Traveling with a cat can be a stressful and anxious experience – not just for you, but also for your cat, who likely doesn’t venture outside the home very often (let alone sit in a car going 50 miles per hour).
But there comes a time when it’s necessary – and you’ll have to get through it together.
Whether they’re joining you on a cross-country road trip or a 15-minute car ride to the vet’s office, keeping your furry friend happy should be your No. 1 priority – and I have some tips to help you achieve just that.
Traveling With a Cat? Here Are Some Tips!
If there’s one thing we know about cats, it’s that they’re extremely sensitive to change and prefer to be in control – or, at the very least, feel like they’re in control – of the situation at hand (whatever that might be).
That’s why being in a car, where change is constant and control is lost, is so difficult for a cat.
But that’s where you come into play. As difficult as it might be, it’s your responsibility (as the cat’s owner) to ensure a safe, calm, stress-free, and comfortable environment from the start to the end of your trip.
The good news is there are a number of things you can do when learning how to travel with a cat.
1. Invest In a Quality Cat Carrier
Whether you have several minutes or several days of travel ahead of you, there’s a good chance your cat will spend a majority of its time in their cat carrier – it’s the one place they’ll feel at least a little in control.
Of course, that’s why investing in a quality cat carrier is so important.
It needs to be big enough that they can stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so big that they feel insecure and vulnerable. It also needs to be properly ventilated to allow for consistent airflow.
If it doesn’t have a soft bedding, you can add a towel or blanket for extra comfort.
And if they don’t need it for comfort, adding a blanket (or even a dirty shirt) with a familiar scent can help your cat feel more at home in their carrier – helping them stay calm in the most unsettling of moments.
2. Pack Plenty of Kitty Home Comforts
A blanket is a great place to start, but make sure the cat carrier (and car, in general) is equipped with all of your cat’s favorite home comforts – including their favorite toys, treats, scratching posts, and more.
That also means packing water, food (just in case), and litter (especially for longer trips).
If possible, bring a portable litter box that you can easily fill, clean, and store during your trip. We suggest finding one that zips up – that way, you can keep the litter in the box without it smelling up the entire car.
And if they’re used to it, bring a harness and a leash so they don’t need to be confined to the carrier.
While they’ll spend most of their time in the carrier (for safety reasons), it’s okay to let your cat roam free in the car every now and then – and with a harness or leash, you can do so without them running away.
3. Use Medication for Overly-Anxious Cats
Cats are already dealing with a lot of emotions while traveling, but they’re also known to feed off their owner’s stress, frustration, and anxiety – which makes the trip even more unsettling for your furry friend.
But don’t worry – over-the-counter drugs and prescription medication can help.
For example, some natural calming supplements – such as Zylkène or Bio-Calm – contain hydrolyzed milk protein (casein), which has been shown to reduce stress reactions in cats, especially while traveling.
Other products to consider include Feliway spray, catnip, Rescue Remedy, and calming treats.
If over-the-counter products aren’t helping, then schedule a visit with your vet prior to leaving. If your cat is healthy enough, the vet will prescribe a sedative or anti-anxiety medication to be used while traveling.
4. Avoid Feeding Them Before Leaving
One of the biggest mistakes people make when traveling with a cat is feeding them too soon before takeoff, feeding them too much the night before, or giving them food in the car – while the car is moving.
If possible, I recommend withholding breakfast on the day of travel (for your cat, not yourself).
Traveling on an empty stomach reduces the risk of nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness while driving – and also reduces the risk of having to go potty, which comes in handy when a litter box isn’t available.
That’s why it’s best to feed them after you arrive at your destination – as opposed to before.
And as far as water goes, I recommend saving it for rest stops to avoid excessive consumption while traveling. Bring a small dish and a water bottle so you can easily fill it up and dispose of it as needed.
5. Let Them Assimilate to the Environment
Most cats spend all day indoors, but even those that get to enjoy the great outdoors aren’t going to feel comfortable in a vehicle – especially if they’re confined to a cat carrier, which will most likely be the case.
That’s why I recommend giving your cat an opportunity to assimilate to the environment before traveling.
If you know you’ll be traveling soon, let your cat roam around in your car (without driving) and let them take in all the sounds and scents that come with it – that way, they’re familiar with it when that day comes.
And if they’re up for the challenge, take them on a practice joy ride to simulate the experience.
You can also take additional steps to familiarize your cat with their carrier. For example, you can leave the carrier out for a few days prior to leaving – giving them an opportunity to enter when they feel ready.
At the end of the day, do whatever you can to make this trip enjoyable for both you and your cat!
