How To Travel By Car With Your Cat For Short & Long Trips

While dogs tend to be amiable about traveling in cars, most cats aren’t big fans. Even if it is just a short car trip.  Traveling by car with your cat to go to the vet or a neighbor’s house can be stressful for both you and your feline companion if your cat doesn’t cooperate or becomes anxious.

However, if you prepare ahead of time and manage your cat during the ride, you and your cat should end up at your destination more readily. Your cat might even enjoy it!

Preparation Before the Trip

1. Choose the Right Carrier

A secure, well-ventilated carrier is really important for any time you want to take your cat on an outing. The carrier should be just large enough for your cat to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Hard-sided carriers provide more stability and protection for short trips.

2. Make the Carrier a Safe Space

Leave the carrier out in your home with the door open several days before the trip. Place familiar bedding, toys, and treats inside to encourage your cat to explore and become comfortable with it. The goal is to help your cat associate the carrier with positive experiences.

3. Practice Short Drives

If possible, take your cat on a few practice drives around the block. Keep these sessions short and reward your cat with treats and affection afterward. This gradual exposure can reduce their fear of car rides.

4. Timing and Feeding

Feed your cat a light meal several hours before the trip. Avoid overfeeding, as a full stomach can increase the likelihood of motion sickness.

What You Should Do During the Drive

1. Secure the Carrier

Place the carrier on the back seat and secure it with a seatbelt to prevent sliding or tipping. Keeping the carrier stable helps reduce your cat’s anxiety.

2. Create a Calming Environment

Play soft, calming music or keep the car quiet to minimize startling noises.

If your cat seems overly nervous, you can cover the carrier with a lightweight blanket to block out visual stimuli and your cat will most likely fall asleep.

3. Monitor Your Cat

Pay attention to see if your cat shows any signs of distress, such as excessive meowing, panting, or drooling. If your cat shows these symptoms, consider consulting your veterinarian for advice or medication to ease travel-related anxiety or nausea.

Tips for Vet Visits

Bring Comfort Items:

Place your cat’s favorite blanket or toy in the carrier to provide a sense of security.

Arrive Calm:

Avoid rushing to the vet. Your stress can transfer to your cat, making the experience more difficult for both of you.

Use Pheromone Sprays:

Synthetic feline pheromones, like Feliway, can help create a calming atmosphere in the carrier.

Tips for Bringing Your Cat To Stay At a Neighbor’s House

Keep It Short and Sweet:

Make sure the visit is brief to avoid overwhelming your cat.

Secure the Environment:

Confirm that your neighbor’s space is safe and quiet, with no other pets or hazards that might stress your cat.

If you are bringing your cat to stay at a neighbor or friend’s house, give you cat a few hours to adjust before letting your kitty out of the carrier. And, let your cat explore the environment on his or her own terms.

After the Trip

When you return home, let your cat exit the carrier at their own pace. Provide treats and gentle affection to reinforce positive associations with the trip. If the trip was to the vet, give your cat time to decompress in a quiet room.

Why Some Cats Get Sick While Traveling

Short car rides can be particularly challenging for some cats due to their unfamiliarity with car motion and the stress of leaving their home territory. Motion sickness, caused by the inner ear struggling to balance during movement, is a common issue.

Anxiety can further exacerbate these symptoms, leading to excessive drooling, vomiting, or vocalizations. Additionally, cats often associate car rides with negative experiences like vet visits, which increases their stress levels.

What to Do If Your Cat Gets Sick During Short Drives

If your cat becomes sick during a short drive, pull over safely to address the situation. Clean up any mess by using pet-safe wipes or a disposable cloth to keep your cat comfortable. Offer your cat reassurance with a calm voice but avoid taking your cat out of the carrier, as this can increase their stress.

If motion sickness is a recurring issue, consult your veterinarian about anti-nausea medications or natural remedies designed for pets. You can also experiment with adjusting the positioning of the carrier to keep it more stable, such as placing it on the floor of the car rather than the seat.

Short car trips with your cat don’t have to be a source of anxiety. By preparing in advance, creating a calming environment, and addressing motion sickness or stress, you can make these brief journeys less daunting. With consistency and patience, your cat may become more comfortable with short rides, making future trips easier for both of you.