For many cats, car rides can be stressful—for them, and for everyone involved (we can almost hear the guttural yowls from the carrier)! The strange smells and sounds can induce anxiety, especially if kitty associates them with past trips to the vet.
While we can’t exactly promise that your cat will enjoy their next car ride, here are some simple steps you can take to help them at least feel more at ease in a vehicle.
Introduce the carrier early
A few days or even a full week before your trip, leave the cat carrier out in your home. This gives your cat a chance to get used to its scent, making it feel like a normal part of their environment and reducing the chance they'll run and hide when it's time to leave.
To make it even more inviting, try placing treats or feeding kitty their meals inside the carrier. The goal is to help your cat see the carrier as a cozy retreat rather than a trap.
Create a safe space for your cat
Lightly spray a calming spray like Feliway inside the carrier to help ease your cat’s anxiety, and add comfort items like a favorite toy or an old shirt that carries your scent. Keep the car at a comfortably cool temperature, and partially cover the carrier with a light towel, blanket, or jacket. This creates a dark, enclosed space where your cat can hide if they want to, while still allowing for proper airflow.
Be sure to buckle the carrier in with a seatbelt to prevent it from sliding or shifting. This keeps the ride smoother and safer for your cat. As tempting as it might be to let them out if they’re meowing, your cat should stay securely in their carrier any time the car is moving.
Start with short drives
Test the waters with a few short practice drives around the block before attempting a longer car ride with your cat. This helps your cat adjust to the sounds and motions of the car, and gives you a sense of how they handle road travel, if they haven't been in a car before.
If even short car rides cause significant stress for your cat, leaving them at home with a pet sitter might be the best choice. Check out our tips for finding the right sitter for your kitty.
Plan pit stops
On longer trips, be sure to plan a few pit stops. Your cat needs breaks just like you do! These stops are a good time to offer fresh water and let them use the litter tray. If your cat likes the outdoors, you can even bring a leash and harness to let them get some fresh air in a safe, quiet area.
Prepare for messes
Accidents happen! For longer trips, make sure to pack pet-friendly wipes, paper towel, a travel litter tray, litter scoop, and disposable garbage bags. Lining the bottom of the carrier with a puppy training pad absorbs messes and simplifies cleanup.
Call your vet
If you’re worried that a long car ride might be too stressful for your cat and leaving them at home with a sitter isn’t an option, talk to your vet about anti-anxiety medication. They can also advise you on whether and when to feed your cat before the trip to help prevent motion sickness.
Reward kitty after the trip!
Even if your cat stays at home, they don't have to miss out on the adventure! The road trip-themed meowbox brings the freedom of the open highway right to your hallway. Select the "Are We There Meow?" theme at checkout, only while quantities last at meowbox.com.