Travelling with Fluffy - Cats and the Holiday Adventure

Let's face it, most cats hate to travel. I don't know how many times we've had to move beds, couches or even empty closets trying to find the cat and get her into the carrier. And for some reason, the smallest cat will expand about 10 times in size when you try to put her in that little, tiny box on wheels. One or both of you end up tired, exhausted and angry. So here's a tip to help survive traveling with Fluffy.

Don't do it. Get a pet sitter. I'm serious.

There are many bonded and insured companies that will come in and feed and water your cat, sit and talk to her, make sure she's just fine, and sometimes even scoop the cat box. Your vet can probably suggest someone to you. Or you can ask a friend you trust to check on Fluffy and give her fresh food and water.

Cats get very attached to "their" house. It is "their" bed, "their" window seat, "their" favorite chair, "their" pillow, and especially if you have a multi-cat household, "their" litter box. They have their favorite toys, when they hide during the day and only bring out at 3 AM when you have an important meeting in the morning and really have to get a good night's sleep. And they have a routine that is very important to them, even though we don't understand it at all. So the best vacation travel for your cat is the one which lets her go from room to room as normal.

Now if you just have to pack up Fluffy for the Holiday pilgrimage to Aunt Beulah's house, then here are a few tips that might make things a little easier for everyone no matter if you are staying at an Inn, with a relative, or in a hotel.

1. DO bring Fluffy's favorite sleeping pad or pillow. This will make Fluffy feel a lot more at ease and might save wear and tear on chair cushions and other pillows.
2. DO bring Fluffy's favorite toy, even if it is the obnoxious squeaky one. Fluffy will probably ignore it in a new environment, but might get malicious glee out of waking you up at 3 AM just like at home. Besides, the familiar toy might just distract Fluffy from playing with all the knick-knacks on the mantle. Or might not.
3. DO cat proof your room when you arrive, or ask the Innkeeper to do it. That pretty little antique pitcher will not bounce when it drops onto the floor. Likewise, dangling tassels, crocheted shade pulls and lace curtains are just ready-made entertainment as far as Fluffy is concerned. Anything small and portable is a potential cat toy, including the coffee packets, shampoo bottles and remote control for the TV.
4. DO bring a scratching pad for Fluffy. Unfamiliar carpet, the back of a pristine chair, and the wall in a closet are just waiting for Fluffy to claim them as her own. Another favorite scratching place under a new bed and the bottom of the box spring.
5. DO bring a clean litter box and Fluffy's favorite brand of cat litter. Cats get attached to the smell and texture of their litter. Different litter may lead to Fluffy refusing to use her box and leaving you and the Innkeeper presents all over the room.
6. DO bring copies of Fluffy's up-to-date vaccinations. Cats get cranky too, especially in new surroundings. They get tired of the "awww, Isn't she cute" comments, being ruffled by unfamilar people, hugged too tight, and competing with resident animals for space and attention. Other people cannot read your cat's emotions as well as you can, so they might miss the subtle signs that precede an angry swipe. Fluffy's paperwork might just prevent a prolonged stay for observation at the local vet.
7. Tell your Innkeeper if anything happens in the room. Your Innkeeper will appreciate your honesty and being able to clean up an "accident" immediately will reduce your cleaning costs. Cat urine is very destructive and once it sets it is almost impossible to remove. Cat urine rots wood and just a little will destroy floors, antiques, dresser tops and more. If it soaks into wall-to-wall carpeting then the whole rug and pad might have to go, as well as repairs to the underfloor.
8. Spend time with Fluffy. She will be anxious in a new situation, and might have a tendency to run away if she spies an open door. Contrary to popular belief, most animals that run away in unfamiliar areas do not get home.

So, if you must travel with Fluffy, be careful, be attentive, and pack well. And above all, have a safe, happy and healthy Holiday trip.