How to Travel With Your Cat in the Car

Key points:

• Most cats find car travel stressful because the environment is unfamiliar and unpredictable.
• A secure, well-ventilated carrier is essential for keeping your cat safe during the journey.
• Getting your cat used to their carrier and taking short practice drives can make future trips easier.
• A calm car environment with minimal noise and sudden movement can help reduce stress.
• Avoid large meals immediately before travelling, particularly if your cat is prone to motion sickness.
• If your cat experiences severe anxiety or repeated vomiting during travel, speak with your vet before your next trip.

Generally speaking, cats aren’t the biggest fans of car rides. For most, the unfamiliar sounds, movement and environment can lead to cat car anxiety, whether you’re heading to the vet, moving house or going on holiday.

The good news is that a little preparation can make cat car travel safer and less stressful for everyone. Read on for tips on choosing a carrier, preparing your cat for the journey, reducing anxiety and managing motion sickness.

Choosing the best cat travel carrier for car travel

A secure, well-ventilated cat travel carrier is a must when travelling by car. It helps keep your cat safe while giving them a secure space during the journey. Useful features include:

• A hard-sided carrier with a secure latch, ideally one that can be secured with a seatbelt

• Enough room for your cat to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably without sliding around

• Good ventilation on multiple sides

• A top-opening or front-and-top-opening design, which can make it easier to get a reluctant cat in and out

• A non-slip base to help keep the carrier steady during the drive

Even if your cat dislikes their carrier, avoid letting them travel loose in the car. It’s unsafe for them and distracting for the driver. Keeping cats calm in the car starts with giving them a safe, secure space away from distractions.

Getting your cat used to the car before the trip

Cat carrier training requires patience. If your cat only sees their carrier before something stressful, such as a vet visit, they can quickly learn to associate it with anxiety.

Try the following in the weeks before a bigger journey, especially if you’re planning a road trip with a cat for the first time:

• Leave the carrier out at home with the door open so it becomes a familiar object

• Add a soft blanket or an item with a familiar scent

• Practise short car trips, gradually building up to longer journeys

• Reward calm behaviour with treats or praise after each practice session

A little preparation can go a long way towards reducing stress when the real trip comes around.

How to calm a cat in the car

If you’re wondering how to calm a cat in the car, try one or more of the following:

• Cover part of the carrier with a light cloth to reduce visual stimulation while maintaining airflow

• Keep the car at a comfortable temperature and minimise sudden braking, loud music and other disruptions

• Talk to your cat in a soft, reassuring voice

• Secure the carrier so it doesn’t slide or tip during the drive

• Avoid opening the carrier mid-trip, as a frightened cat may try to escape

Dealing with cat motion sickness

Cat motion sickness can occur, particularly in kittens and cats that aren’t used to travelling. Signs can include drooling, vomiting, restlessness and excessive vocalising.

A few things may help:

• Avoid feeding your cat a large meal immediately before travelling

• Keep the car comfortably cool and well ventilated

• Plan appropriate breaks on longer trips

• Speak with your vet about anti-nausea options if motion sickness is a recurring problem

On the day: cat travel essentials

Some useful cat travel essentials include:

• A secure carrier with comfortable bedding and a familiar scent

• A small meal a few hours before travel rather than immediately beforehand

• Water for longer trips

• Up-to-date ID tag and microchip details

• A calm, quiet environment in the car

When to talk to your vet

If your cat shows significant distress, repeated vomiting or extreme anxiety whenever they travel, it’s worth speaking with your vet. They can offer guidance on calming aids, anti-nausea medication or other options suited to your cat’s needs.

Petstock Vet services can also provide advice before an upcoming trip.

Travelling with cats is possible

Travelling with cats doesn’t have to be an ordeal. With some preparation, a quality carrier and gradual practice, you can learn how to travel with a cat more safely and comfortably.

Got an upcoming trip with your cat? Shop Petstock’s range of secure, comfortable cat carriers today.