16 Tips You Wish You’d Known Before Traveling With A Maine Coon

Maine Coon cats are known for their affectionate and intelligent nature, but traveling with them requires careful planning.

Their large size and independent personalities mean they may not always adjust easily to new environments. However, with the right approach, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free journey whether you’re traveling by:

• Car
• Plane
• Train
• Ship

Essential Tips For Traveling With A Cat

Traveling with a Maine Coon requires thorough preparation, but there are extra steps you can take to ensure a smooth journey.

The following strategies help minimize stress and improve your cat’s overall comfort:

1. Prepare Your Maine Coon For Travel

Before setting off on a trip, it’s essential to get your Maine Coon used to the idea of travel.

The best way to do this is by introducing them to short car rides well in advance. Taking them on brief, stress-free trips helps them adjust to movement and unfamiliar surroundings.

In addition, familiarizing them with a travel carrier beforehand is crucial. Leave the carrier open at home, place treats inside, and allow your cat to explore it freely so it becomes a safe and comfortable space rather than a source of anxiety.

2. Buying The Right Carrier

Choosing the right carrier is vital, especially given the Maine Coon’s large size. The carrier should be spacious enough for them to:

• Stand
• Turn around
• Stretch out

To travel comfortably, you should get a carrier that is about 16″ x 24″ x 24″.

Hard-sided carriers are best for air travel due to their durability, while soft-sided ones are preferable for car and train travel, as they offer more flexibility.

Ventilation is key, so make sure the carrier allows plenty of airflow.

Always check airline-specific size restrictions to ensure your cat’s carrier meets regulations (if flying with your Maine Coon).

3. Pack The Essentials

Pack all the essentials for your journey, including food, water, and a collapsible bowl for easy hydration. A familiar blanket or favorite toy will also help reduce anxiety by providing comfort.

Travel-friendly litter boxes are ideal for long journeys, and a leash and harness can be useful for safely letting your cat stretch its legs during breaks.

A pet first aid kit is also a good idea in case of emergencies. 

4. Vet Checkup

A veterinary check-up before traveling ensures your cat is fit for the journey. Vaccinations should be up to date, and if traveling internationally or flying, a health certificate may be required.

If your Maine Coon is prone to motion sickness or stress, consult your vet about possible medications or calming aids.

5. Traveling By Car

When traveling by car, always keep your cat secure inside their carrier. Allowing them to roam freely can be dangerous. The safest place for the carrier is on the back seat, secured with a seatbelt.

Sunshades can help keep the car from getting too hot, and taking breaks every 2–3 hours allows your cat to drink water and use the litter box.

Long car trips can be stressful for cats, so reducing loud music and sudden movements will help keep them calm.

Covering part of the carrier with a light blanket can provide a sense of security.

To prevent motion sickness, avoid feeding your cat right before departure, and consider using Feliway spray, a calming pheromone.

6. Flying With A Maine Coon

Flying with a Maine Coon requires careful planning. Not all airlines allow large cats in the cabin, and Maine Coons often exceed the weight limit for in-cabin travel.

If your cat must travel in cargo, ensure the airline provides temperature-controlled pet compartments, and always book a direct flight to minimize stress.

For air travel, the carrier must be airline-approved. Line it with absorbent pads in case of accidents, and prepare for TSA checks, where you may be required to remove your cat from the carrier.

A secure harness and leash will prevent them from escaping during security screening.

Cats traveling in cargo should have a properly labeled carrier with their name, the owner’s contact information, and feeding instructions. While cargo travel can be safe with a reputable airline, it’s always best to check their pet policies in advance.

7. Traveling By Train

Train travel policies vary by country. In the U.S., Amtrak allows small cats on select routes, while in Europe, policies depend on the railway company. Some allow cats in private cabins, while others have designated pet-friendly areas.

If taking a train, a soft-sided carrier is ideal as it fits under seats more easily.

Booking a private cabin, if possible, can make the trip more comfortable and reduce exposure to noise and strangers.

Providing water and keeping your cat’s familiar blanket in the carrier will help them stay calm.

8. Traveling By Ship Or Ferry

Cruise ships typically do not allow cats unless they are service animals. However, some ferries allow cats in designated pet areas or private cabins. Always check the ferry company’s policy in advance.

If your cat is traveling by sea, use a well-ventilated, secure carrier lined with a soft blanket. Motion sickness can be an issue on rough waters, so consult your vet if necessary.

