Expert QA

My husband and I are driving to his family’s home for the holidays on an extended trip, and we’d like to take our new cat with us. What should we bring to ensure that our pet enjoys a good, safe vacation?

From the Editors of The Daily Cat

Your trip could either be a memorable adventure or a nightmare for your cat, depending on how comfortable it is with road travel. In my view, the most important preparation is to train your cat not to fear car trips. I’m assuming you’ve already done that. If not, please consider keeping your pet at home with a relative or some other trustworthy sitter.

Once you determine that all systems are a go for the trip, the ASPCA recommends you bring along the following:

• A well-ventilated, secure and roomy carrier

• Food and water for the duration of your trip (better to bring more than less)

• Your cat’s vaccination record, if you’ll be traveling across state lines

• A travel kit containing the following: bowls, a waste scoop, a litter box, litter, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication, a pet first aid kit, a favorite toy, a beloved blanket or a kitty bed

The goal is to make sure you have all of the necessities, plus enough familiar items to make your cat feel comfortable in its home away from home.