Can you take your cat with you on vacation? If so, what should you bring with you? And what are the best destinations when travelling with a cat?
When you go to pack your suitcase, does your cat take the opportunity to jump inside, as if to say: “Take me with you!” Unfortunately, you usually have to leave your furry friends at home when you travel. But this time it’s going to be different; you’ve decided to take your cat with you on vacation. Of course, the doubt will start to gnaw at you immediately: Isn’t travelling much too stressful for cats? And where on earth can you go with a kitty in your luggage?
What are the best means of transport when travelling with cats? And what are the most appropriate kinds of accommodation for people on vacation with their favourite felines?
Can you take a cat on vacation with you?
Can you take your cat with you on vacation? Or is it better to leave your furry
freind at home? The answer to this question depends on whether you can ensure
that your trip will meet your cat’s needs – both while travelling and once you get to your ultimate destination.
Most cats are not enthusiastic about being taken on the road. In fact, they
tend to dislike any kind of change of location. You know your cat best, which
means you have the most insight into what they like and dislike. So, before planning
your journey, ask yourself which are greater, the advantages or disadvantages,
for you and your pet:
- How does your cat cope psychologically when taken to a new location and/or confronted with any kind of change?
- What kind of physical condition is your cat in? Is your cat healthy and fully vaccinated?
- What kind of home environment will your cat be in when it’s on vacation with you?
- How are you going to ensure that your cat can follow their usual routine while on vacation with you?
If you intend to travel with your cat, what do you need to plan and prepare for in advance?
Make sure you fulfil all legal regulations that apply when travelling with cats
There are several legal regulations involved when travelling with a cat. Depending on the country you intend to visit, there will be different entry and quarantine rules that apply to you and your cat. Make sure you know exactly what these regulations are before you travel. For example, does your cat need an extra vaccination or a valid health certificate? Are there any other preventive measures you need to take before entering the country?
Find out beforehand which countries have special regulations¹.
¹Source: VTG Tiergesundheit GmbH (15.06.2016): „Mit der Katze in den Urlaub verreisen oder zum Tierarzt mitnehmen“,
online at Mit Katze in den Urlaub oder zum Tierarzt | VTG Tiergesundheit (vtg-tiergesundheit.de), accessed on 15 June 2016
Take into account any stress and/or danger your cat will experience when travelling
Taking your cat along on a trip can be stressful and dangerous for your furry friend. While cats have managed to adapt quite well to us humans, we still haven’t managed to domesticate them completely, so even a veteran indoor cat will always be a wild animal with natural, in-born instincts. These hunters are equipped with sensitive, highly developed senses. Imagine being a lion and having to spend several hours locked up in a cramped cage, with everything around you incredibly noisy and completely alien. It would be pure stress, right? In light of this, do you still want to take your cat with you on vacation?
One alternative to taking your cat along with you on holiday is to find at-home vacation care instead.
If you have any doubt that your cat will actually enjoy being taken along with you on your vacation, you might want to think about organising an alternative instead, such as vacation care for your cat. The most ideal situation would be to make it possible for your kitty to stay in their familiar surroundings while you’re away. Why? Because this is where they feel safe and secure, even when you’re not there. Still, sometimes it isn’t possible to arrange for this kind of care. And when that’s the case, your furry friend will have to find accommodations elsewhere for some time.
Vacation destinations for people travelling with cats in Germany
So you’ve decided to go on vacation with your cat. But what are the best destinations for cat owners on holiday with their furry companions? Cats are usually – with very few exceptions – not at all happy to be cramped up for a long time while being transported from A to B. On the contrary! When they see that cat cage, they tend to get as far away as possible very quickly. Hey, wasn’t my cat just here? Where did it go all of a sudden? When your cat disappears like this, it’s trying to tell you something. Basically, if you want to travel with your cat, you should try to limit your journey
to nearby destinations. And if you live in
Germany, you might just have your cat to thank for discovering how beautiful the
country can be …
Vacationing with your cat by the sea
If you ask us human beings where we most enjoy spending our vacation, the answer is usually: “At the beach!” Preferably with soft white sand, tall green palm trees and waves lapping at the shore. A seaside vacation with your cat is a definite possibility, even though there aren’t any coconut trees on the North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts, at least not yet. But you can still find miles of sandy beaches and cat-friendly accommodations along these northern shores. And for people already living in Germany, getting there is definitely much cheaper and more climate-friendly than heading for the tropics!
Vacationing with your cat at the Baltic Sea
Looking to bring your cat on vacation with you to the Baltic Sea? Sounds great! In fact, your cat will feel more comfortable here than under a palm tree in a tropical climate. In Germany, the Baltic Sea coastline stretches more than 2,200 kilometres from Schleswig-Holstein to Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania! And there are a number of cat-friendly vacation homes for you and your furry friend there.
Vacationing with your cat at the North Sea
Looking to bring your cat with you on vacation to the North Sea? The North Sea coast also offers a variety of accommodations that are specially equipped for cat owners travelling with their furry friends. In fact, cats are warmly welcomed all along the North Sea coast in the state of Lower Saxony, that is, from Emden to Otterndorf!
