Cat And Traveling

Before booking a bus or coach journey, always contact the company you intend to travel with well in advance to check their regulation on the transportation of animals.

Companies have different rules and it may not be possible for your cat to travel with you, if at all. In the United States, for instance, the Greyhound bus line does not permit pets. You will almost certainly have to pay a fare for your pet. Few companies consider them as hand baggage. 

Air Travel – Commercial airlines have well established regulations for the transportation of pets. These conform to international air transport association regulations.

It is vital to contact the airline offices at least a month in advance of the travel date to ascertain requirements. You may be required to buy a carrier that has to be ordered by mail from a specialist supplier.

In any event, the carrier should be of a strong, rigid material, stable and well ventilated. There needs to be a handle for ease of carrying, and a door that can be locked to guard against anyone opening it.

A label carrying the owner’s name and address, together with instructions for any feeding or watering that might be necessary should be securely attached.

If the journey is to be a long one, and the carrier is not big enough for a litter tray or pan, line the base with plenty of absorbent towelings or a disposable nappy or diaper.

Some airlines allow a cat in its carrier to stay with its owner in the passenger section. Usually, though, your cat will be housed with other animals booked on the flight in a special area of the hold which provides an environment with heat, light and air conditioning, according to the associations.

A sturdy carrier suitable for an air journey has a ridge around it to guard against the ventilation holes becoming blocked. For short journeys to the vet, two cats are company for each other. On longer hauls, this would constitute over crowding.