travel cats car long distance

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How to Drive Long Distance With a Cat

Last Updated: May 7, 2024 Approved

This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS . Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 100% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 91,147 times.

Cats like routine, and so traveling with one can cause stress. If you have to move or want to take a long car journey with your cat, you may be concerned about its comfort and safety. By gathering the right supplies and preparing your cat beforehand, you can make the trip as pleasant as possible.

Preparing for Travel with Your Cat

• You can also discuss with your vet whether or not feline sedatives are a good idea while traveling with your cat. [1] X Research source These can calm some felines, but your cat may react badly to the medicines, or it may wear off during the trip. Never give your cat a sedative designed for humans.

• Well-ventilated
• Large enough for your cat to sit, stand, turn around, and lay down in
• Made of a sturdy material, whether soft (cloth or mesh) or hard (plastic or wire)

• Favorite toys, pillows, blankets, etc.
• Food and water
• A litterbox and litter
• A waste scoop and/or plastic bags
• Brushes, combs, and other grooming supplies
• Any medications your cat takes
• A pet first-aid kit (ask your veterinarian about getting one)
• Travel papers (showing vaccinations, health records, etc.), if needed in your destination

• If you wish, you can also have an identifying microchip placed in your cat. [5] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source

• If you and your veterinarian have decided to give your cat sedatives, make sure to give it a dose prior to your trip, according to instructions.
• For trips under 2 hours, you won’t need to feed your cat on the road. Otherwise, feed it every 2 to 3 hours. Your cat may not want to eat or drink while traveling.
• Don’t feed your cat while moving in your vehicle, as there are risks that it could choke, become sick, or get loose in the vehicle. If you need to feed your cat en route, stop first.

Traveling with Your Cat

• Letting your cat loose in the car while traveling is not safe. If your cat is not safely in its carrier, it may crawl to a dangerous place (such as under your feet), or it may become even more stressed.
• Only let your cat out of its carrier when you are safely at your destination or a stopping point.

• The safest place to keep your cat’s carrier is in the backseat.
• Don’t leave a car window window down while traveling with your cat. It might try to escape, the noise might bother it, or the wind might make it cold.

• A product that mimics this feline facial pheromone is called Feliway. You can spray it in your car to make your cat feel more comfortable.

• Zylkene is available without prescription and comes in 75 mg capsules. The dose for a cat is a 75 mg capsule once a day, given with or after food. It can take a couple of days to take effect, but if there is no noticeable difference after 7 days, it is unlikely to help your cat.

• Buprenorphine, gabapentin and alprazolam are examples of medications that have recently begun to be used to reduce the anxiety associated with car travel or veterinary visits. If one of these medications is appropriate for your cat’s situation, your veterinarian will prescribe it. [9] X Research source
• Be sure to ask your veterinarian about the potential side effects in order to properly weigh the pros and cons.

Expert Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://indoorpet.osu.edu/cats/felinelifestressors/traveling-your-cat
• ↑ http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/car-travel-tips
• ↑ http://www.cathealth.com/inappropriate-behavior/cats-and-stress
• ↑ https://www.wikihow.com/Reduce-Stress-in-Cats
• ↑ http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/medication-to-reduce-the-stress-of-veterinary-visits-for-cats/10567

About This Article

To drive long distance with your cat, first get a sturdy carrier that's big enough for your cat to sit, stand, and turn around in, and leave it out in your home for a few days so your cat gets used to it. You can also take your cat on a few short trips in the carrier before your long drive. When it's time for your long-distance drive, put a collar on your cat with a tag containing your contact information in case it escapes. You should also pack toys, blankets, food, water, a litter box, and litter. For more tips from our Veterinary co-author, like how to keep your cat calm during your trip, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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11 Proven Tips for Taking a Cat on a Road Trip

Published by sarah vaughan on june 7, 2021 june 7, 2021.

In March of 2021, we set off on a cross-country road trip from Virginia to California, taking our beloved cat, Fitzgerald, along with us! During that time, we’ve driven over 7,000 miles and spent more than 120 hours in the car with our furry friend. While taking a cat on a long distance road trip has its challenges, it’s absolutely doable! In this article, we’ve compiled everything we’ve learned from many hours spent in the car with Fitzgerald. We hope these tips will give you the confidence you need to hit the road with your feline companion!

Two Outliers may contain affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Our Story: Taking a Cross Country Road Trip with our Cat!

If you know me (Sarah), you likely know that I am a total sucker for animals – cats, dogs, horses – I love them all. When I’m not traveling, I spend my spare time fostering kittens for the SPCA. In fact, many of the pictures you’ll see in the post are of my foster kittens. And if you know the two of us, you know that our cat, Fitzgerald (aka Fitz, Fitzy, Ger, Ger Bear…), is our pride and joy.

And so, when the global pandemic hit and we found ourselves working remotely and contemplating a long-term cross-country road trip, there was never a question that we were taking Fitzgerald with us.

From Virginia to California

In March of 2021, we got rid of most our belongings, packed up what was left, subleased our apartment in Virginia and hit the road: California bound! We drove from Virginia to St. Louis in one day, then to Denver the next.

After spending one week in Denver to break up the road trip, we continued to Southern California. Over the span of that first week, we drove 2,653 miles and spent over 40 hours on the road, all with our cat!

P.S: You can read more about us here and keep up with our road trip adventures here .

A long-term road trip

Since driving across the country the first time, we’ve decided to make life on the road our permanent lifestyle and haven’t settled down yet.

Needless to say, Fitzgerald has gotten pretty used to long car rides and changing homes, and we have learned a ton about how to make him most comfortable and stress-free in the car. All in all, he’s traveled more than 4,400 miles and spent around 68 hours in the car with us!

In this article, we’ve outlined 11 tips that we use to ensure taking our cat on long distance road trips are stress-free every time ! We hope you’ll find our tips helpful for road tripping with your cat too!

Tip | About to head off on a long road trip? Check out this list of our favorite songs about travel and adventure and refresh your playlist before you hit the road!

You may also like

72 Best Songs about Travel and Adventure

11 tips for a taking a cat on a road trip.

Without further ado, here are the 11 tips we’ve learned from long distance travel with a cat in the car long-distance road tripping with Fitzgerald.

We hope these insights will help keep you and your feline companion stress free on the road!

• Try to stop as little as possible
• Get your cat a collar with tag for traveling
• Bring a familiar comfort item from home
• If possible, make one long trip rather than several shorter trips
• Create a “safe space” in the car for your cat to retreat to
• If your cat is especially nervous, try feline anxiety medication
• Try letting your cat roam free, but always pack a cat carrier just in case
• If you must crate your cat, leave the carrier out several days before your trip
• Pack your cat’s litter box, filled with clean litter
• Take away your cats food the night before the trip
• Set up a small, quiet place for your cat to rest at your final destination

Please note that these tips are based on our own personal experience road tripping with cats. All cats have different personalities and may react differently in the car! We are not veterinarians – please consult with your cat’s vet about the best way to travel with your cat in the car.

1. Try to stop as little as possible

When you first get in the car, your cat will be nervous (no matter how relaxed he/she normally is). However, most cats will settle in after a few minutes of adjusting to their surroundings and the motion of the car.

Each time you stop, there are new sights, sounds, and smells for your cat to take in, and he/she may become unsettled all over again. To minimize your cat’s stress, try to make as few stops as possible.

Pack snacks and lunches, fill up on gas the night before and only stop when absolutely necessary. In general, cats don’t like change, so trying to create a consistent environment is key.

