ADVENTUROUS CATS
By Helen Wilson
Now that it's summer, our thoughts turn to to exploring new destinations. Some cats enjoy travel, while others are homebodies who are happy to stay in their familiar places. If you are taking a trip without your cat, your pet may have an opinion on the matter… one of our cats used a suitcase left open on the bed as a litter box, angry at our cat-free vacation plans!
Taylor Swift developed a deluxe backpack which transports her famous cats on planes and other modes of travel. A secure, comfortable carrier is important. On car rides, cover the top of the carrier with a towel or small blanket (to limit the glare of oncoming headlights) and include a favorite soft toy. When traveling by plane, air pressure can hurt cats’ sensitive ears; it is recommended by experts that the cat travel in the cabin with you. Vets recommend a small treat on takeoff and landing to help with ear popping issues. Bring your pet’s medical documents and vaccination record. (in Reader’s Digest). It is also suggested pheromones may help an agitated cat traveler. Don’t feed your cat before traveling and stay calm! Talk to your cat and reassure them!
Some cats have had exciting solo travels, getting aboard planes for long flights cross country, and even across continents. A cat stowed away in her owner’s suitcase for a trip to Disney World and wasn’t discovered until arrival. A California cat was accidentally shipped via plane in a Fed Ex package…that cat really wanted to travel!
Do cats like a beach vacation? Some do! They have been seen strolling seaside with their human on a leash, enjoying the sand. While most cats dislike the water, some swim for enjoyment and have a natural ability to swim. They use their claws and bodies to propel through the water. Most who accidentally fall in will do the “kitty paddle” and exit safely (Scrumbles). A fun YouTube video features two black cats enjoying a long swim at an ocean beach. Nathan and Winnie are enthusiastic beach cats!
In Hawaii, Hokule'a the cat loves the water in all forms, and his owner has taught him to surf! He has a special spot on the board and often jumps off for a dip. He also enjoys the swimming pool.
Other adventurous cats are mountain climbers. “Marlin” is a Colorado cat who climbs mountains with his owner and completed the challenging Mt. Flora climb. His first hike was at St. Mary’s Glacier, walking on his own long leash almost the entire way. He loves to sniff the environment along the way. (The Colorado Gazette, Jan. 2024).
As for Pearl and Phil, they enjoy their trips to the suburbs of CT (birdwatching and lounging on comfy couches) and to the woods of NH, where they listen for the calls of the loon and see the pond sparkle through the pine trees from their perch in the loft. They are great vacation companions. They seem to enjoy the change of scenery as much as we do.
Phil & Pearl in the countryside