FAQ: Supplies for cats

Only transport a cat in a closed, secured carrier, never loose in the car. On longer trips bring water and a small litter tray, and never leave the cat in the car on a hot day, even briefly.

For travel within the EU a cat usually needs a microchip, an EU pet passport and a valid rabies vaccination. Some countries have extra requirements, so check them in advance with official sources and your vet.

Often yes: with many airlines a small cat can travel in the cabin in a soft carrier under the seat. Conditions and carrier size and weight limits vary, so check them before buying the ticket.

On moving day, shut the cat in a quiet room or its carrier so it does not slip out through open doors. In the new home, first set up one room with its litter, bed, food and familiar things, and let it explore the rest gradually.

Sedatives or other medicines should only be given to a cat if prescribed by a vet. It often helps to get the cat used to its carrier and short trips in advance, and some owners find a pheromone spray in the carrier useful.

Cats can feel sick from motion and stress, especially if they rarely travel. Not feeding the cat for a few hours before the trip, a firmly secured carrier and partly covering it help; if it happens often, talk to your vet.

Take the carrier, its usual food and litter, a litter box, bowls, a bed or blanket that smells of home and the pet passport. In a new place, keep the cat indoors for the first days so it does not run off and get lost.

Lilies are especially dangerous: even the pollen or water from the vase can cause kidney failure in cats. Dieffenbachia, aloe, monstera, poinsettia and many other plants are also harmful, so check whether a plant is safe for cats before buying it.

Cleaners with chlorine or phenols, antifreeze, rodent and insect poisons, essential oils and some air fresheners are dangerous to cats. Keep them shut away and do not let the cat walk on freshly washed floors until they are dry.

Many essential oils, such as tea tree, citrus or eucalyptus, can be toxic to cats because their liver does not break these substances down well. Never apply oils to a cat, and use diffusers with care and only where the cat can leave for another room.

Cables can be hidden in cable channels or protective sleeves, and unused chargers unplugged. Offer a cat that likes to chew some chew toys or cat grass.

A cat's tongue is rough, so swallowed thread, tinsel or ribbon can get stuck and damage the intestines. Only use toys with strings during supervised play, and if you see thread hanging from the cat's mouth, do not pull it but see a vet.

Yes, even a small amount of common painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be fatal to a cat. Never give a cat medicines meant for people, and keep them shut away.

Cats love jumping onto worktops, so do not leave hot pans unattended and cover the hob while it cools. Do not leave food, especially onions, chocolate or bones, within the cat's reach.

Cats love dark, warm, enclosed spaces, so they easily get into washing machines, dryers, cupboards or drawers. Always check for the cat before switching on an appliance or closing a door.

A cat can get burned or knock over a candle, setting its fur or nearby things alight. Never leave an open flame unattended, and use a guard in front of a fireplace.

Small things a cat could swallow are dangerous: hair ties, hairpins, buttons, coins, batteries and magnets, as well as plastic bags. Check toys with feathers or bells to make sure no parts are coming loose.

During renovation keep the cat in a closed, quiet room away from paint, glue, dust and open doors. Paint and solvent fumes, building dust and sharp tools can all be dangerous to a cat.

Call a vet as soon as possible and, if you can, say what and how much the cat ate and show the packaging. Do not make the cat vomit or give it anything yourself unless the vet tells you to.

Provide several water bowls and a cool, shady spot, and draw the curtains during the hottest hours. Some cats like cooling mats; lethargy and rapid breathing with an open mouth are an emergency for the vet.