2. Get your cat a collar with tag for traveling

My biggest fear when hitting the road with Fitzgerald is that somehow he’ll escape at a gas station or rest area and be lost forever! A bit dramatic, I know, but cats are so sneaky and it’s easy to imagine him getting startled and darting out the door.

I got Fitzgerald a collar and tag with his name and both our phone numbers engraved on the tag, and it gives me serious peace of mind to know that if he somehow gets lost, we at least have a solid chance of getting him back.

• For an extra layer of protection, attach a tracking device ( Apple Airtag or Tile ) to your cat’s collar.

Tip: You can get an inexpensive collar and engraved name tag super easily at most pet supply stores.

3. Bring a familiar comfort item from home

Fitzgerald has absolutely loved this old, raggedy orange blanket since he was just a little kitten. At home, he’ll knead, or “make biscuits,” on it all the time before he naps. It’s definitely his favorite comfort item (or security blanket, if you will)!

Whenever we road trip, we bring this blanket and make sure he has a comfy spot to curl up with it. If your cat has a favorite toy, blanket, bed, etc., it’s a great idea to bring with you! A little hint of familiarity from home can bring some comfort to your cat in a new environment.

Side note : When cats “make biscuits” like Fitzgerald does, they are replicating the act of nursing, and it’s typically because they lost their mother too early as a kitten.

4. If possible, make one long trip rather than several shorter trips

Let’s say you’ve got a 12 hour drive coming up. You may think it’d be best for your cat if you split this long drive up into two shorter 6 hours drives, stopping for the night along the way. In our experience, however, it’s actually better to just go for the full 12 hours at once.

Cats hate change , and one long drive means less change than 2 shorter drives. Typically, the most stressful parts of the road trip are getting into the car and settling into a new place at your destination.

Taking several shorter trips means more adjusting to the car and more adjusting to temporary new homes when you stop.

5. Create a “safe space” in the car for your cat to retreat to

This is especially important if your cat is a “hider.” Set aside a comfortable space in the car for your cat to retreat to when he or she gets scared.

We typically pack Fitzgerald’s cat carrier and leave it open with some toys and blankets during the car ride in case he wants to curl up in his own little “safe space”. He ends up spending most of his time in the car lounging inside the carrier.

6. If your cat is especially nervous, try feline anxiety medication

You should only try medication as a last resort . Many cats will be perfectly fine in the car without medication, as long as you take appropriate steps to keep them comfortable.

But if your cat is particularly anxious, it may be a good idea to talk to your veterinarian about anxiety medication to keep them calm in the car.

7. Try letting your cat roam free, but always pack a carrier just in case

We’re very lucky that Fitzgerald has a laid-back demeanor, and we’re able to let him roam free in the car. He typically spends his time in the car either sleeping on our laps, perched up on our piles of stuff looking out the window, or curled up in his carrier.

If your cat is laid back in the car, you may want to try to let them roam free, at least to start out. Having some space to move around will make your cat happier, and hopefully, mean less whining.

It’s a good idea to test this out with a short trip , and whether it’s a good idea for you depends on your cat’s personality. If you are traveling alone, it’s best to keep your cat in the crate since you will have no one to help you in the event that the cat starts to become a distraction.

That being said, safety should always come first. If your cat starts to try to get under your feet or becomes a serious distraction to your driving, it’s better to be safe and crate them. Always pack a cat carrier or small crate just in case, even if you don’t think you’ll need it.

8. If you must crate your cat, leave the carrier out several days before your trip

If you plan on crating your cat, it can be helpful to leave your car carrier out in your home a few days prior to your trip. Put some of your cats favorite toys, blankets, or bed in there and let them get used to being in the crate before the trip.

Doing so will give your cat some time to adjust to life in the crate and reduces the chance they will freak when it comes time for your road trip.

9. Pack your cat’s litter box, filled with clean litter

Cat’s have an amazing ability to hold in their urge to go to the bathroom. That being said, sometimes the urge can be overwhelming and your cat will need to use the litter box on the road, particularly if you are road tripping long distance . Make sure their litter box is accessible in the car so they can relieve themselves if nature calls.

Most importantly, make sure the litter box is clean before you leave! You do not want to be stuck in the car with a dirty litter box for hours.

The smell of clean litter can be overwhelming on its own! We recommend getting a covered litter house with a door , if you don’t have one already, to help contain the smell and reduce the likelihood of any litter spills.

10. Take away your cat’s food the night before the trip

Your cat might be mad at you for taking away their food, but trust us, it is not as bad as a puking cat at the start of a road trip.

Our cat, Fitzgerald, usually does great on road trips but both times we’ve forgotten to take away his food, he has thrown up within an hour of being in the car. The first time we were lucky and he made it to his litter box. The second time, he barfed all over Matt’s legs in the passenger seat. Not fun for felines or humans!

To reduce the chance of any pukey cats, take away their food before going to bed the night before your trip. They may whine at first but they will be okay, and you will definitely be thankful when you have a barf-free car ride!

11. Set up a small, quiet place for your cat to rest at your final destination

How you introduce your cat to his/her new environment is just as important (if not more!) to your cat’s mental health as how you handle the car ride.

Like we’ve said, cats do not handle change well so giving them time and space to adjust to new surroundings is super important. They will also likely be tired from a long and stressful journey in the car.

Once you get to your final destination, it may take some time for your cat to warm up to their new surroundings. This is perfectly normal. Try to make them feel as comfortable and safe as possible by setting up a quiet place for them to rest and adjust.

Road trip packing list for your cat

To help you prepare for taking your cat on a long distance road trip, we’ve summarized the most important items to pack:

• A favorite item from home: make sure you have something available in the car that reminds your cat of home and brings them a sense of comfort. This can be anything – a favorite toy, blanket, pillow, bed, etc.
• Cat carrier : for moving your cat to and from the car, and just in case you need to contain your cat while driving.
• Collar and leash with name tag : for moving your cat to and from the car, and just in case your cat gets loose.
• Litter house (with a door) : so your cat can use the bathroom while in the car if necessary, without spilling litter everywhere.
• Comfortable bed or blanket: If you are traveling with a fully loaded down car, make sure you have a comfortable spot for your cat to relax.
• Anxiety medication: if needed, talk to your vet
• Treats! But only for after you arrive at your final destination (Fitzgerald’s all time favorites are Temptations Shrimpy Shrimps )
• Scratching post : At home Fitzgerald loves his scratching post with hammock . Even though its a bit bulky, we always bring it with us on road trips because it means he won’t scratch up furniture at our Airbnb/hotel/short-term rental. 100% worth the space it takes up!

Other Useful Resources

Planning a road trip? You may also be interested in the following resources:

• Road trip | 59 Best Songs About Travel and Adventure
• Road trip| Complete List of Road Trip Camping Essentials
• Road trip | 27 Highlights of Our Life on the Road in 2021
• Road trip | The Ultimate 1 Week Arizona and Southern Utah Road Trip
• Road trip | How to Plan an Epic Utah National Parks Road Trip
• Road trip | Texas to California: 14-Day Itinerary

With the right preparation, you can ensure that both you and your cat have a low-stress and safe road trip experience. Let us know if you have any questions as you get ready to hit the road or other tips you use to make road tripping with your furry friend a breeze .

