December 26: Decision Made Today, it’s too cold here! I have decided to escape the frigid northeast and head to Florida for the winter. I’m thrilled, but as I looked over at Miss Whiskers curled up on her favorite spot on the couch, I realized there’s a lot to prepare. Traveling with a cat is no small feat, but I’m determined to make it a smooth journey.
December 27: I spent the day researching airline pet policies and Florida’s pet entry requirements. Most airlines allow cats to travel in the cabin if they’re in an approved carrier, and Florida requires a health certificate from a vet. I used the FlyWithMyPet.com pet travel assistant to understand all the regulations and find a vet who could help me with the necessary tests and paperwork. Miss Whiskers needs to be up-to-date on her vaccinations, so I booked a vet appointment for next week. I also checked the dimensions of my current carrier—too small! Ordered a new airline-approved cat carrier online.
December 31: Miss Whiskers was not thrilled about the car ride, but Dr. Green, her vet, made the visit painless. Miss Whiskers got a clean bill of health and a new rabies vaccination. Dr. Green issued a health certificate and gave me tips on reducing travel anxiety for cats. She recommended a calming aid and suggested practicing with the carrier to get Miss Whiskers comfortable.
January 4: The new carrier arrived today! I’ve set it up in the living room with a cozy blanket and some treats inside. Miss Whiskers is cautiously exploring it. I’m using the calming spray Dr. Green recommended and rewarding her with her favorite snacks when she spends time inside. Hopefully, she’ll feel at ease by the time we travel.
January 8: With only a week left before our flight, I started packing. For Miss Whiskers, I’ve prepared:
- Her health certificate and vaccination records.
- The new carrier with extra padding.
- A collapsible water bowl.
- A small bag of her favorite food.
- A few toys and her calming spray. I also called the airline to confirm her reservation as a cabin pet. All set!
January 13: It’s the night before we leave and I’m feeling both excited and nervous. Miss Whiskers seems calm, which is a good sign. I’ve kept her routine as normal as possible today. Her carrier is ready with a pee pad just in case, and I’ve set aside a small bag with everything she’ll need during the journey. My suitcase is packed, and my alarm is set for an early morning.
January 14: Our flight to Florida was scheduled for 10 AM. I arrived at the airport three hours early to allow time for check-in and security. Miss Whiskers handled the trip through security better than I expected. I had to take her out of the carrier briefly, but she stayed calm with her harness and leash. Onboard, she stayed quietly under the seat in front of me.
January 14: We landed safely in sunny Florida! Miss Whiskers seemed relieved to be out of the carrier once we got to our rental home, which I confirmed with the owner is pet friendly. She’s already exploring and finding her favorite spots. I’m glad I planned ahead and followed all the guidelines. Here’s to a warm and relaxing winter!
Traveling with a cat like Miss Whiskers may require extra effort, but it’s worth it to keep your furry friend happy and safe. Proper preparation ensures a smooth journey for both you and your pet to prepare for your personal pet travel journey, visit our pet travel assistant for personalized recommendations to prepare.