Suggestions for a happy holiday with your pets

Going on vacation with a cat may seem easier than with a dog. Often, this is true, but not always.

The behavior of a cat follows a different etiology compared to a dog. A cat is an independent animal, solitary, typically nocturnal, and does not like changes. Essentially, it is an inveterate creature of habit.

In contrast, a dog lives and acts based on the relationship it has with its family/pack, so a "home" change has a relatively minor impact on its daily behavior. All the dog needs is its owner nearby; the rest is not of much concern to them.

However, a few rules based on experience and common sense can help organize a vacation with your feline friend. The first rule? A visit to the vet! The vet will check your cat's health, provide any necessary vaccinations for your destination, and offer other valuable advice.

When traveling, it’s a safety rule to keep your cat in a comfortable carrier, securely closed and covered with a cloth. This way, the cat will stay calm. Avoid feeding it before departure, as this will save you from unpleasant regurgitation.

Always ensure good ventilation and place the carrier in a shaded area of the car.

Upon arrival, take the carrier with the cat into the house, and place it in a cool, quiet room where the cat will stay. Provide a bowl of water, food, and in a corner, a litter box. Open the carrier door and leave the room.

It is not advisable to let the cat outside before it has explored its new home. The risk of losing it is quite high.

A suggestion is to allow it outside only on an empty stomach. Hunger is a great ally to bring the animal back home: it won’t wander off, and the tempting sound of a fork or kibble in the bowl will have it coming back in no time.