Sarah Vaughan

Hello! I'm Sarah, one half of the couple behind Two Outliers! In 2023, I quit my job as a Data Scientist to travel around the world on an epic 15-month journey in search of the world's greatest hikes and outdoor adventures. Matt and I started Two Outliers in 2021 as a place for visitors to find concise, accurate, and honest information to plan their own adventures. We hope our experiences inspire you to hit the trail! Happy Hiking! Sarah

11 Comments

Judy McCormick · September 4, 2022 at 8:32 am

We bought a large, comfortable carrier for our back seat that has it’s own litter box, but, made the mistake of giving him treats before we left which our cat threw up and, ended up sitting in the litter box! Will definitely take advice about stopping food night before, and think will try to have his regular litter box outside the carrier, because it is very hard to clean that carrier! Are planning to take him to Florida in February, and, appreciate any help we can get! Would like to know if you should try to give food and water to your cat while traveling?

twooutliers · September 11, 2022 at 5:32 pm

Hi Judy! We typically give Fitzgerald water while traveling (especially on longer trips) but try to avoid giving him food if possible because we’ve found that it upsets his stomach in the car. Also, we have a litter box house with a lid that does wonders to prevent the mess in the car! It’s definitely a bit large, but we like to give him the option to have it and it’s pretty easy to take with us.

Marcus Koolmees · August 30, 2022 at 5:34 am

Thanks for this article, I was wondering though: Do you let Fitzgerald roam free outside when you get to the new location? I’d be worried of the cat walking off / getting lost?

Jenny Wong · August 18, 2022 at 2:06 pm

What a fantastic well written article! I am potentially moving from Ontario, Canada to Alberta, Canada which is a 45 hour or more car ride if we make no stop. We plan on making stops. This was a great read and I’ve wrote down some notes. I will for sure also talk to my veterinarian for further advice.

twooutliers · August 22, 2022 at 9:47 pm

Thanks so much! We were just in Alberta – it’s one of our absolute favorite places!

Syd · July 12, 2022 at 1:55 pm

Most of this seems like very solid advice, but I genuinely don’t think letting the cat roam about in the car while it’s moving is a good idea, given that the cat could easily get around the pedals and potentially cause a very dangerous situation. Every vet I’ve ever been to heavily emphasized even on short trips taking your cats in carriers specifically because of this. They may be somewhat less happy about the situation, which does suck, but is likely better than the potential death of everyone in the vehicle.

twooutliers · July 13, 2022 at 8:39 pm

Hi Syd, completely see your point. I think it depends a ton on the personality of the cat. We’ve traveled thousands of miles in the car with our cat and never had any trouble. But certainly, not all cats are as laid back, so whether it’s a good idea definitely varies and should be up to the cat’s owner who knows their personality best. We’d also never do this if traveling alone, in case the cat starts to become distracting or tries to get under the driver’s seat. I’ve updated that section to include a few extra words of warning on this 🙂

Sherry Kirchoff · May 30, 2022 at 11:02 pm

Thanks bunches for your amazing tips for taking Fitzgerald on car trips! My child and I have two rescued cats, and our trip is going to be 14 hours plus delays/stops. I designed the cats’ collar tags (HippieClecticHope on Zazzle), but I was otherwise clueless about preparation (I don’t normally travel, let alone with passengers).

twooutliers · June 8, 2022 at 8:41 am

Hi Sherry, best of luck with your trip! Hope you and your cats have a safe drive. That’s so cool that you designed the collar tags yourself!!

Alexandra Romanyshyn · May 20, 2022 at 12:11 pm

A lot of great advice here! Just to add on: if you do let your cat roam free in your car, be sure to disable your airbags. Airbags are deployed with enough force that they can crush an animal, or even a carrier. God forbid you do get into an accident, the safest place for your pet will be in a crate buckled into the back seat, which will prevent them from getting jostled around as much and also protect them from airbags. There are many articles on this issue, but here’s one for starters: https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/cars/1427837/driving-animals-pets-road-safety-airbags-danger

twooutliers · June 5, 2022 at 5:49 pm

Hi Alexandra, that’s a great point, thanks so much for the tip!

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Road Trips and Car Travel With Cats

Author: LeeAnna Buis, CFTBS, FFCP

Published: April 17, 2024

Our mission is to help save dogs' and cats’ lives through our educational content. To support our efforts, this page may contain affiliate links . We earn a commission for qualifying purchases – at no cost to you.

During the summer months and around the holidays, many of us head out on road trips and consider taking our feline family members along.

Summer is also a peak time for relocating across town or across country.

The problem is that most cats don’t feel safe in the car. They may cry or yowl, hide in their carrier, and even soil due to fear. That means an unpleasant trip for them and you.

It is possible to help your cat feel more secure in the car. Some may even learn to love it. We’re going to walk you through the steps to desensitize your cat to being in the car.

We’ll also recommend travel items to bring in the car and for a hotel stay so that you both have a safe and comfortable trip.

Skip to section:

• How to get your cat comfortable with car travel
• How to use a litter box when you travel – and will your cat use it?
• Where to stay when traveling with your cat and what to consider
• Special travel considerations for sick cats
• Be prepared for emergencies while traveling

Getting Your Cat Ready for a Road Trip

Step 1: get your kitty feeling comfortable in their carrier..

If they're going to ride in the car, like you, they’ll need to be safely “buckled up” to protect not just them but everyone in the car and on the road.

After all, unrestrained cats can be a distraction, interfering with your ability to steer or brake, and even become a dangerous projectile in the event of a crash or sudden stop.

What if your cat is wearing a harness and leash? If the car is moving, I still say keep them secure in a carrier. If you want to let them stretch their legs on the harness and leash while the car is stopped and windows are up, go for it. Just keep in mind that you’ve got to get them back in the carrier when you start moving again, and they may not love that.

It could be less stressful for everyone to stick with the carrier in the car and try the harness and leash INSIDE your hotel or destination. More on the dangers of letting your cat out of the car on their harness and leash later in the article.

So, your first step starts well before your trip. Spend some time training your cat to love their carrier – we have an article on that process – before the big travel day arrives.

Don't have a carrier for your cat yet? Check out our carrier recommendations, including carriers that are crash-test certified . If your cat is going to be spending a lot of long hours in the car, you may opt for a larger carrier than normal. We cover that, too. Just keep in mind you’ll want that carrier sooner rather than later, so you can use it during the pre-travel training.

Step 2: Get your cat feeling comfortable in the car.

Now that your kitty feels better in their carrier, it’s time to help them feel comfortable in the car. Here are some steps to help you do that.

Pro Tip: Car acclimation is best done with two people … one to drive the car, the other to pet, praise, and treat kitty. It can be done with one person, too, but very carefully.

You’re going to do short sessions in the car – your cat dictates how long the sessions will be. The number of sessions depends on how quickly your cat gets comfortable. The main thing is that you don’t want to push your cat past their comfort zone. Your cat should always be calm.

You might be thinking that even if your cat is scared, leaving them in the car in spite of their fear will eventually show them they don’t have to be afraid. Nope! That’s not how cat brains work. Instead, think of it as starting at a really low intensity so your cat doesn’t have to be scared. As they’re ready, you slowly turn up the intensity.

If you turn it up too far and they get nervous, just end the session and lower the intensity for the next session.

Show them there’s no reason to be afraid because you’re not going to push them too far. And they’re getting good things through the entire process, so you’re actually turning a scary thing into a positive thing.

Take your cat out to the car in their carrier – covered on three sides with a towel or blanket for security.

With the car parked and not running and the doors and windows closed (weather permitting), sit in the back seat with your cat in their carrier. Partially open one of the carrier doors if you can do so without your cat trying to get out.

Then, make good things happen. Give treats (make sure it's a treat they love ), pets, praise, and show them this is a positive experience. Do this for just a few minutes (or longer if your cat is really enjoying it). Then, take them inside and end with treats and love. You’ll continue these sessions, gradually making them longer as your cat is comfortable, until your cat seems nice and calm, spending time in the car while in their carrier.

