Traveling with Your Cat: Tips for a Stress-Free Journey

Listen to the audio version of this blog post to enjoy our insights and tips on the go—perfect for busy cat lovers!

Traveling with your cat can be an adventure, but it also comes with its challenges. Whether you’re planning a road trip, and vet visit, or moving to a new city, keeping your furry friend calm and comfortable is key to a successful journey. Cats are more than just pets—they are cherished family members, and their well-being matters. Before we jump into practical tips, let us share a bit about our own experiences traveling with our beloved cats, Lilly, Louie, and now Rosie.

Our Personal Kitty Traveling Adventures 

When we traveled with Lilly and Louie, it was always a bit of an adventure—and not the fun kind! Neither of them were fans of car rides, and they’d often get sick and cry the whole way. We quickly learned that feeding them right before a trip was a big no-no. The magic formula? No food for at least three to four hours before leaving, and early morning vet appointments. This combo almost always prevented the dreaded car sickness.

Another trick that worked was raising their carrier so they could see out the window. It seemed to help them feel less disoriented. Louie, the chill one, would often just sit in the back window watching the world go by if we let him out. Lilly, on the other hand, was more of a wanderer, so she stayed in her carrier. When they were together, though, they seemed to do better—sibling support, I guess!

Current adventures with Roise:

Now, with Rosie, it’s a whole different ball game. She doesn’t get car sick, but she cries and even pants like a dog, which just breaks our hearts. We’ve tried to make car rides less scary for her by mixing it up—sometimes we take her to visit her grandparents instead of just the vet. Grandparents mean treats and cuddles, so now she’s starting to realize that not every car ride ends with a thermometer! Short trips, not feeding her before we leave, and adding in some happy destinations have all helped ease her nerves a bit.

We’re also considering a mobile vet to come to us for her shots—anything to make it easier for our little Rosie. We’ll keep you posted on how that goes! So, let’s take a journey into some practical, stress-free tips to make traveling with your beloved cat a purr-fect experience.

Top Tips for Traveling with Cats based on our Experiences

1. No Food Before the Trip: Avoid feeding your cat for at least three to four hours before traveling to prevent motion sickness. This worked wonders for Lilly and Louie, especially when paired with early morning appointments.
2. Elevate the Carrier: Raise the carrier so your cat can see out the window. It helped our cats feel less disoriented, and it reduced Louie and Lilly’s car sickness.
3. Keep Cleanup Supplies Handy: For cats that do get sick, always bring trash bags, paper towels, and other cleaning products. Trust us—it’s better to be prepared for any accidents!
4. Mix Up the Destinations: Don’t make every car ride end at the vet. Taking Rosie to see her grandparents has helped her realize that car rides can mean treats and fun too, not just the vet’s office.
5. Sibling Support: If you’re traveling with multiple cats, try keeping them together in the same carrier. Louie and Lilly always seemed to do better together, probably because they had each other for comfort.

One other thing we did want to mention: if your cat tends to throw up no matter what and ends up covered in it while in their carrier, it might be worth considering having someone hold them during the journey. This way, when the inevitable happens, you can quickly manage the situation and direct the mess into a trash bag or an old towel. It’s not the most glamorous solution, but it can make the trip a lot more comfortable for everyone involved, especially your poor kitty. Just make sure whoever is holding them feels comfortable doing so and can keep the cat safe and calm throughout the ride.

Traveling with your cat – Preparing for the Journey

Preparation is key to ensuring that both you and your cat are comfortable and ready for the journey. Here are some steps you can take to prepare:

• Get Your Cat Used to the Carrier: One of the best ways to make travel less stressful for your cat is to get them comfortable with their carrier ahead of time. Leave the carrier open in a familiar place and encourage your cat to explore it on their own terms. Add a cozy blanket and some of their favorite toys to make it a safe, inviting space.
• Plan Ahead for Comfort Stops: If you’re going on a long car ride, make sure to plan stops for your kitty to have a little break. While they might not need to stretch their legs like a dog, letting them out in a secure environment to use the litter box or drink water can help keep them comfortable.

Key Takeaway: A calm cat starts with familiarity. Get your cat comfortable with their carrier before the trip, and plan for comfort stops along the way.

Packing the Essentials

Just like traveling with a child, traveling with a cat means packing a bag of essentials to ensure they stay happy and healthy on the road.

• Food and Water: Bring along enough of your cat’s usual food for the entire trip, and pack extra just in case of delays. Familiar food will reduce the risk of stomach upset, which can occur with diet changes.
• Litter Box and Litter: A portable litter box is a must for any trip. Disposable litter trays are great for convenience, especially for longer car rides.
• Toys and Comfort Items: Bring along your cat’s favorite toys, a blanket, or even a piece of your clothing that smells like home. Familiar scents and items will help reduce their anxiety.
• Travel Documents: If you’re crossing state lines or international borders, bring vaccination records, health certificates, and any required travel documents for your cat.