Vacationing with your cat at a lake
Are you the type of person who doesn’t need waves and a roaring surf on vacation? Would you prefer to vacation with your cat on the shores of an inland lake? No problem, Germany has countless charming lakeside areas where you can spend a relaxing vacation with your furry friend. Fans of water sports will find everything they’re looking for at German lakes, including boating and swimming! Visitors can also explore the waterside landscapes on bike or on foot using the many well-trodden trails. Click here to find an overview of Germany’s most beautiful lakes² – from the Alps in the south all the way up to the northern tip of the country.
²Source: ADAC – Inspirationen Deutschland (15.06.2022): „Deutschlands schönste Seen“, online at Die schönsten Badeseen & Seen in Deutschland | ADAC, accessed on 19 June 2023
Travelling with your cat – The best means of transport
What is the best means of transport when travelling with your cat? This depends first and foremost on your destination. When covering shorter distances with your cat, it’s best to go by train or by car. For longer journeys with furry friends, the best means of transport is probably by ship or by plane. Once you’ve chosen your destination and means of transport, make sure to always choose the shortest
route for the sake of your cat.
Plan your itinerary meticulously in advance:
- When do you intend to depart?
- When do you intend to arrive?
- When and where do you intend to take breaks along the way?
- How will your cat be taken care of throughout the entire journey?
- What should you do if there are delays?
TIP: Try to help your cat get used to the means of transport and any other relevant travel conditions before you leave!
The best accommodations when vacationing with your cat
What are the best accommodations when vacationing with your cat? As you already know, cats are creatures of habit. They love their daily rituals and prefer to live their lives in familiar surroundings where they feel safe and secure. In other words, the perfect accommodation for your cat will always be a place that he or she already knows and feels at home in. So if you’re lucky enough to own a vacation home that you travel to regularly, this is an ideal situation for your cat. Or maybe you tend to book the same vacation destination every year? This is great because it means your furry friend will be able to find its bearings quickly every time you return for a visit.
Camping with your cat
Can you take your cat with you on a camping trip? It’s possible to take your cat along on a camping trip, but only if you can ensure that your furry friend won’t be able to run off and get lost. If this happens, an otherwise amazing vacation can quickly turn into a horror trip. Imagine arriving at your destination, unpacking everything and finally settling in, only to realise that your cat is gone! Instead of rest and relaxation, you’re going to have sleepless nights and stressful days of searching. One option is to take your cat for a walk on a cat lead or leash, but that’s only possible if your furry friend actually lets you put a cat harness on them in the first place.
Vacationing with your cat in a hotel
Many hotels offer rooms that allow you to vacation with your cat. However, before you book your room – and preferably once again right before you plan to arrive – you should contact the hotel to confirm what kinds of felines are welcome and what types of accommodation are available on site. Some hotels offer special in-house services tailored to cats, just to make sure your feline friends will have everything they need on your vacation! All of the rooms your cat spends time in while on vacation should be bright, welcoming and offer a number of safe spaces they can hang out it and watch the goings-on. Another thing to think about is whether there’s enough space in the bathroom to set up the bulky kitty litter.
Vacationing with your cat in a vacation home or apartment
It’s also possible to vacation with your cat in a vacation home or apartment. The advantage of
this type of accommodation is that you’re totally in charge, just like at home. Up until recently, many accommodations were only set up to accommodate dogs, but now many providers offer homes and apartments tailored to cats and their owners. Some homes are even equipped with suitable cat furniture. Ideally, all of the windows and doors would also be secured so that your furry friend has no
way to leave the premises.
Searching for cat-friendly accommodations
Where can you find cat-friendly accommodations? The first thing to do is ask friends and acquaintances who have cats if they can recommend any particular accommodations. You can also conduct an internet search using the keyword “vacation home with cat” or “vacation apartment with cat”. If you search on reputable provider portals³, you’re likely to find the right accommodation relatively quickly.
³Source: SWR Fernsehen, Martcheck – Reisebuchung im Netz (16.06.2023): „Ferienwohnung oder Ferienhaus: Vorsicht vor Fake im Internet – “, online at Ferienwohnung oder Ferienhaus: Vorsicht vor Fake im Internet – Marktcheck – SWR Fernsehen, accessed on 21 June 2023
Accommodations that have a special cat enclosure
When planning a vacation with your cat, you should look for accommodations that offer some kind of outdoor cat enclosure. This will allow your furry friend to spend time in the fresh air while still being safe and protected. Some vacation apartments come with a safe, cat-proof balcony designed especially for four-pawed guests. It’s the perfect way to make it possible for your kitty to enjoy your vacation to the fullest!