Next, you’ll turn up the intensity a bit by starting the car. Make sure the radio is off or very low (cats find classical music calming). And repeat the previous step.

Spend a few minutes in the back seat making good things happen for your cat while the car is running. If the engine really scares them, keep it short — just 1 minute with some treats. Again, you can gradually increase the length of time your cat is in the car, getting good things while the engine is on.

Caution: If your car is parked in your garage, either open your garage door or move your car out of the garage. Carbon monoxide is very dangerous for both of you!

Once your kitty is doing well with the car on, it’s time to turn the intensity up again. Time for a short drive.

Note: If they’re too nervous to eat treats, they’re probably not ready for this step. Back it up and spend more time on the previous steps.

It may just be pulling out of the driveway in the first couple of sessions. That’s just fine. You’ll work up to longer drives. And your cat will learn that being in the car doesn’t mean going to the vet. Never push these drives further than your cat is comfortable with. Also, be sure to drive calmly and go easy on the gas pedal and brakes.

Since each cat and each situation are different, it could take anywhere from a few sessions to several months for a cat to feel calm during car travel.

Car Travel Logistics With Cats

Will a cat use a litter box in a car.

Jumping right down to “business,” … depending on the duration of your travel adventures with kitty and where you’re winding up, you’re going to have to deal with litter box accommodations. This is the case both when you’re on the road and when you get to your hotel or destination.

Just because you give your cat access to a box doesn’t mean they’ll use it, especially if they’re nervous.

Cats don’t like to eliminate when they feel unsafe. They'll likely choose to do their business once you get to your destination. It’s nothing to worry about unless they go more than about 24 hours without peeing. At that point, call your vet and see what they suggest.

When I moved with my cats, and we had 8-hour days in the car, they held it all day and most of the night.

If they’re willing, you can help your cat take care of business on the road in a few different ways.

First, get them a good travel litter box. You’ll use the same litter they use at home, and (perhaps) even a litter attractant.

A good travel litter box will be large enough for your cat to fit in yet small enough to fit in their carrier. It will also be waterproof and sturdy. You can use a small plastic litter box or there are also disposable litter box options available.

We have travel litter box and large carrier recommendations here .

Set the travel box up in your home as an alternate option before your trip so your cat can get used to it. Don’t replace your regular boxes with the travel box, though. Have all options available.

If Your Carrier Can't Fit a Litter Box

Letting your cat out of a carrier to use a box placed in the car isn’t ideal. I actually rescued a kitten from the roadside once without a carrier. That kitten ended up inside my dashboard. So, if you think your cat can’t hide in dangerous places within the confines of your car, you’re wrong.

If your trip isn’t too long and their carrier isn’t large enough to fit a litter box, you can go with a larger litter box that they can use at the hotel or destination.

Note: If your cat uses the smaller travel litter box on the road, don’t consider replacing your larger boxes at home. Tiny boxes are not ideal and don’t fit your cat’s instinctual needs. They’re not a good long-term option. They’re the lesser of two evils when you’re traveling — the other evil being your cat peeing in the carrier.

Should You Let Your Cat Go Outside?

My vote is no unless you have a cat who is completely comfortable with travel, being in new places, and seeing and hearing strange people, pets, and sounds.

The first concern is that no harness is 100% escape-proof. If your cat gets scared, they can and will get out of that harness and take off.

Second, they’re going to be surrounded by newness — smells, sights, sounds, things you can’t control. Even if they don’t get scared, the idea that you’ll be able to get them to focus on peeing at that moment isn’t very likely. Cats don’t pee and poop on cue the way dogs can. It’s safer to keep them in the car.

What Do You Do With Your Cat When You Have to Go?

If the temperatures aren’t too hot or cold to leave your cat in the car, just leave them in their carrier and go about your business. Just make it quick!

Cover three sides of the carrier so they feel more secure and are less of a target for theft. Use a light cover (blanket) for warm days and a heavier cover for cooler days. Both should still allow for airflow.

It's usually safe between about 40–65 degrees F (4–18 degrees C), though every cat and every situation will be different, so use this as a rough guide.

Talk to your vet about more specific safe temperature ranges for your cat based their age, breed, and any chronic medical conditions they may have or medications they may be on. If the temperatures are outside of that range, you’re going to have to take some precautions when making your own pit stops that take you away from your car.

In some cases, it may be possible for you to bring your cat into the bathroom with you in their carrier.

Quick tips if you must leave your cat in the car

• Some cars now have pet mode , like Telsa, Chevrolet Bolt, Rivian, and other Form and BMW models. Caution: If you decide to leave your engine running in a gas-powered car, be aware that car engines and air conditioner compressors can and do fail, leading to excessively hot temperatures building up in the car quickly. Similar malfunctions can happen in EV cars, too, and if the battery dies, the cooling system will shut off.
• If leaving your car and running the A/C or heat isn’t possible or practical, pre-cool or pre-heat your car the best you can by running the system on high for several minutes before you get out. Then, be quick!
• Move their carrier from the back seat to the back floor. Since hot air rises, it should be a bit cooler on the floor. There are fans made for keeping pets cool in the car , but we really can't overstate this: pets should never be left in a closed car, even in the shade or with cooling devices. In this case, it's simply for a quick amount of time.
• Park in the most well-shaded spot you can find.
• Park with your front windshield facing the sun and put up a reflective windshield sun shade like this one .
• Cracking the windows doesn’t make a huge difference, but it also doesn’t hurt (so long as your cat is securely in their carrier and there’s no danger of someone reaching into your car and stealing them and your stuff).
• Make sure you leave your cat plenty of water.
• If it's cold outside, add a warm blanket or fleece to your cat's carrier for them to snuggle up. If it's sunny, move the carrier to a sunny spot in the car.
• Be as quick with your stop as possible. If it’s a food break, get it to go from a drive-thru and eat it in your car.

Where to Stay When Traveling With Your Cat

Road trips and long-distance moves with cats will often require hotel stays. But not all hotels, motels, or rentals are pet-friendly. And just because they say they’re “pet” friendly doesn’t mean they’re “cat” friendly. So, plan ahead. Call to confirm they take cats and reserve the room or rental in advance.

Pro Tip: “Pet-friendly” means other pets likely stayed in that room recently! Not everyone uses flea and other parasite protection on their cats and dogs. Make sure your cat is protected before heading out on the road! Learn more about safe and effective parasite prevention for your cat , and talk to your veterinarian.

What to Do With Your Cat in the Hotel or Rental

Once you’re out of the car, you’re faced with a question. Do you let your cat out in the hotel or rental to explore, or do you keep them confined? There’s a lot that goes into the answer. Here are some things to consider:

Is your cat relaxed in new places? Being in their carrier in the car is different than being in a completely new room with smells and places to hide.

Does your cat chew, climb, or otherwise destroy things? I couldn’t let my cat into a new space without putting cord protectors on every cord, or they’d be chewed in a matter of minutes.

Are there hiding places you can’t get to or unsafe spaces your cat can reach? The last thing you want is your cat stuck in the vents of a hotel or squeezing through that tiny hole in the wall behind the fridge in your rental. It happens.

Is it clean? Not to get gross, but you may not want your cat rolling around on a motel floor or getting under the bed.

Is it safe from toxins? There could be rodent traps or pest poison in the room that could be dangerous for your cat.

Is there any chance they’re going to pee on something? Yep, it happened to me on my road trip. My cat was stressed and peed all over the fabric carrier, and it soaked through to the bed. Talk about embarrassing. And there's sometimes an additional cleaning fee for mishaps like this.

