes, but you’ll need to check with your airline, customs, and make sure that your kitten is in proper health.
- www.AVMA.org, www.pettravel.com, www.aphis.usda.gov
- These websites provide additional information about health certificates for air travel and international travel requirements. Your veterinarian can also help you with this.