Access to food, water, and a travel litter box should be arranged to keep your cat comfortable throughout the journey.

9. Keep Your Maine Coon Comfortable

Minimizing stress is key to a successful trip. Using a Feliway spray inside the carrier and speaking to your cat in a calm, reassuring tone can help ease anxiety.

Offering water regularly is essential, especially on long trips. Small meals should be provided during breaks, but it’s best to avoid feeding immediately before travel to prevent nausea.

Accidents can happen, so carrying wet wipes, absorbent pads, and extra towels is always a good idea.

10. Start Travel Training At A Young Age

If possible, start travel training while your Maine Coon is a kitten. Cats who are accustomed to traveling from an early age tend to be less fearful and stressed during longer trips.

• Introduce short car rides early on, starting with just a few minutes at a time.
• Let your kitten explore their carrier at home – place treats, blankets, and toys inside.
• Gradually increase exposure to different travel environments, such as train stations or airports, without traveling.

If you adopt an older Maine Coon, it may take longer to adjust, but with patience, they can still learn to tolerate travel.

11. Be Visible To Your Cat

Maine Coons form strong bonds with their owners, so being visible to them while traveling can help reduce stress.

✔ Car Travel: Placing the carrier where your cat can see you may provide reassurance. A backseat position, secured with a seatbelt, is best.
✔ Train Travel: Keep the carrier on your lap or next to you. Speaking softly to your cat can help them feel safe.
✔ Air Travel: If your airline allows it, placing the carrier under the seat in front of you allows your cat to hear and smell you.

12. Use A Thundershirt

A Thundershirt (a snug-fitting wrap designed to provide gentle pressure) can be helpful for anxious cats. It works similarly to swaddling a baby and may help your Maine Coon feel calmer during travel.

Introduce the Thundershirt at home first, allowing your cat to wear it for short periods.

Put it on before traveling to reduce stress during car rides, flights, or train journeys.

Not all cats will tolerate a thundershirt, and some may feel restricted so test it well before your trip.

13. Exercise Your Maine Coon Before Travel

A tired cat is a calmer traveler! Before heading out:

✔ Engage in active play with wand toys or laser pointers to burn off excess energy.
✔ Use puzzle feeders to keep them mentally stimulated before the journey.
✔ Encourage them to use the litter box before departure to prevent discomfort.

A well-exercised Maine Coon is more likely to relax and sleep during travel.

14. Book Everything In Advance

Traveling with a cat requires extra logistics. Booking everything well ahead of time ensures a smooth experience.

✔ Choose pet-friendly accommodations: Not all hotels or Airbnb accept cats so confirm policies before booking.
✔ Check airline/train/ferry pet regulations: Some services have restrictions on pet travel, especially for large cats.
✔ Reserve a private train cabin or ferry pet area if available.
✔ Arrange a vet visit if vaccinations, microchipping, or health certificates are required.

Last-minute bookings may limit your options and increase stress for both you and your cat.

15. Take Regular Breaks

Taking regular breaks while traveling with a Maine Coon helps:

• Reduce stress
• Prevent motion sickness
• Allow them to stretch
• Use the litter box
• Stay hydrated

Breaks also provide a chance to offer comfort, reassurance, and food if needed. For long car journeys, stopping every 2–3 hours helps maintain their well-being and keeps them calm throughout the trip.

16. Pet Passport

Cats need a pet passport or equivalent documentation to travel internationally. Requirements vary by country but typically include microchipping, vaccinations (especially rabies), and a health certificate from a vet.

Some countries also require quarantine periods or additional paperwork, so it’s essential to check regulations well in advance.

You can obtain a pet passport or travel documentation from a licensed veterinarian authorized to issue animal health certificates.

UK pet owners need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). In the US and other countries, similar documents can be obtained through USDA-accredited vets or government-approved veterinarians.

The process takes anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on the destination’s requirements. If rabies vaccination or a rabies titer test (blood test proving immunity) is needed, you may need to wait up to 3–6 months before travel.

Costs vary by country, but general estimates include:

• Basic pet passport: £50–£250 (EU)
• Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for UK travel: £100–£300
• Rabies vaccination: £30–£80
• Microchipping: £10–£50
• Rabies titer test (if needed): £50–£150
• Other vaccinations or treatments (if required): £30–£100