Confinement for Safety

I like the idea of bringing along a much larger, collapsible pet pen for overnight use. They’re plenty big enough for a good-sized litter box and everything your cat needs. There’s even room to play. Just make sure you get one with a top, or your cat will jump right out.

If you want to let your cat out on a harness and leash or heavily supervised, you have the option. But you’ve got the pet pen as a backup just in case you need it. You never know how a cat is going to react in a new space, especially when you’re sleeping or in the shower and they’re unsupervised. Here are a few great options:

Available at:

Travel Considerations for Cats With Chronic Health Issues

Before striking out on the road for a long trip or moving with a cat who has a chronic medical condition or is on long-term medications — like diabetes , hyperthyroidism , chronic kidney disease , or heart disease — there are a few precautions you should take.

• Make sure your cat had a recent (ideally within the past month or so) exam with their vet. You’ll have more peace of mind knowing that their condition is as well managed as possible and that they’re as healthy as can be before hitting the road with them. Your vet will also have recommendations for making their trip as comfortable and safe as possible.
• Bring a copy of your cat’s medical records with you! This should include recent exam notes, laboratory test results, and medication/supplement names and dosages. Your vet can often print these out (with enough notice), and they may even subscribe to an app or other service that allows you to keep updated copies of such records with you always on your phone. This will make visiting another vet on the road much easier.
• Especially for cats with known chronic health concerns, it’s a good idea to know about a few vet hospitals along your route and in the area of your destination before you head out. See the vet locator tools listed in the next emergency section to start searching.
• If your cat is on a special prescription diet, like for their kidneys, make sure to stock up on it from your vet before leaving. It’s not always easy to get prescription diet refills when you’re away from home. You should take enough with you to last for the duration of your trip PLUS an additional (at least) 2 weeks.
• Similarly, be sure to stock up on your pet’s medications and supplements, as well as any supplies you need for them. This would include needles and a travel-sized sharps container (or larger needle container ) for safely disposing of and storing used needles for diabetic cats, pills for blood pressure, overactive thyroid, and any other chronic medications. Again, you should take with you enough to last for the duration of your trip PLUS an additional (at least) 2 weeks.
• If your cat is diabetic and on insulin, don’t forget a cooler and ice packs to help keep it cool while in the car. You can also look into a cooler that plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter or USB, like these: Cooluli Mini , Wagan 14L , or the Wagan 24L (which could even store some of your food and drinks for the road). Pro Tip: Depending on the type of insulin your cat is on, you may be able to get an insulin “pen” that may be more stable outside of the fridge and easier to administer to your cat. It's still advisable to use a cooling case for the pens . Talk to your vet to see if an insulin pen is an option for your cat — it isn’t for all cats, but if it is for yours, it could be a great travel (and even long-term) solution for you.

Emergencies on the Road With Your Cat

It’s a good idea to plan ahead and map out a few 24-hour Emergency Clinics on your route, just in case. Try this vet emergency locator .

Have your hometown veterinary clinic number handy, too. For less serious issues, call them first. They may be able to give you advice or let you know if it’s a true emergency.

Make sure you have a card in your wallet or attached to your cat’s carrier with your cat’s name, the number where you can be reached during travel, and an emergency contact who is not traveling with you. If your cat has medical issues, you should list those as well or the contact info for your veterinary clinic. If there’s an accident, your car is stolen, or something happens where you’re separated from your cat, emergency services will have options.

I just got this great set for myself (featured below). The keychain says “pet home alone,” with instructions to look in your wallet for a card with emergency contact info. It’s meant to notify emergency services if you’re in an emergency situation and someone needs to care for your pet at home. In this case, you’d just include a note on the card that you’re traveling with your cat in the car.

It’s also vital to ensure your cat is microchipped and the contact information is up-to-date (including a way you can be reached on the road).

First Aid on the Road

Consider putting together a pet first-aid kit for your car. Here's a shopping list of first-aid essentials . Look for the icon of a little car 🚗, as it's these products that are the most essential in a smaller, travel-sized first-aid kit.

We encourage you to leave a comment below if you’ve got any tricks, tips, or products you’ve used that made car travel with your cats easier. Best of luck on your travels or your move. Have fun and be safe! 

About the author

LeeAnna Buis, CFTBS, FFCP

LeeAnna Buis has adored cats her entire life and thought she knew them inside-out and sideways. But it wasn’t until she worked with a feline behavior consultant that she fully understood how incredible, complicated, and inspiring cats really are. Literally, that day, she made a career change knowing she wanted to give other cat parents the same experience of truly “seeing” and appreciating their cats. Now, she works virtually with cat parents all over the world through Feline Behavior Solutions and Preventive Vet.

LeeAnna earned her certification through Animal Behavior Institute, earning the CFTBS designation. She is a certified Fear Free® trainer (FFCP), a training professional member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG), and a member of both the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and Cat Writer’s Association (CWA).

More about LeeAnna Buis, CFTBS, FFCP

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We Drove Cross-Country With Our Cat (and Nobody Died)

Here's how we survived with our limbs intact.

“Dogs have owners; cats have employees.” So goes the conventional wisdom.

Vagabondish is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Read our disclosure .

So, when we decided to take our “boss”, Lizzi, on a three-month road trip of the U.S. East Coast, people told us we were crazy. They weren’t wrong. Frankly, we had no clue how to travel with a cat in a car long distance.

Anyone who’s ever tried taking their feline for even a five-minute car ride knows the struggle. Now, imagine bringing them on a seven-hour drive. It can be … stressful . But, our current living situation left us no choice. So, we prepped and researched and did the best we could to make things as comfortable for everyone as possible.

Fast-forward to the middle of our road trip. We’ve been traveling with our calico kitty for almost two months now, and we’ve learned quite a bit about what works. Here are our favorite tips for keeping your (and your cat’s) sanity on a long-term road trip without anyone ending up in the hospital.

How to Travel with a Cat in a Car Long Distance (with a Litter Box)

Prepare for your road trip with a dress rehearsal.

Of course, the best way to see how your cat will react on a long distance car ride is to actually put them in the car and go somewhere. It’s one thing to drive them quickly to the vet and back. But, you want to see how they’ll react on a long distance road trip.

We took a few short trips near home to see how Lizzi dealt with it. Almost any cat will be stressed, especially at first. Lizzi was no different. We let her out of the carrier in the car, she paced, she panted, she cried. She wasn’t happy. But after about an hour, she began to calm down.

Now, she still paces, pants, and cries on travel days but only for a short while. Then, after about 20 minutes, she usually settles down on top of our belongings in the back seat and just chills out. Or, at least tries to chill out.

Shop the Right Cat Carrier or Cat Crate

Most cat owners rarely consider their cat’s carrier or crate. It’s not something most people use often. But, your cat will likely spend more time in and out of it on the road than ever before. Make sure it’s sized properly for your kitty.

We had a soft-sided mesh carrier which worked fine. But, we ultimately switched to this hard-sided carrier with a removable fluffy liner, and Lizzi is much happier with it. We bring it into our Airbnbs and she’ll oftentimes curl up inside of it and sleep.

Of course, depending on your cat’s temperament, you may not need a cat carrier at all. We probably don’t as Lizzi is fine being picked up, held, and carried. But, we opted to use one anyway for the added security of knowing that she won’t get spooked once we stop somewhere and run off.

Take Your Cat to the Vet

This one’s a no-brainer. Before leaving home, make a stop at your local vet. Make sure your kitty is healthy enough for travel. Shots up to date? Any obvious health signs that should be investigated before hitting the road? Do you need to load up on prescription meds to last the duration of your trip? Any special dietary needs to tend to (e.g. does she need special food that may be hard to find away from home)?