Key Takeaway: Don’t forget the essentials—keeping your cat’s routine intact as much as possible will make for a smoother journey.

During the Trip: Keeping Your Cat Calm

Once you hit the road, it’s important to keep your cat calm and comfortable throughout the journey.

• Secure the Carrier: Make sure your cat’s carrier is safely secured, either with a seatbelt or in the back seat, to prevent it from moving around during sudden stops or turns. It will help your cat feel more secure.
• Stay Calm Yourself: Cats are incredibly intuitive and can pick up on your stress. Make sure you’re relaxed and speaking softly to your cat during the trip. Keep the music volume low and avoid loud noises.
• Feliway Spray: Using a synthetic feline pheromone spray like Feliway can help reduce your cat’s stress during travel. Simply spray the inside of the carrier before you put your cat inside.
• Avoid Feeding Before Travel: It’s best not to feed your cat just before traveling, as this can increase the likelihood of motion sickness. Instead, offer food a few hours before you leave.

Key Takeaway: Keep your cat secure and comfortable by securing the carrier, maintaining a calm atmosphere, and considering a stress-reducing product like Feliway.

Air Travel with Cats

If you’re traveling by air, preparation becomes even more important. Make sure you check your airline’s pet policy well in advance, as there are restrictions on carrier size and types.

• Choose the Right Cat Carrier: Airlines typically require a soft-sided, airline-approved carrier that fits comfortably under the seat. Practice putting your cat in the carrier and carrying them around to get them accustomed to the experience.
• Visit Your Veterinarian: Schedule a vet visit before traveling to ensure your cat is in good health for the journey. Ask your vet if a mild sedative or anti-anxiety medication might be appropriate for your cat.
• Prepare for Security: During security screening, you’ll likely have to take your cat out of the carrier. It’s a good idea to use a harness and leash to keep your cat secure while out of the carrier.

Key Takeaway: Plan ahead, and practice with your cat to reduce their stress during air travel. Preparation is essential for a smooth flight. And it’s always a good idea to check the airlines website to see what they recommend for pet travel by air.

Arriving at Your Destination

Arriving in a new place can be stressful for cats. Help them adjust more quickly by setting up a comfortable area for them.

• Set Up a Safe Space: As soon as you arrive, set up a small, quiet space for your cat with their litter box, food, and a cozy bed. Allow your cat time to get comfortable with the new smells and surroundings before allowing them to explore the rest of the space.
• Stick to Routine: Keeping your cat on the same feeding schedule and providing familiar toys will help them feel more at ease in the new environment.

Key Takeaway: Set up a quiet area for your cat at your destination to help them settle in more comfortably. Routine is key to minimizing stress.

Travel Safety Tips

• Never Leave Your Cat in a Parked Car: Temperatures in a parked car can rise or fall quickly, creating unsafe conditions for your cat.
• Microchip Your Cat: In the unfortunate event that your cat gets lost while traveling, having them microchipped will increase the likelihood of being reunited.
• ID Tags: Ensure your cat wears a collar with an ID tag that includes your phone number. This small step could make a huge difference in an emergency.

Key Takeaway: Always prioritize your cat’s safety. Use ID tags, a microchip, and never leave them unattended in a vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling with Cats

Q: Can I let my cat roam freely in the car?

A: It’s not recommended. Free-roaming cats in cars can be dangerous for both you and your cat. A carrier is the safest way for your cat to travel. But, if your cat is calm outside their carrier and can sit still or on someone you are traveling with as long as they are both comfortable, this can work well. Some cats freak out at the sight of their cat cage so try an alternative without moving the car to see how they behave.

Q: Should I sedate my cat for travel?

A: Only consider sedation under the guidance of a veterinarian. Many cats travel just fine without it, and sedatives can sometimes have side effects.

Q: How do I prevent my cat from getting car sick?

A: Try to keep your cat’s travel time short initially to get them accustomed to the car. Avoid feeding them right before travel, and ensure their carrier is secured and stable.

Final Thoughts: Making Travel Enjoyable for Both You and Your Cat

Traveling with your cat doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little preparation, patience, and some practical tips, you can make the journey comfortable for both of you. Remember, each cat is unique—some may adjust quickly to travel, while others may need more time and reassurance. The key is to be patient and attentive to your cat’s needs.

If you enjoyed these tips and want more helpful advice for your furry friends, be sure to visit The Kitty Kiosk Cat Blog! We have plenty of articles to keep you informed and entertained. And don’t forget to become a member of our free cat community pages—connect with other cat lovers, share your experiences, and learn from the best cat parents around! Just make sure whoever is holding them feels comfortable doing so and can keep the cat safe and calm throughout the ride.