Is the Backpacking Kitty Dead?

By Alice Nichols

The phrase ‘backpacking kitty’ is one that has become increasingly popular in recent years with the rise of social media travel influencers. The idea of a backpacker kitty is that it is a cat travelling the world, often with their human parent, visiting new places and experiencing different cultures.

While the concept of the backpacking kitty may have been entertaining to some, there are many who believe that it is an irresponsible way to travel and can be potentially dangerous for cats.

Firstly, cats are not designed to travel long distances and exposing them to such environments can be uncomfortable and stressful for them. Cats are creatures of habit and routine and long journeys can disrupt this causing distress and anxiety.

Long-distance travel can also bring on motion sickness or dehydration in cats which can result in serious health issues if not addressed quickly.

In addition, travelling with a cat may be difficult as there are often restrictions on pet transport depending on where you are going. Different countries may have quarantine regulations or other restrictions that need to be taken into account before deciding to bring your cat along with you on your travels. Additionally, cats may require vaccinations or other treatments prior to entering certain countries which could prove costly.

Finally, while travelling with a pet may appear romantic at first glance, it is important to take into consideration all aspects of responsible pet ownership before deciding whether it is right for you and your cat. It is also important to think about how practical taking your cat on holiday really is as there are many restrictions that you need to consider before embarking on your adventure.

Conclusion: After considering all aspects of responsible pet ownership, it appears that the backpacking kitty is far from dead; however, owners must take extra precautions when travelling with their furry friends. Although adventurous at heart, cats require special care when travelling long distances and owners should carefully weigh up all the potential risks involved before making any decisions about taking their beloved cats away with them on holiday.