Get Your Cat Microchipped

Aside from occasional breaks on our apartment balcony, Lizzi has been an indoor cat her whole life. I’m not sure she’d last ten minutes outdoors. Either something would eat her (she’s awfully plump) or someone would steal her (she’s far too pretty). Or she’d just plain wander off and get lost.

This last reason is why we paid to have her microchipped. The service is available at most vet offices these days, and it costs around $50. But, the rice-grain-sized chip isn’t even noticeable by her or us. And it’s serious peace of mind on the off-chance she goes missing while we’re on the road.

Find Familiar Objects for Your Cat’s Road Trip

Cats are creatures of habit. Making their environment as comfortable and familiar as possible is key. We packed Lizzi’s favorite blankets so we could lay them out at Airbnbs for her to curl up on (this has the added benefit of protecting our hosts’ furniture). Anything — toys, chews, scratching posts, etc. — that already has your cat’s scent on it is a good thing.

Slow Travel: Long Days, Less Days

Cats adapt slowly to new environments. They need to get their bearings, orient themselves, and ease into feeling comfortable with the new smells, sights, and sounds around them. This is especially true when you take your cat on a long distance road trip, and their new world becomes the backseat of a car moving at highway speeds.

For our road trip, we opted for fewer travel days but each day is a bit longer. We found about six hours is Lizzi’s max in the car. Any longer and she gets very stir crazy and irritable. Moving around less also means that we’re staying in each destination a bit longer which gives her more time to acclimate to each new living space along the way.

Keep Calm and Carry … Cat Treats

You may think you know your cat. But stress can make cats behave in (even more) mysterious ways. Lizzi is pretty chill, especially by cat standards. But she hates — hates — being in her cat carrier. And in the car. And especially in her cat carrier in the car .

Before recent trips to the vet, we discovered half of an all-natural calming treat helped ease her state of a mind. We’re not keen on medicating her to the point where she’s “stoned,” but we’re less keen on her being needlessly terrified for six hours. We found those same treats help relax her for car rides. Especially during the first 1-2 hours where she’s likely to be the most stressed.

Also, if you have any issues giving your kitty medication, we highly recommend Greenies Feline Pill Pockets . Lizzi needs a pill every day to keep her hyperthyroidism in check, but we could never get her to take it. We tried crushing it up in her wet food, but then we never knew how much of the medication she was actually getting. These Pill Pockets were a game-changer!

How to Take a Roadside Lunch Break

We were positive Lizzi would have no interest in food while on the road trip. But, since we have to stop every day to give her her medication, we found it an ideal time to attempt a bit of dry food as well. We’ll typically stop half-way through our travel day to grab some lunch for ourselves. This is when we’ll pour a small serving of dry food into her familiar food dish and let her snack a bit. She rarely eats much when we stop, but something is better than nothing.

Water has been another story. She really won’t drink in the car. But, most of her daily water intake comes from eating wet food (which we give her in the morning and at night), so that doesn’t seem to be an issue.

… and a Pee Break Too

Of course, the most challenging part of long-distance road tripping with a cat is how to handle the dreaded bathroom break. Dogs are easy; the world is their bathroom. But cats need the right setting: the perfect lighting, some votive candles, Yanni music, and, of course, a litter box.

To be honest, we had no idea how we’d handle this in the beginning. We wung it for the first few weeks, and hoped for the best. We figured she doesn’t pee more than 1-2 times a day at home anyway so a few hours in the car would be a cakewalk for her.

Then an idea hit us … our clothes were packed into a single, large suitcase in the backseat. It was easy enough to stop in a shady spot at a truck stop or service plaza, then pull the entire suitcase out and leave it next to the car. In the space left by the now-removed suitcase, we put a disposable litter box and poured a bit of litter in the bottom. To our amazement, Lizzi the (now expert) Travel Cat hopped in and peed almost immediately!

Once she’s done, I wrap a plastic litter box liner around the entire litter box and stow the whole thing back in her travel tote. Then, I put the suitcase back in the backseat, and we’re on our way.

Keep It Cool

It goes without saying that you should never leave an animal in a sealed-up car, period. On travel days, one of us is always in the car with Lizzi with the air conditioner running. So she stays calm, cool, and safe.

… and Keep Your Cool

Like dogs, cats naturally soak up stress from their bosses (er … owners). If you’re wigging out and screaming in traffic, your cat will sense that and, in turn, stress out more. Maintain your composure, talk softly to them occasionally to remind them you’re there, and soothe them as best you can.

Some cats may want extra affection while traveling which is why it’s ideal to have a co-pilot, while others may want to be left alone. You just need to see what works best for your kitty.

Clean-Up Duty

One of the dirtiest parts about traveling with a cat is clean-up duty. No matter where you’re staying — at a hotel, Airbnb , or campground — you’re going to want to clean up after your cat at checkout. We packed a washable rubberized mat to place under Lizzi’s litter box. It’s a snap to pick up and shake out over the trash when we’re ready to leave. Plus, we can hose it down in the shower if it gets a little funky.

We also packed an arsenal of cleaning products including this ultra-portable, stand-up Shark Rocket vacuum and a Swiffer kit. Since we’re mainly staying in Airbnbs for this road trip, we want to be the best guests we can be. And that means leaving our accommodations better than we found them.

Settle In and Settle Down

When we get where we’re going, our routine is to bring the cat and all her accouterments (which is a shocking amount of things!) inside before doing anything else. Lizzi is so habituated to life on the road now that, once we stop and I call her to her carrier in the back seat, she climbs right in.

Once inside, we set up her water, food, and bathroom immediately so she can start settling in as quickly as possible. Then we tend to all the other things we need to do at each stop.

The Bottom Line

There are, of course, no set rules for how to travel with a cat in a car. Your mileage with these tips may vary. Dogs are more predictable, laid-back, and easy to travel with in general. Cats are temperamental, finicky creatures by nature. Some, none, or all of these tips may work for you. If you’re heading on a long-distance road trip with your cat, I hope for your sake it’s smooth sailing.

It’s all still a work-in-progress for us. As we’re gearing up for an even longer fall road trip, we’re keen to hear other travelers’ experiences. So, fellow pet owners, what are your tips for how to travel with a cat in a car? Let us know in the comments below what did and didn’t work for you!

After two short months on the road, it seems Lizzi has become the model of how to travel with a cat in a car long distance!

Packing List for Traveling with Your Cat in a Car

These are the best cat-friendly products that we relied on most during our long-distance road trip.

Petlinks Purr-FECT Paws Cat Litter Mat

A flexible, easy-to-clean rubber mat that helps reduce scattering of litter — great for Airbnb stays!

Kitty’s WonderBox Disposable Litter Box

These were probably the single best thing we bought for our road trip with Lizzi! They help control odor, they’re ultra-durable, and they don’t leak. In our experience, each one easily lasted a few weeks, so a 3-pack was good for 1-2 months of travel.

Foldable Travel Cat Carrier – Front Door Plastic Collapsible Carrier

We upgraded from her soft-sided carrier to this hard-sided one. It folds down semi-flat and it’s super easy to wipe clean inside and out. Plus, it came with a soft , comfortable pad that Lizzi loved to sleep on in the car.

Purina Tidy Cats LightWeight Instant Action Clumping Cat Litter

Lizzi’s tote of road trip essentials was surprisingly large! This ultra-light cat litter helped keep the weight of her “stuff” to a minimum. Plus, it works great!

