There are inherent cat travel risks and dangers whenever we take them on a trip. But as responsible pet owners we need to minimize these cat travel risks and dangers. The danger of pet travel sometimes is not the travel itself, but the stress it puts on the cat. Some cats just do not adjust to the changes that even a trip down the street can cause. A car-sick cat can make a trip miserable for everyone. Young, cats with certain health problems, certain breeds and some older cats should just not travel or can only travel under certain conditions. Owners should always consider whether taking their pet along is for their benefit or the animal's.

One of the greatest risks is traveling with an unrestrained cat. An unrestrained cat is an accident waiting to happen by distracting drivers with jumping, exploring and looking for affection. Even if the unrestrained cat is sleeping on the seat, it is still a danger. The force of the cat as it is hurled in the air during an accident is strong enough to cause an injury not only to the cat but also to the passengers in the car. This travel risk can be completely alleviated by placing your cat in a cat carrier and securing the carrier in the car.

Another serious cat travel risks and dangers is a lost cat. If an accident should occur, your cat maybe so upset that it will bolt from the car at the first chance it gets. It is always a possibility even at home that your cat could escape. Making sure that your cat has collar with identification at all times is a must! If wearing an identification tag, include both your home address and phone and a temporary address and phone number if possible when away. Many owners do not want their cats wearing more than a breakaway collar which can be easily lost if your cat gets out. Micro chipping is a permanent way to identify your cat no matter where you are. With a microchip, you cat’s identification number is placed in a database and any shelter that locates your cat, should be able to read the number with a hand held scanner. From the database, the shelter that has your cat will be able to locate your contact information quickly. Your contact information in the database can be changed at any time, all the owner needs to do is make a phone call or go online to update the information.

Since many airlines will allow taking a cat in a carrier that fits under the airplane seat, flying by air can be easier on your cat than before. If a cat does need to travel in the cargo hold of the airplane, some precautions are needed to be taken to insure that the flight is safe for your cat. Because of extreme weather conditions, cats and other animals may not be allowed on certain flights – no afternoon flights during warm months and no morning or evening flights during cold weather to prevent exposure to temperature extremes when changing airplanes or even going from the plane to the terminal.

When traveling, pack a simple pet first-aid kit that includes assorted bandages, antiseptic cream, an anti-diarrheas medication safe for pets, and the phone numbers of your veterinarian, and a 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital. Perform a daily check on your cat when away from home to make sure that your cat is healthy. Even though there are cat travel risks and dangers, if you are owned by a cat that enjoys sharing adventures with you taking common sense precautions will allow you to spend some quality time together away fro home.