Travelling to Spain with My Cat, Simba: A Smooth Adventure

Travelling with a pet can feel daunting, especially when it involves a journey abroad. Yet, when the time came to move from the UK to Spain, I knew Simba, my beloved rescue cat, would handle the experience with his usual calm demeanour. Here's how I prepared, how the day unfolded, and why Simba seemed perfectly at home in Spain from the moment we arrived.

Preparing for Travel

Simba has always been fond of his carrier. I leave it open at home, so he can use it as a cosy bed whenever he pleases. He views it as a safe space, even using it to relax on vet trips or when we moved house. Our past Airbnb holidays proved that as long as I’m with him, he adjusts well to new surroundings.

I decided not to sedate Simba. The airline discouraged it, and knowing how anxious I would feel if he seemed groggy or vulnerable, I opted for a natural calming spot-on treatment instead. It’s a herbal solution I’d successfully used during house moves, providing comfort without sedation. Harness training also played a crucial role. By familiarizing Simba with wearing his harness beforehand, he felt secure and relaxed, even inside his carrier on travel day.

The Day of Travel

The morning started early, with Simba enjoying a small breakfast. Not feeding him would have raised his suspicions, but as he’s never shown signs of travel sickness, a light meal was fine. Once his harness was on, and we was inside his carrier we were ready for our adventure.

At the airport, when we were finally checked in (that's a whole different story). I signed a form to confirm Simba met the airline's standards and wasn't sedated and then we were free to go to security. 

Security was a breeze; I informed each agent about my feline travel companion, and everyone was accommodating. At the scanners, a manager helped by carrying Simba while I organized my belongings. We were taken to a private room for me to take Simba out of his carrier which was then taken to be scanned. He had some fuss and cuddles before happily returning to his carrier. The agents were impressed by his calm demeanour.

Boarding the flight, we received a wonderful surprise: the cabin crew moved us to an XL seat with space in the middle, so Simba didn’t have to remain on the floor. The passenger beside us was incredibly kind and charmed by Simba, who curled up and fell asleep during the flight, drawing smiles from several fellow travellers.

Arrival in Spain

After landing, and making it through passport control we went through to declare Simba, where his microchip and paperwork were checked. I was able to scan his microchip through the mesh in the carrier so no need to take him out. From there, we took a high-speed train to our final destination, ensuring a peaceful transition for Simba after the flight. The quiet carriage allowed him to nap comfortably once more.

When we reached our new home, Simba settled in immediately. He ate a hearty meal, used his litter tray, and curled up on the sofa as though he'd always been there. Since then, he’s napped, watched his first gecko with fascination, and resumed life as if nothing unusual had occurred.

Why Was Simba So Relaxed?

Considering Simba's history as a feral rescue and his occasional nervousness around strangers, his calm behaviour surprised even me. Yet I believe it comes down to the thoughtful environment he’s accustomed to. His space has always been cat-friendly, with food, water, litter, and scratching posts in separate, strategic areas. Our home is quiet and relaxed, and his diet is high-quality, with plenty of opportunities to play and be himself. Simba has safe, high places to observe the world and always knows he can come to me for head bumps and affection.

The Unexpected Bumps

Of course, no travel day comes without its problems. We encountered a few bumps along the way, such as my original booking having been cancelled without my knowledge and a big queue at passport control. Yet none of these issues had anything to do with Simba or his behaviour. Throughout it all, he remained his calm, composed self, which certainly made handling those hiccups a little easier. All of the Iberia and Heathrow staff were so kind and helpful and we are both very thankful for this. 

A Fun Bonus Story

One of the highlights of our journey was meeting a manager at airport security, who turned out to have a unique connection to Simba. He proudly shared that his son had played Simba in the West End musical The Lion King. We had a lovely chat, and it felt like a special coincidence, a reminder of the magic in traveling with loved ones—even those with whiskers.

Important Details for Traveling with Your Cat

For those considering a similar journey, here are some crucial pieces of information:

• Flight: We travelled from Heathrow to Madrid with Iberia. It's important to know that only certain airlines and routes allow pets in the cabin, so be sure to check and book your pet's spot in advance.

• Vaccines: Rabies vaccination is essential for travel, and there are strict rules about the timing of this vaccine. The vet must check your pet's microchip number before administering the vaccine, so make sure to find a veterinarian who understands these regulations.

• Animal Health Certificate: The certificate is only valid for 10 days from the date of issue. We used AHCDirect and met a vet in a car park, where they scanned Simba’s microchip and provided all the necessary paperwork. It was a straightforward, affordable process, and I highly recommend them.