Travel tips for cat owners
The VistaJet experience is designed to make all passengers feel welcome and relaxed. With one in four VistaJet Members flying with a pet, offering solutions that will care for animals is increasingly important.
Ahead of National Cat day, VistaJet has collaborated with experienced veterinary practitioner Dr Bruce Fogle to provide five key travel tips that will support passengers and their feline companion.
Check destinations and vaccinations before traveling
Cat owners looking to travel to a different country should keep two very important things in mind:
- Is it in your cat’s best interest to travel to the selected destination?
- Do you have the most up to date vaccinations for your cat?
Arrange some due diligence ahead of travel to know what local disease risk you are exposing your cat to. Every country will have different risk factors to take into consideration, so be prepared. For a summarized list of rules and regulations for top travel destinations:
Microchip your cat
Ensure you microchip your cat with a 15-digit 1OS 11784 compliant device and register your contact details with a licenced veterinarian prior to your travels.
More importantly, always remember to register your cat’s microchip with the country you are traveling to. Should your cat go missing within the country that you are visiting, the microchip will allow a vet or animal shelter to trace the missing cat back to you.
Exercise is not necessary, but comfort is
There is no need to stimulate or exercise cats’ muscles during flights. In fact, encouraging more movement can cause cats’ kidneys to work more, which can result in them needing the bathroom more frequently.
Instead, the cabin should be a safe and soft place for them to freely explore.
VistaJet provides a handmade Labbvenn sleep mat so that your cat can sleep or sit down in comfort throughout the flight.
Managing stress levels
To reduce stress levels, allow your cat to have a small enclosed space where they can hide away. The majority of cats would feel comfortable in their cat carrier or in a hidden corner. In some instances, a cat may prefer to sit on its owner’s lap.
To further aid relaxation during the flight, VistaJet Cabin Hostesses can offer natural flower essences which can be mixed in with your cat’s drinking water.
Food and drink
Full meals are not advisable on flights, as cats prefer to graze. If healthy, cats can go as long as 12 hours without having to eat.
Instead, have water readily available, as it is the best way to keep your cat healthy and hydrated throughout the flight.
It is also worthwhile checking if the food brand you normally serve your cat is available at the destination you are traveling to; this will negate any sensitivities to the stomach as your cat settles into its new home.
Pet ready
The most comfortable journey with a pet starts with a simplified booking service, continues with a happy and uneventful flight, and ends at a pet friendly destination.
Let VistaJet help you fly anywhere with your pet.