Thank you for sharing your travels with your cat. I found it very helpful for our upcoming trip in our SUV to North Carolina with our 2 cats.

Thank you! I’m thrilled you found the post helpful. Traveling with a cat is infinitely more difficult than with a dog. But, we still loved our trip!

Best of luck with your upcoming journey!

Bless you! I am in the process of driving 16 hours with my cat – and your “how to make a car litter box” saved me many anxious minutes.

Things I can add:

If you are traveling alone, gas stations are chill about you having the cat in a carrier. Usually.

Pet stores are your best friend because you can use the restroom and water your cat and let them run around the restroom.

If your cat is placid enough, you can get them to use a leash and harness. That harness was very helpful when the cat tried to make a break for it out of the car during roadside stops. The leash was great too for those spots, and she was able to stretch her legs at the pet stores on her leash.

I got one of those car seats for small dogs and tethered her to it. She loved it, except for when she wanted to be sleeping in her carrier in the backseat. She had to be in her car seat for city traffic and the drive throughS LOVED it.

Thank you for this! My husband and I are planning a move to Missouri next year and the most stressful part of the entire thing has been thinking of how the heck we’re going to transport our cat. This definitely makes it feel more manageable.

Hey Vanessa, have you made your big move yet? I’m curious how you got along on the road with your kitty?

Let us know! -Mike

Hi Vanessa, I am currently in Florida and unfortunately have to move back to Missouri sometime between June and July. I saw you mention you were traveling to MO. Just wanted to get your feedback as well. I’m not sure how long of a drive you have. My drive is between 17-23 hrs. Unforatunly my cat is 16 years old and panics in the car(don’t mean to get grafic) just across town to the vet and were he panics so badly he gets automatic diahria, wets himself and goes into a full on panic mode. He’s getting up there in age and has some physical things I worry that could become worse if he’s under this extreme amount of stressful long hrs in a car. Any other tips or remedies that may help my fur baby would be appreciated greatly! Please email at [email protected] Thank you again!

Hi Vanessa,

Small world! We are moving next week from California to Missouri, with our two sister cats. They spend the whole time meowing when we drive to the vets, so I can only imagine what it will be like driving 1600 miles. Good luck on your move!

I needed to read this! Like Vanessa, My hubby and I are planning a move from Spokane Washington to either Vegas or Phoenix with our 2 teenage kids, 2 dogs and 3 cats. By far the biggest stress for me is the cats…I have seriously cried I am so worried! We have a couple of months before we leave, but I feel much better knowing that we will all survive!!

Hi Mike, I am currently in Florida and unfortunately have to move back to Missouri sometime between June and July. I saw you someone comment about moving to Missouri so I asked for their feedback as well. You had alot of great useful advice. I desperate to figure out how I can make this transition easy for my fur baby. My drive is between 17-23 hrs. Unforatunly my cat is 16 years old and has always been a sensitive cat when it comes to change especially panics in the car(don’t mean to get grafic) just across town to the vet and he immediately panics so badly he gets automatic diahria, wets himself, his heart is racing and goes into a full on panic mode. He’s getting up there in age and has some physical things I worry that could become worse if he’s under this extreme amount of stressful long hrs in a car. Any other tips or remedies that may help my fur baby would be appreciated greatly! Please email at [email protected] Thank you again! Sincerely, Molly Mabry

Hi guys! I haven’t made the move yet. Monday is the big day. I had plans to visit a vet and maybe see about a sedative and getting Ricky microchipped, but this move has kept us so busy and now we’re down to the wire. We definitely have a harness in hand and we picked up some CBD in AZ on a recent visit, so hopefully that helps. I’m sure Ricky will freak out at first, but on the trips to the vet we had to make he does much better outside of the box than in it. And obviously for such a long trip I don’t want to keep him trapped in the carrier the entire time. We’ll be driving from CA to MO, so we’re going to do our best to power through. My biggest worry is him peeing on stuff in the car. He’s had some issues recently with his urination, so we got a bunch of plastic to line everything. Anyway, I’ll let you guys know how it went!

I wish I had seen this in time to offer some suggestions to Vanessa but I hope I can be of service to others who may be planning a long roadtrip with a geriatric cat! We moved from Michigan to Florida in 1996 with an 18 year old cat who had never traveled more than 12 miles in a car (yowling the entire way). The vet was hesitant to offer medication due to her age, and she was not a fan of catnip, so she was entirely without chemical calming. We were traveling in a Jeep Cherokee and towing a small U-Haul, so she had the entire back end to herself. We borrowed a large dog crate for her accomodations and outfitted it with a temporary litter box (disposables were hard to find back then) I fashioned from a small cardboard box with sides about 6 inches high with one section about 8 inches wide cut down to 5 inches to allow her easier access. I slipped this inside a large garbage bag and filled it about 2 inches deep with litter and cleaned the box at every stop. The box was secured to the bottom of the dog crate with double sided tape and litter added as needed. We left a small amount of dry food in a dish for her to graze on but limited wet food and water to when we were stopped. This worked out well for her but other cats might want to have it available at all times. I felt it important for her to be able to move around but not be “loose” in the car for our 1200 mile journey. I kept old towels for padding in the crate and planned to swap them out if she had “accidents” but she never did, although she did make enough noise the first few hours that we could have been suspected of committng murder. We only stayed overnight at one pet-friendly motel and took the entire dog crate inside; she came out of the crate, explored the room, went back in and had her dinner, and promptly went to sleep, happy to be in her “home”. As a bonus, when we got to our new home in Florida, we left the dog crate set up in the corner of the utility room (with the “real” little box next to it) and since it was already a familiar space for her, we feel it helped her settle in more quickly. She spent a lot of time in the crate the first few days, venturing out to explore a bit more each day.

We’re you in a car or suv…please describe make and model?

Hey Dale, We drove a 2006 Toyota 4Runner — a mid-sized SUV.

I’m moving from MO to FL in a few months, about a 20 hour drive. I am planning on stopping for the night half way through, but I worry about my two cats on the actual drive. How do they use the bathroom and eat or drink?

Hi guys! It’s been a few months, sorry, but we made it to MO in one piece and Ricky loves his new home. For our setup we situated his litter box between other boxes (as we were moving) so that the box didn’t slide around and situated his carrier behind the seat and made it so he could go in and out if he wanted to. He stayed in the carrier most of the time, but he got a little brave and started walking around and sitting on my lap in the passenger seat. He got a little freaked out a few times and we had to stop him from climbing around by my husband’s feet (he was driving), but mostly he did okay. We had his food bowl in the carrier, but he didn’t eat much or use the litter box at all while we were driving. When we stopped at the hotel for the night he ate and went to the bathroom like normal. We did try CBD to calm him down, but it didn’t really matter since he didn’t eat in the car and we mix it in his food. ?? So all in all, I don’t know if I really have any tips, but I thought I’d share how it went. He did well, but he’s still not a fan of being in the car. ?

Great article. We adopted a “wild” cat that wandered up to our cabin in remote Colorado several years ago. When it was time to head South, we loaded our now somewhat tame cat into a carrier and put her in the back of our Ford Explorer. That lasted about 2 hours. I could not turn the radio volume up high enough. We let her out of the carrier and after an hour she went under the front seat, and stayed quiet for most of the day. A few things we have learned over the years: Always take two sets of car keys. On warm days, we leave the AC running when we stop for gas and/or a break. After fueling, we park out a little ways where it is not obvious the car is running, and one of us has an eye on the car. We always do a scan to see where she is before we open the door. After a few trips, the car becomes the safe haven, and she has had no interest in getting out, but with a cat, you just never know. We put a litter box on the back floorboard. She rarely uses it, but it is there in case. Water – we always have a small container on the other floorboard. Food is withheld, as she won’t eat in the car. Our trip is 12.5 hours on a good day. Getting ready to do another road trip in a few weeks, after nine months of no travel. Hope the now very tame cat remembers the protocol!

