Travelling with cats | Sainsbury's Bank

What to do before travelling with your cat

Travelling with your cat can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not prepared. But, with a little foresight, it’s easy to get out and about with your kitty.

Here are some things to consider before hitting the road with your cat:

Buy the right carrier. Upgrade your cat to first class with a carrier made of a sturdy material such as plastic. It should have enough room for them to move, stand, and lie in. Having a front and roof opening is useful for loading your cat in different scenarios. Add a warm, soft blanket that’s familiar to your cat for additional comfort.
Familiarise your cat with the carrier. Putting your cat in a carrier isn’t the same as stuffing your clothes into a suitcase at the last minute. Your furry friend needs time to acclimatise and grow comfortable with a carrier. Why not ease them into it at home and take them on some short trips about town first?
Bring treats, toys, and a toilet. Don’t forget to bring a litter tray or puppy pads, treats, and toys to help your cat stay occupied while they’re travelling.
Book a vet visit. Arranging a checkup with the veterinarian for your cat is important, especially if you’re planning long trips or travelling abroad. Ensure your pet’s health is good enough to travel and that they’re up to date with any necessary vaccinations.
Feed your cat first. Feeding your cats before travelling means they’re less likely to get grumpy from hunger on the road, as well as minimising the amount of food you need to carry with you.
Don’t forget cleaning wipes. Bring cleaning wipes (or sprays, depending on whether you’re flying or not) to clean your cat's carrier. A lot can happen on a journey, from spills to sickness, so having antibacterial wipes available is always handy.

Tips for travelling with your cat

Here’s a checklist of things you can do to make that trip a little bit easier:

Secure the carrier

Cats may not enjoy rollercoasters as much as we do – and even if they did, they may not want to be stuck on a ride with no way off for hours. That’s why your cat’s carrier must be sturdy and secured in place. You can use a seat belt or attempt to wedge the carrier so it doesn’t slide around.

Plan toilet stops

No one wants to wee in a sliding litter tray (we hope), least of all your kitty. Plan toilet breaks, especially on long journeys. You don’t want to be panicking on a long drive while your cat causes a stink in the back. If they do, at least you packed cleaning supplies. Right?

Keep the journey smooth

Travelling at a comfortable temperature will make the journey more pleasant, and your cat will appreciate it too. Keep your feline in the shade during pit stops.

Try and remain as calm as possible during the travel. If you’re flustered, your cat may react poorly.

Ensure you can identify your cat

Travelling with your cat is an adventure, but they’re also far from home. If your feline goes walkabouts, anyone who finds them won’t know who the mischievous moggie belongs to. Use a snap-type safety collar tag containing your address and contact information. If you’re moving house, include both the new and old addresses. You can also ensure your cat is microchipped.

Travelling with cats on a bus or train

If you find the thought of bringing your cat along on the train or bus stressful, don’t worry. There are a few things to be aware of and consider that can make the experience much easier:

According to Cats Protection, passengers in the UK can travel with up to two pets, free of charge. However, it’s up to the bus driver’s discretion, depending on the number of animals already on board and whether the bus is busy or not.
Keep your cat in their carrier for the duration of the trip. This can protect other passengers and ensure your cat isn’t overstimulated by people interacting with it in a new and busy environment.
Travelling with your cat during off-peak hours can help prevent them from being overwhelmed by smells or new people. Try to find a quiet corner, if possible, to give your cat some space from other passengers. You could cover the carrier in a blanket for added peace. Just be mindful that you don’t restrict airflow.
Never leave your carrier unattended; this could be stressful for your cat and may even put them in danger.

Travelling with cats in a taxi

There are situations where you might need car access to take your feline somewhere, and travelling with your cat by taxi could be a much-needed solution.

It’s up to the taxi service provider or driver whether they allow you to bring a cat, and there may be additional charges. It’s important to declare your intent before ordering a taxi. Likewise, lift services such as Uber also offer pet travel options in many areas.

If your cat is in a carrier and you consider some of the prior travel tips, you should be good to go with moggie in tow.

Travelling with cats overseas

One of the most important things to consider when travelling overseas with a cat is their pet passport.

Just like us, your pet needs a passport – only, theirs is a bit more photogenic. The pet passport allows your furry friend to re-enter the UK. Since Brexit, if you’re planning on going to the EU or Northern Ireland (NI), you’ll need to obtain an Animal Health Certificate.

You’ll want to do more than just pack your passports and Animal Health Certificate, too. Each country will have its own animal travel rules, laws, and guidelines, so research the destination you’re visiting.

To get an Animal Health Certificate, you must visit your vet for a signed certificate. It will need to display the date your pet was chipped and vaccinated. Find out more about our holiday cover and how it can protect your pet abroad.

Cat travel insurance

Travel is fun, but it comes with a lot of unknowns, and the same is true for your feline friend. With Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance, you can cover your cat against the cost of treatments, theft, straying, and more.

Frequently asked questions

Is travelling with a cat a good idea?

Yes, if your cat is comfortable with travelling and you have the necessary equipment, travelling with your cat is a good idea for many people. You should protect your feline friend from the stresses of travel and plan your journey around them.

How long can cats be in a carrier for?

Generally, the less time a cat spends travelling in a carrier, the better. Your cat needs movement, food, water, and bathroom breaks. You can try to get your cat accustomed to travelling in a carrier by slowly introducing it over time. On your travels, you may need to factor in a break every few hours. Remember, never leave your cat unattended in a car, especially in warmer temperatures.

How do cats go to the bathroom when travelling?

Cats can use a portable or disposable litter box, or you can line the carrier with puppy pads for a short-term solution. Your cat can use the litter box during breaks along your journey, so it can be emptied before resuming.

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Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd is an appointed representative of Sainsbury's Bank plc. Sainsbury's Bank plc acts as an introducer to Pinnacle Insurance Ltd who is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (register number 110866). Registered office: 4th Floor, Limelight, Elstree Way, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, WD6 1JH. Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Pinnacle Insurance Ltd. Sainsbury's Bank plc and Pinnacle Insurance Ltd are not part of the same corporate group.

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