Travelling with a Cat
Travelling with a cat is a challenge for most owners – and it's no wonder. Unlike dogs, cats are strongly territorial creatures firmly attached to their environment. Any change – a carrier, the car, unfamiliar surroundings or the vet's – triggers their stress response. The good news is that cats can be gradually prepared for travel, and the right equipment can significantly reduce the level of stress – for the cat and for you.
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The foundation of successful cat travel is a carrier that's correctly chosen and correctly introduced. A carrier should never be just a tool for transport – ideally it should be part of the cat's everyday home environment, somewhere to rest and take shelter. A cat that regularly sleeps or hides in its carrier doesn't see it as a threat and copes with travelling in it far better.
Types of cat carriers and travel bags
- Plastic carriers (airline approved) – the most durable and hygienic option, ideal for longer journeys, vet visits or air travel. Solid walls give the cat a sense of a safe hiding place, are easy to disinfect and resist scratching. Carriers marked „airline approved" meet airline requirements for transport in the cabin.
- Fabric carrier bags – a lighter, more compact alternative to classic plastic carriers. Suitable for shorter trips and cats that travel well. Mesh side panels provide good ventilation and let the cat keep an eye on its surroundings. The downside is lower durability and harder disinfection.
- Backpack carriers – an increasingly popular option for active owners who want to take their cat on trips, out into nature or to a café. A clear panel or „bubble" lets the cat watch its surroundings while still feeling safe. Suitable for cats used to being handled and exposed to unfamiliar environments.
- Cat strollers – an ideal solution for older or disabled cats that deserve some fresh air but can't or shouldn't roam freely outdoors. Also suitable for cats recovering from illness or for very timid animals that find the outdoors stressful.
- Harnesses and leads for cats – for cats that gradually get used to them, harnesses allow supervised time outdoors or safe movement in public places. Never use a collar instead of a harness – cats can easily slip out of a collar, and pulling on one risks neck injury.
How to prepare your cat for travel
Preparing a cat for travel takes time and patience – it can't be rushed. Follow these steps:
- Put the carrier at home with the door open somewhere the cat likes to be – add a favourite blanket or a piece of clothing that smells of you.
- Let the cat explore the carrier at its own pace – never force it inside. Cats accept things on their own terms, not under pressure.
- Once the cat starts going into the carrier on its own, start closing the door briefly – just for a few seconds at first, then gradually longer.
- Make the first car journeys short – drive around the block, stop, open the carrier and reward the cat with a treat.
- The whole process can take anywhere from days to weeks – it depends on the cat's temperament. Never rush it, and don't let the carrier become associated solely with the vet.
Practical tips for travelling with a cat
- Before a longer journey, don't feed your cat for 3–4 hours beforehand – this reduces the risk of nausea and vomiting in the carrier.
- Put a piece of clothing that smells of you inside the carrier – a familiar scent calms the cat and reduces its stress response.
- In the car, always secure the carrier with a seatbelt or place it in the footwell – a loose carrier is potentially fatal for both the cat and the passengers in an accident.
- When travelling by car, never let the cat out of the carrier – a frightened cat loose in the car is extremely dangerous for the driver and for the cat itself.
- For longer journeys, consider using a pheromone spray or collar – applying Feliway inside the carrier at least 15 minutes before setting off significantly reduces the stress response. Wait for the alcohol in the carrier solution to evaporate first.
- When travelling by train or plane, always check the conditions for transporting animals in advance – every operator has different rules on carrier dimensions, fees and required documents.
- For longer stays away from home, bring your cat's litter tray, favourite food and toys – familiar items carrying a home scent significantly shorten the time it takes to settle into new surroundings.
Travelling with a cat will never be quite as easy as travelling with a dog – but with patience, the right equipment and gradual preparation, it can be done without unnecessary stress. For the cat, and for you.
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List of products
A carrier bag for cats and small dogs weighing up to 8 kg. Overall size 48 x 25 x 33 cm. Grey. Can be secured to a car seat, and comes with a...
This carrier is ideal for transporting animals up to 12kg by train, plane or car. IATA-certified (International Air Transport Association).
