But there’s one little detail a lot of people forget, and it could turn into a life-or-death situation. Make sure to talk to your vet before you leave.

Tell the vet you’re going away for a while and who’s going to be taking care of your cat while you’re gone. Make payment arrangements in case your cat gets sick while you’re away. Most vets will require credit card information and specific information about what kind of measures or care you’re willing to authorize.

Inform your vet if you want to be contacted in the event your cat gets sick. If so, be sure your vet has a phone number where you can be reached: if it’s a cell phone, make sure you keep it with you and it’s turned on. If you’re in another country where your phone won’t work, give the vet a local message number or an e-mail address that you know you’ll check at least daily.

Make sure you have enough carriers for all your cats, that all the carriers are in working order, and that your sitter knows where they are.

Leave a note for your sitter with feeding instructions, your contact information, your vet’s phone number, the phone number for the nearest emergency vet, and dosing information for any medications your cat is taking.

Do these simple things before you go away and you’ll be able to breathe easy knowing your sitter will have all the information she needs to keep your kitty well and safe.

Cat expert and animal communicator JaneA Kelley is the webmaster and chief cat slave for Paws and Effect, a weekly cat advice column by cats, for cats and their people.

You can actually train your cat to travel well with a little effort. First, get your cat used to a halter and leash. Have her wear it a few minutes at a time. Eventually venture outside, praising your cat and offering treats. Next, sit in the car with her without the engine running. Then, place her in her carrier in the car and take a short trip, gradually lengthening it.

Start stopping occasionally and walk her in her halter, as you would for a rest stop. Bring a portable litter box on the trip for your cat to use in or out of the car. Remember: plenty of food, treats, and water. And do not forget to get your cat microchipped and tag her before hitting the road.

Kelly is a pet writer. She lives in the Boston area with her three pit bulls and one neurotic cat.

First, make sure your cat’s carrier is well-ventilated and large enough for her. Make sure your cat has her collar with i.d. on. Don’t let your cat be put through the x-ray machine at the airport. Sooth your cat with pets and touches (through the carrier) and treats on the flight. If you have a nervous cat, check with your vet about medication ahead of time. Your cat will thank you and so will the other passengers.

Kelly is a dog columnist and pet writer. She lives in the Boston-area with her three pit bulls and one neurotic cat.

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