Can Cats Be Mad At You When You Travel?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Vacations are meant to be fun for people, but due to the change in routine,

they can, unfortunately, be a cause of stress for cats and result in behavior problems and separation anxiety

. Cat behavior problems can occur during the owner’s absence, while being transported, or when the owner returns.

Are cats traumatized by travel?

Most cats don’t have much experience with traveling, and when they do, it isn’t positive, so it makes sense why many cats are not fans of traveling. Although

travel can be stressful

, there is a lot you can do to make traveling and carriers less stressful and even enjoyable for your cat(s)!

Is traveling stressful for cats?

Whether by airplane, train, or car,

any kind of travel can upset your cat and cause stress behaviors

. Unfamiliar, confined environments can be stressful to your otherwise well-behaved pet, and spending time in unfamiliar spaces could add to that.

Will my cat be sad if I leave for a week?

Regardless of their reputation,

cats do get lonely when they are left unattended for long periods of time

. They are social beings that form strong bonds with their owners. When their needs for companionship are not met, cats can become depressed.

What do I do with my cat when I travel?

  1. Take them to a cattery. Pros: Your cats are constantly looked after. …
  2. Have a neighbour feed them. …
  3. Have a cat sitter come round to feed them. …
  4. Have someone stay round constantly. …
  5. Take your cat with you.

How do you travel with a cat on a road trip?

  1. 11 Tips for a Taking a Cat on a Road Trip. …
  2. Try to stop as little as possible. …
  3. Get your cat a collar with tag for traveling. …
  4. Bring a familiar comfort item from home. …
  5. If possible, make one long trip rather than several shorter trips. …
  6. Create a “safe space” in the car for your cat to retreat to.

Will my cat think I abandoned him when I go on vacation?


It’s actually pretty common for cats to act strangely or aggressively after their humans return from vacation

. They’re sensitive to change and you being gone has not only disrupted their routine but also their bond with you.

How long does a cat stay mad at you?

According to University of Michigan studies, a cat’s memory may endure

up to 16 hours

. Cats are incapable of holding grudges, yet they may experience other feelings, such as happiness or sadness.

Do cats miss you when you go on vacation?

Research has shown that

cats don’t show signs of separation anxiety when their owner is away

. Some cat owners know this: you return from a holiday but your cat acts pretty indifferently! Other cats even behave like they are “offended” and pretend not to see you at all.

Is it OK to leave cats alone for 3 days?

No matter how independent your cat is,

we do not recommend leaving your cat alone without daily visits from a friend or a professional cat-sitter for more than two or three days

. Today, there are many options to care for your cat while you are away. Keep in mind that, cats tend to be independent, territorial animals.

How do I keep my cat calm when traveling?

  1. A Thundershirt® which swaddles the cat much like swaddling an infant and can reduce anxiety.
  2. Feliway® pheromone wipes and spray can be used to prepare the carrier and can help to lower anxiety.
  3. A pheromone calming collar can contribute to reduce anxiety.

How do cats drive long distances?

  1. Choose the right carrier. …
  2. Introduce kitty to their carrier early. …
  3. Plan your journey in advance. …
  4. Use a harness and lead for extra safety. …
  5. Have your kitty microchipped. …
  6. Bring a litter tray. …
  7. Don’t feed your kitty as you leave! …
  8. Consider your destination.

Do cats get jealous?

Just like some people,

cats can become jealous when they feel they’re being excluded or their environment has changed drastically or suddenly

. The jealousy may be triggered by any number of events: Cats may show signs of jealousy when you pay more attention to an object, person, or another animal.

How can you tell if a cat has imprinted on you?

When cats don’t feel threatened by other cats, they will show affection by rubbing on them, sleeping near them, and being in their presence.

If your cat replicates those behaviors with you

, Delgado says it has officially imprinted on you. They rub against you.

What do cats think when we kiss them?


Some cats do seem to like or at least tolerate human kisses

. If your cat leans in, purrs, and rubs his head on you when you kiss him, he probably understands that you’re trying to show him affection.

How long can you leave a cat alone?

In general, vets say it’s okay to leave your cat alone for

up to 24 hours at a time

. As long as they have a clean litterbox, access to fresh water, and a full meal before you go, they should be fine for a day. Any longer than that, though, is pushing it.

Can a cat travel long distance in a car?

If it is a short trip, under 6 hours, then your cat will be just fine staying in the carrier the entire time. If it is a longer trip, especially if it is over a several day period, you may want to let your cat out of the carrier periodically to get a drink of water and use the litter box.

Can I let my cat roam in the car?


It is not safe to have your cat roaming freely in your vehicle while you are driving

. Your cat could become frightened and dart under the brake pedal or accelerator, possibly causing an accident. In addition, having a cat jumping around the vehicle is a dangerous distraction.

How long can a cat ride in a car?

Without much traffic, that’s a long ride,

about seven or eight hours

. The cat should be allowed out of its carrier every four to six hours. Here are some tips for traveling with a cat in your car: Make sure the cat has a carrier.

Do cats get anxiety when you leave?

The truth is, though, cats have plenty of different personality types, and

many of them do experience separation anxiety

. This is particularly true of cats who were orphaned. And with many of you going back to work if you haven’t gone back already, it’s a good idea to know the signs of separation anxiety in cats.

Can I leave my cat alone for two weeks?

Pet Sitter To Mind Your Cat In Their Home

Leaving a cat alone in your home might be suitable for a short trip away, but

leaving cats alone for 2 weeks is never a good idea

.

Can cats get depressed when their owner leaves?

Cats get very attached to their families.

When left alone, they can get lonely, depressed, and even anxious

. It’s a misconception that cats aren’t social beings. They need their daily dose of love and attention to stay happy and healthy.

Can cats hold grudges?


Cats don’t hold grudges like humans do because they don’t have the same spectrum of emotions as humans

. Instead, cats associate certain actions and behaviors with bad events and good events. Based on this association, they react differently. Many cat behaviors remain mysteries, and their memory is no different.

Do cats remember when you yell at them?


Cats don’t understand when you scold them or tell them off

. Scolding makes sense to humans, but it won’t make any sense to your cat because it lives in the moment. When you scold cats, they have no idea why you yelled at them. Your cat might start avoiding you or feel uneasy around you.

Do cats remember abuse?

Cats have incredible associative memory, particularly when it comes to things that have hurt them. Cats have a very good long-term working memory, and

they can recall certain acts of abuse and misbehaviour for a long time.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.