For most cats, travel ranks somewhere between “unexpected vacuum noise” and “vet visit” on the list of personal injustices. But with the right preparation—and the right gear—traveling with your cat doesn’t have to be stressful for either of you.
As more hotels, airlines, and destinations embrace pet-friendly policies, cat parents are realizing something important: our cats can travel with us comfortably if we respect their routines, preferences, and royal standards.
In honor of National Pet Travel Safety Day (January 2), Fluff & Boots Founder Ashley OBryan shares tips for making travel with your cat safer, calmer, and far more enjoyable—without sacrificing aesthetics or ethics along the way.
You may feel about the same as your cat when it comes to travelling with them, but recent research shows pet travel isn’t just a niche activity. According to the American Pet Products Association, a large majority of cat owners travel with their pets: 90% reported traveling by car with their cats in the past year, and 80% reported flying with their cats at least once during the same period. What’s more, 30% of cat owners took their cats on three or more car trips, and 22% took three or more flights with them, both up significantly from prior years.
Additional industry data finds that roughly 54% of pet owners plan future travel with their pets, and 78% of American pet owners travel with their pets each year, with nearly 64% preferring car travel over other modes.
Your Cat’s Travel Survival Guide
With trends confirming that pet travel is not only growing, but also that comfort and convenience are top priorities for owners, these tips will help ensure your trips are “purrfect.”
Cats thrive on familiarity. New smells, sounds, and environments can be overwhelming, so bringing pieces of home along is essential.
Founder tip: Always pack at least one thing your cat already loves. A favorite toy or a familiar blanket can instantly lower anxiety by giving them something that smells and feels like home. Familiar textures signal safety, no matter where you are.
This is exactly why the Fluff & Boots Signature Travel Set was designed as a cohesive system, not a random assortment of pet gear. Each piece works together to create a consistent, calming environment your cat recognizes—whether you’re road-tripping or checking into a five-star hotel.
Your cat doesn’t need a massive space; they need their space.
A soft, well-ventilated carrier or travel crate they’re already comfortable with is key. Inside, layer in familiar scents and textures to create a cozy retreat they can retreat to when stimulation gets too high.
Founder tip: Add something that smells like you. When your cat has a predictable “safe zone,” they’re far more likely to relax, explore at their own pace, and settle into travel routines.
Pet-friendly doesn’t always mean cat-prepared. A quick call ahead can make all the difference.
Many hotels appreciate advance notice and will often:
Some will even welcome your cat with thoughtful touches, proof that cats, when properly announced, are treated like the VIPs they are.
Let’s be honest: most pet travel gear is either loud, bulky, or something you immediately hide once you arrive. As a female-founded, ethically made, design-forward cat brand, we believe cat essentials should be:
For example, Fluff & Boots created their Signature Travel Set for people who travel with their cats and still want their surroundings to feel intentional, elevated, and human-approved.
Cats may not love travel by default, but with intention, preparation, and the right tools, they can feel safe, calm, and surprisingly at home wherever you go.
Because traveling with your cat shouldn’t feel like a compromise, it should feel like bringing royalty along, properly prepared, deeply respected, and very, very comfortable. Photo Credit: Fluff & Boots