Checklist: Packing for a vacation with your cat
What should you have in your suitcase when you set out on a vacation with your cat? It’s a great idea to create a checklist⁴ before you leave, just to make sure you have everything you and your cat need. This will also make the task of packing much easier and help you avoid forgetting something important. Take your time to think about what you’re going to need on vacation and where you can best stow it during the
trip:
- Vaccination certificate /travel documents/EU pet passport
- Insurance number/address of liability policy/address of hotel
- Tickets
- Carrying basket/pet cage (if flying, include extra padding, food & drink)
- Permitted padding for pet cages: pillows, blankets, certain fabrics
- Cat leash/lead/harness
- Address tag (possibly also listing the vacation address and travel period)
- Fresh drinking water in a bottle and water bowl
- Plastic bag and shovel
- Food, treats
- Can opener
- Brush, comb
- Toys
- Towel
- Basket/blanket
⁴Source: VTG Tiergesundheit GmbH, Magazin (15.06.2016): „Mit der Katze in den Urlaub verreisen oder zum Tierarzt mitnehmen “, online at katzen-reise-checkliste.pdf (vtg-tiergesundheit.de), accessed on 21 June 2023
REMNDER:
Please don’t forget to bring a kitty litter box and kitty litter! 🚾
Some accommodations provide their own litter boxes. Pet stores also carry foldable kitty litter boxes and disposable kitty litter boxes for on the road. Most felines are very particular about their litter boxes, usually preferring to use their own “toilet”: so, remember, it should have a familiar smell and be filled with their favourite litter!
FAQs – Vacation with cat
You can go on vacation with a cat if you can ensure that the trip meets
your cat’s needs while travelling and then at your vacation destination. Most cats are not enthusiastic about being
taken on the road. However, there are some exceptions to the rule.
First of all, cat owners who want to travel with their cat should choose nearby destinations rather than undertaking a world trip. When travelling with your cat, it’s better to cover shorter distances by train or car. For longer journeys with furry friends, the best means of transport is by ship or by plane.
Before you leave, make a checklist of what your cat is going to need on
the trip. Take your time to make
sure your cat has everything they need as well as a place to store all of these
items during the trip. Food and fresh water, for example, should be easily
accessible at all times.
Ideally, you should make it possible for your kitties to stay in their familiar surroundings while you go on vacation.
They will feel most safe and secure in their own home. But if that’s not possible, or if you’re travelling for a longer period of time, you should see if you can arrange to house your cats somewhere else while you’re gone.
If you want to give your cat a tranquilizer for the car ride, don’t just give it any drug – and definitely not one intended for human consumption! Instead, ask your vet for advice on what to give your cat.
You should transport your cat in a stable animal cage and not let it run free in the car. Also, don’t leave your cat alone in the car for too long. Always make sure there’s fresh air during the trip, and also make sure to avoid drafts. And, remember, never leave your cat in an overheated car!
You have to ask your specific airline in advance if it’s possible – and what it costs – to take your cat with you on the plane or in cargo. With some airlines you can take your kitty with you in the cabin. Of course, kitties will always find this more pleasant than being shipped together with the luggage!
You have to ask your specific airline in advance if it’s possible – and what it costs – to take your cat with you on the plane or in cargo. With some airlines you can take your kitty with you in the cabin. Of course, kitties will always find this more pleasant than being shipped together with the luggage!
On Germany’s rail service, Deutsche Bahn⁵, cats are permitted to travel free of charge in a cat cage. However, you are not allowed to open the box during the journey to provide your cat with food or water. For this reason, when travelling by train, it’s best to purchase a cat cage or carrier that you can access from the outside
⁵Source: DB Fernverkehr AG, Ticket und Angebote (12.06.2023): „Hunde und andere Haustiere mitnehmen“, online at Hunde und andere Haustiere im Zug mitnehmen (bahn.de), accessed on 21 June 2023
It’s possible to take your cat camping with you, but only if you can guarantee that it won’t be able to run off and get lost. Otherwise, your fun vacation with your cat might turn into a feline nightmare. Imagine arriving after a long journey and setting up camp only to find that your kitty has disappeared!
Yes, you can take your cat with you to a vacation rental. In the best case scenario, the premises might even have suitable cat furnishings, such as cat furniture, a litter box and a scratching post. The windows and doors of your vacation home should be secured so that your cat isn’t able to set out on their own excursions.
Some hotels offer rooms that allow you to vacation with your cat. Before you get there, you should always clarify
exactly what kind of furry friends are welcome on-site and what exactly the
accommodations look like. Some hotels even offer extra in-house services
especially tailored to felines.
Vacation homes that have a cat enclosure are perfect for you and your cat. They allow your furry friend to get fresh air all day long while still being safe and protected. In turn, this will allow you to breathe easy and enjoy your feline vacation to the fullest!
Ask your fellow cat owners if they know about a cat-friendly vacation home
or conduct an internet search: If you type in “Holiday home with cat” or “vacation
rental with cat” on a reputable provider portal, you’re sure to find something.
Yes, at least in Germany, it’s possible to take your cat with you on a seaside vacation. Even though there aren’t any palm trees on the North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts, there are miles of sandy beaches and cat-friendly accommodations on these German shores. And if you already live n Germany, getting there is
definitely much cheaper and more climate-friendly!
Good travel destinations for cats are ones that aren’t too far away. Cat owners who want to travel with their cats should
choose nearby destinations rather than undertaking world trips. And if you live in Germany, you might just have your cat to thank for discovering how beautiful the country can be …