A carrier bag for dogs and cats up to 7 kg. Overall size 44 x 25 x 27 cm. Colour: black.
A travel backpack for carrying a cat or small dog up to a maximum weight of 10 kg.
Carry bag for cats and small dogs weighing up to 7 kg. Overall size 43 x 23 x 29 cm. Dusky pink colour. Can be secured to a car seat, carried over...
A Nobby carry bag for cats and small dogs up to 8 kg. With a loop for attaching to a car seat and pushchair.
A metal flap door with a secure locking mechanism. Grille at the top. For cats and dogs up to 12kg.
The Nobby JAMBI backpack for cats and small dogs up to a maximum of 8 kg. Overall dimensions: 37 x 25 x 37 cm. The backpack is made from durable,...
This carrier is ideal for transporting pets up to 18kg by train, plane or car. IATA certified (International Air Transport Association).
Metal door with a safety lock. Grille at the top. For dogs up to 18kg.
A sturdy carry bag for small dogs and cats. Made from nylon. Easy to clean. Opens from the side and top. Adjustable shoulder strap. Mesh panels...
The new pink Nobby Mouse Pink cat set, a harness with lead for cats, adjustable harness size, made from durable nylon, with a cute pink mouse...
A multifunctional carrier for cats and small dogs up to a maximum of 10 kg.
A carrier bag for dogs and cats weighing up to 7 kg. Overall size 44 x 25 x 27 cm. Colour black.
A folding nylon carrier for dogs with a shoulder height of up to 31 cm.
The multifunctional Nobby EXTEND carrier bag for cats and small dogs up to a maximum of 10 kg. The bag's construction is very stable.
A nylon folding carrier for dogs with a shoulder height of up to 39 cm.
A lightweight, foldable nylon carrier from Nobby for dogs. Provides a comfortable space in the car, at shows, competitions and while travelling....
Nobby NADOR travel bag, size M, for cats and small dogs up to a maximum of 7kg. The bag is ideal for comfortable travel by train, car or plane.
A 3-in-1 carrier for cats up to 8 kg. The 3-in-1 design means it can be used as a carrier bag, a cat house and a travel bed.
An ergonomic plastic carrier that can be opened from both sides and the top, complete with a stroking flap and a base tray, plus easy seatbelt...
A harness and lead set for cats. Black and pink colour. Adjustable harness size. Nylon material. With a decorative charm.
A Nobby travel bag made from quilted, hard-wearing denim-look fabric, for cats and small dogs up to 7 kg.
A retractable cable lead for cats and small animals up to 8 kg, with a maximum length of 3 m.
The Nobby EXTEND multifunctional carrier bag for cats and small dogs up to a max. of 10 kg. The bag has a very sturdy construction.
A breathable nylon harness and lead set for cats. Infinitely adjustable around the neck and waist. Lead length 120 cm, width 10 mm. Colour: black.
An adjustable cat collar. Nylon material. Safety release buckle. Includes a bell and an address strip for noting the cat's owner.
A sturdy plastic carrier for cats and small dogs up to 5kg. The removable top makes it easy to place your pet inside and take them back out.
A lovely harness and lead set for cats. Universal size, easily adjustable to fit any cat. With a decorative charm.
The elegant Nobby BELAIR carrier bag is the perfect solution for comfortable travel with your dog or cat.
The new Nobby Flower Blue nylon collar for cats. Adjustable size with a safety buckle and a bell. Blue colour with blue flowers.
The Nobby travel bag is for cats and small dogs up to 5 kg. The bag can be attached to a seatbelt. Made from durable, washable microfibre. Size: 48...
A sturdy plastic carrier for rodents, rabbits, ferrets or small cats. Fitted with a handy carry handle. Dimensions 48.5 x 33 x 31.5 cm. Load...
The new Nobby Design Lilac nylon collar for cats. Adjustable size with a safety buckle and a bell. Purple, stylishly designed.
An adjustable collar for cats. Made from nylon. Safety release buckle. Includes a bell and an ID tag strip for noting the owner's details.
Harness and lead set for large cats. Adjustable harness size. Suitable for breeds such as the Maine Coon and other large breeds. Nylon material....