Do you have a British Shorthair cat? If so, you know that they are the perfect travel companions. They are low-maintenance and love to explore new places. However, traveling with your kitty can be tricky if you’re not sure what to do. So we’ve put together this ultimate guide to traveling with British Shorthair cats!
Some cats travel better than others. But, thanks to the calm and collected temperament of the British Shorthair, it is one of the best feline travel companions. It’s possible to take every kind of trip, from a weekend getaway to a transatlantic flight; the key lies in the preparation.
Continue reading to learn the most successful planning tips for a trip with your British Shorthair. Whether you’re driving to a new house or taking a train cross-country, this article will provide you with all the information for a successful and happy trip for you and your British Shorthair.
How To Travel With British Shorthair Cats
Traveling with your British Shorthair cat begins by conditioning them to the type of transportation you’ll be traveling in. Don’t expect to make a ten-hour car journey without allowing them to get used to the feel of driving around the neighborhood first.
Unfamiliar sensory experiences such as sights smells, and sounds can be unsettling for a feline. Allowing them time to get used to an experience will help them stay calm through the trip.
If you’re looking for an incentive, look no further than food. The British Shorthair loves to eat, and while food rewards aren’t always the best option for this breed, travel is the optimum time to break out the snacks.
You’ll be halfway to a successful adventure if you can get your cat to associate traveling with a delicious treat.
What Are Common Issues When Travelling With A British Shorthair Cat?
Many cats experience motion sickness, and it’s not always easy to spot (especially when you’re only traveling a short distance). Motion sickness may not lead to vomiting, but it can be an extremely distressing experience for a cat.
Common signs of motion sickness include drooling, a rigid body, or losing control over their bowels or bladder. If your cat is experiencing motion sickness, it will probably appear scared or anxious, and it may cry out now and then.
To combat motion sickness, talk to your vet about the treatments available. Where possible, try other forms of transport – a cat who experiences motion sickness in a car might be fine on a train or vice versa.
Not only can your vet advise you on suitable medications, but they can also inform you of any vaccinations your cat may require or any health issues that may be problematic for your trip.
How Can I Keep My British Shorthair Comfortable While We’re Travelling?
One of the essential comfort elements for cat travel lies in choosing the right carrier. If you’re making a one-off trip, such as moving to a new house, then your regular cat carrier will be fine. But if you’re taking an extended trip, such as an international flight, then choosing the right carrier will be essential for your cat’s wellbeing.
The most crucial consideration is choosing a comfortable, sturdy carrier that meets any requirements of your chosen travel method (such as plane or train regulations).
Once you’ve selected the carrier, you’ll need to set it up adequately. Begin by placing one of your cat’s favorite blankets or towels on the floor. The scent from this item will help your pet feel familiar with the space and give them a sense of being at home. A toy or two can also help your cat to feel comfortable and engaged with its environment.
Now that the carrier is complete, you have to get your British Shorthair inside. It’s best to get them to enter the carrier of their own accord. Try tempting them with a bowl of food rather than forcing them in and closing the door behind them.
How Should I Prepare My British Shorthair To Travel In The Car?
If your cat travels in the car, you can get them used to it much like you would with a cat carrier. Open the doors and allow them to spend time exploring the surroundings, getting used to the smell and feel of the car.
When you begin allowing your cat to explore, make sure you keep the car open, allowing them to climb back out whenever they wish. You can add a blanket or their bed; you can place their food in the footwell or join them in the car and play some games.
Try to build up positive experiences within the environment so that your cat begins to build a positive association with spending time in the car. If you find that your British Shorthair is still unhappy, you can try using a catnip or pheromone spray to attract them to the environment.
However, these can have mixed results, and it depends on your cat’s personality as to whether or not it will be effective.
How Should I Prepare My British Shorthair To Travel On The Train Or Bus?
Many long-distance coach and bus companies prevent animal boarding (except for trained service pets), so you must check for pet allowance before booking a coach or bus ticket.
A train is more likely to let you board with a pet, but they will probably have a list of regulations that you’ll need to adhere to. These could include carrier specifications and surcharges; companies may also want to see the up-to-date vaccination status of your pet.
When you board your chosen method of transportation, position your cat as close to you as possible, ideally at an angle where they can see and smell you. This will help to settle them and make them feel at ease.
In addition, stay mindful of the people around you. Your cute kitty may attract young children, but a lot of attention could overwhelm your British Shorthair, especially if they are already feeling nervous.
How Should I Prepare My British Shorthair To Travel On A Plane?
A plane may be one of the most challenging forms of transport for your cat, as the airline will likely separate them from you. In addition, they will have to withstand an unfamiliar environment and loud noises.
Before taking your cat on a plane, it’s critical to check all rules and regulations thoroughly. This means you’ll comply with the airline, but it helps to keep your kitty safe in optimum conditions. For example, ensure that your carrier provides adequate space, comfort, and ventilation for your cat. And check that the locking mechanism is secure.
It’s best to get them used to loud noises before embarking on a flight – as airports and planes are two of the noisiest environments that your cat will experience. In addition, have plenty of treats on hand to keep them fed and happy until it’s time to board the flight.
When you arrive at your destination, you must allow your kitty time to destress. Give them some treats and a quiet space, and allow them to settle into their new environment at their own pace.
What Are Important Considerations When Travelling With A British Shorthair?
If you plan to take several trips with your feline friend, it’s good to get them harness trained. This will allow you to take them for walks, but you can also let them out of the cat carrier whenever you make a stop so that they can stretch their legs and have a walk around.
Before you leave, always check the conditions of your travel provider and never make assumptions. All companies are different, and it’s best to check that you meet all requirements before you leave home.
Feed your cat no less than three hours before the trip. This way, they’ll have plenty of time to use the litter box and will be less likely to suffer from hunger or nausea. In addition, give your pet some moderate exercise before the trip so that they are tired and ready to take a nap when they enter the carrier.
Final Thoughts
British Shorthairs are one of the calmest and most easy-going cats globally, but this doesn’t mean that they won’t experience stress when traveling. Most felines don’t like the sensation of motion, and when they’re taken out of familiar surroundings, it becomes even worse.
A car trip is one thing, but a plane ride is a highly stressful situation for your cat that you’ll need to prepare for carefully. Whatever your method of transport, if you want to travel with your cat, start early and acclimatize them to as many of these experiences as you can.
Related Articles
Sources