• Introduce your cat to car travel at the earliest possible opportunity.
• Take your cat or kitten for short car journeys so it quickly learns that car travel can be fun - this will make it easier when you have to make trips to the vet.
• Your cat should always be transported in a suitable cat carrier.
• Choose a carrier that has plenty of room for your cat to stand up and turn around. The carrier should also have a locking catch, a sturdy carrying handle and plenty of ventilation.
• Introduce your cat to its carrier gradually - place it near an area in which your cat sleeps and put some of its bedding inside. You could also try putting some treats or its favourite toy inside.
• Allow your cat to explore the carrier and give it a reward and lots of verbal praise when it goes inside the carrier - over a period of time you can begin closing the door for short periods, so your cat becomes used to being enclosed.
• Drive carefully and brake smoothly when transporting your cat - talking to your cat will also help to reassure it.
• If your cat is an uneasy traveller, try covering the carrier with a sheet or towel - taking care not to obstruct its ventilation.
• If you are going on a long journey, plan your route so you can make stops every couple of hours to exercise your cat - a special cat harness and lead is excellent for this purpose.
• Always take a litter tray, food and water on a long journey and allow your cat to eat, drink and relieve itself each time you make a stop.
• If your cat suffers from travel sickness, contact your vet for advice.
• Never leave your cat unattended in the car - particularly on warm days, as it could suffer from heat-stroke.

Stories abound of cats who travel hundreds of miles from their new home to their old home, making many cat owners uneasy about moving their cat to a new environment.

Whilst it is true that cats are creatures of habit and given the choice, would prefer to stay where they are, there is no reason why your cat shouldn't settle in a new home, providing you follow some sensible guidelines:

• On the day you move, lock your cat in an empty room with its basket, toys, litter tray and food and water.
• Inform everyone in the house that door should not be opened in case your cat escapes.
• When you are ready to leave, place your cat in its carrier and put it in the car with you - don't forget to bring its bed, toys, food bowls and litter tray!
• Once at your new home, confine you cat to a small secure area where it cannot escape and allow it to explore its new environment.
• Over the next few weeks, gradually allow your cat to explore more and more of the house - the presence and smell of familiar items will help it to settle down.
• Resume your cat's normal feeding routine immediately.
• Do not allow your cat outside for at least a week and even then, it may be wise to take it out into the garden using a special cat harness and lead.
• Don't forget to change your cat's identity tag for one which has your new contact details on it!

Unlike dogs, who are happy to accompany their owner anywhere, cats are very attached to their surroundings and many owners feel their cat would be happier and safer if left at home or in a cattery while they are away on holiday.

• Make arrangements for a family member or responsible neighbour to visit your house twice a day and feed your cat and change its drinking water. Alternatively, consider using the services of Homesitters (www.homesitters.co.uk) and ensure the security of your home as well as the care of your cat.
• Make sure you leave enough food, cat litter and anything else your cat will require, such as medication.
• Leave clear instructions for the person looking after your cat, together with contact numbers for your vet and a number where you can be contacted whilst on holiday.
• Make sure your cat is wearing a collar and identification tag, in case it strays - you might also want to use a temporary tag, with the contact details of the person looking after your cat.

• A recommendation from a friend is usually the best way of finding a suitable cattery for your cat.
• Before booking your cat into the cattery, make an appointment to visit the premises - most catteries welcome inspection by owners but if they don't you should look elsewhere.
• The cattery staff should be welcoming and the facilities should be clean, secure and well maintained.
• Look carefully at the accommodation provided - do the cats have toys to play with, a scratching post and plenty of room to move around?
• Will you cat have separate sleeping quarters and will you be able to bring your cat's basket or bedding to help it feel more at home?
• Find out if you will need to bring your own food and if the cattery caters for special diets.
• Make sure your cat's vaccination record is up to date - a cattery will not accept your cat if it isn't.
• Make sure you advise the cattery about your cat's eating habits, likes, dislikes and general health - including any medication it may require.

Following the introduction of the Pet Travel Scheme, your cat can now travel with you to certain countries, without going into quarantine.

How can I find out which countries are included in the Pet Travel Scheme?

The Pet Travel Scheme runs a helpline on 0870 241 1710. Alternatively, speak to your vet or visit the MAFF website at www.defra.gov.uk.

How do I obtain a 'passport' for my pet to travel?

You will need to visit an approved Veterinary practice where your cat will be vaccinated against rabies and have an identification chip inserted under the skin. Then, 30 days later your cat will have a blood sample taken to check that the vaccine has been successful. If the blood sample is positive, the Vet will sign the necessary papers which will serve as your cat's passport. If it is negative, the vaccination and sampling will need to be repeated. Obviously, the sooner you can begin the procedure, the better, as cats will not be allowed to travel without this documentation.

Can I travel on any route and with any carrier I want?

No. You will need to book your trip with a recognised carrier as the Pet Travel Scheme currently only applies to certain routes and certain companies.

Is there anything else I should do before I travel?

Ask your vet to check that your cat's identification chip is in place and can be easily read. Also make sure you have the correct paperwork for each country you are staying in or travelling through.

What about coming home?

24 hours before you return home, your cat must be inspected for Parasites, ticks and tapeworm by an approved vet. Make sure you ask your carrier company for a list of English-speaking vets in the country you are visiting and ensure the vet completes the official form. Also make sure you arrange the examination in plenty of time so that it can be carried out in the 24 hours before your return trip.