I’m amazed everything went so well… My cat barely “survives” a drive to the vet, lol. You must have a really special and patient kind of cat!

My daughter and her partner are moving 9 hours away and I have agreed to drive their 3 cats to them. I’ve got a Toyota Corolla. I was thinking of putting the back seats down, using a large carrier I have, and fashioning a tunnel of sorts that would allow them extra space plus room for a Kitty litter box. (I considered renting a larger vehicle but it’s quite pricey, especially as this will be at Christmas time.) I know this will be a very stressful drive so I found this post and all of the comments to be very helpful. Thank you very much.

Erin, that all sounds great! Nine hours isn’t *too* bad, even for particularly finicky cats. I’m sure they’ll be fine.

One other thing you might consider is a removable rubber mat or thick moving blanket to lay down to protect your car’s carpeting. We learned the hard way that kitty very easily misses her box when it’s in the backseat. Even though it was only a little bit of pee, that smell is incredibly difficult to get out of automotive carpeting!

Best of luck with the drive!

Hello to you. I will be attempting a drive with three cats this coming spring. How did it work out for you? I have a Murano SUV was making of putting the backseat down to and doing as you thought with the large carrier. Also anyone else any advice? I am doing a very long drive from New York to Florida ? I am extremely worried. One of my cats is a Maine coon. The Maine Coon is the best with behavior but I worry for all of them. I want this to be a safe journey for them.

We are moving to Kansas from Idaho in July and need to take 3 cats and a dog in the car with us. We do not want the cats wandering around the car while we drive. Any suggestions?

oh my gosh, thank you for making this blog post. i’m contemplating relocating from kansas to maine with my own two indoor hairballs. it’s enough to make me just reconsider or worse, fly them.

hi. do you have any pictures or videos of your travels with Lizi? thanks a lot. :) best for you

Many thanks for your article! I have a 9 hour move from North Carolina to Indiana at the end of the summer, and it’ll be the longest my cat has ever been in the car by far. I’ve been scouring the internet for information on how to transport her safely and comfortably. This has been very helpful.

Hey Meredith — That’s great to hear! I’m happy we can help in any way.

I’m sure you and kitty will be just fine =)

So we are planning on moving back to California soon, but in between we have actually taken up bringing our cat on every trip with us. I have gotten him microchipped just in case and he’s gotten so much better in the car just from doing it multiple times. We exclusively use pet friendly AirBnBs instead of dealing with hotels, but I recommend contacting the host before you book because we have encountered hosts that mean ‘only dogs’ when they post ‘pet friendly’. If you’re cool sleeping in the car at rest areas, that’s what we’ve been doing on the drive to and from our destination. We usually keep him in the carrier for a little while after we start driving and then let him roam. Just make sure to lock your windows! While the car is in motion, he typically doesn’t eat but will devour food when we stop for the night. For the parts where we’re exclusively in the car, we’ve taken to getting him food in plastic containers because they are just easier to deal with. Most of the daytime driving he will spend under a seat or tucked under something. He likes to roam around the car at night. We just have to make sure he doesn’t go roaming on the floor on the driver side!

Anyway, we just really enjoy traveling with our cat and it’s so much nicer having him with us than boarding him.

Thank you for Lizzi story. This was extremely helpful for me. Now Penny and I can do our move from Maryland to Rocky Mount, NC.

Sincerely, Regal Cameron

Hello to anyone who is reading this. My boyfriend of (28 yrs) & I are getting ready to move from California to Tennessee in about a week. We have 3 very freakish cats. The 1st is Mister Mister, he is pretty old and has some issues with his back legs and so he does not walk all to well, his legs will sometimes just give out. So he’s not real stable when he walks. The 2nd is Misses Misses (or princess), she is probably 4-5 yrs younger and we have had them both since they were little tiny kittens not quite old enough to be away from there mother. The 3rd is Kaia our newest cat, so she is the youngest (the baby) at probably around 2 yrs old or so. Her and misses don’t get along. Kaia is scared of her and misses likes to chase her every chance she gets, because she’s very jealous. They are all skittish, shy, and scare and freak out easily. I need some help because I’m so worried about driving all that way and them stressing out really bad. I know I will probably be stressing enough for everyone though. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

I am planning a trip in the future from Indiana to Massachusetts and this article was very helpful. I am very lucky that my Luna loves her carrier. I keep it open and put it next to my bed because she sleeps in it. Also, she doesn’t make a peep when she is in her carrier in the car. My question Is how do I keep her from trying to escape if I need to leave the car for a moment. I don’t want to leave her locked in her carrier while traveling

Thank you so much for the tips! I’m curious on how to keep the cat from the driver side while roaming. Also, was it difficult to find “cat friendly” lodging? My daughter and her husband are doing a travel job where they move every couple of months and Inthink I’m more worried than they are!!

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Article: Going on a Road Trip with Your Cat? Here's What You Should Know

Going on a Road Trip with Your Cat? Here's What You Should Know

Think it's impossible to take your fur baby with you on a road trip? Think again! Traveling with cats doesn't have to be stressful, and there are many ways you can prep in advance to make your road trip go smoothly. 

While cats do like familiar surroundings and can have a hard time adjusting to too much change, there are things you can do before your road trip to make sure they are as comfortable as possible & you can have an enjoyable experience out on the road together. Traveling long distance with cats can seem intimidating at first, but this comprehensive guide to road-tripping with your cat has everything you need to know for your cat-venture, plus lots of cat car ride tips from fellow cat parents. Let's hit the road! 

Table of Contents: 

Before the trip, packing the essentials.

Choosing the Right Cat Carrier

Features of a Good Cat Carrier

Where to Place the Cat Carrier in the Car

Train a Cat to Like the Carrier

Best Cat Carriers and Cat Backpacks for a Fun Road Trip with Your Cat

Litter Box, Scoop, and Litter Supply

Choosing the Best Litter Box

How will my cat use the litter box on a car ride?

The Best Portable Litter Box for Cats

Medical Documents

Cat Stress Medication & Anxiety Relief

Food & Treats

Feeding & Water Essentials

How do I travel with multiple cats or pets?

What not to do on your car trip.

What should I do if my cat gets carsick?

How do I entertain my cat during the trip?

The best way to prepare for a long car ride with your cat is to help them get used to the car at least a few weeks before you plant to leave. Train them by letting them sit in the car for a little bit to get used to the smells & sounds, then begin taking small rides around the neighborhood, to your vet, or run errands together.

Make sure you have a   cat carrier  that they are comfortable in, and that is safe for traveling long distance with cats. Your cat carrier or cat backpack will work as a cat car seat, making sure that they have a cozy place to call home when you're out on the road.  Now is a great time to also start leash training if your cat isn't already used to their leash. For some helpful tips on leash & harness training, see   this article .  

Visit a Veterinarian:   Make sure your cat is up to date on all of their shots before your road trip, and get a general check up to make sure your kitty is good to go. Bring along any paperwork just in case of an emergency vet visit on the road. 

Source a Cat-Friendly Hotel:   If you're planning an overnight road trip, make sure that you are staying somewhere that will welcome your kitty. There are tons of cat-friendly hotel options to choose from, like La Quinta & Hilton 2 Suites . 

Plan Pit Stops:  Plan some stops along the way so your kitty can get out & stretch, use their   portable litter box , or eat from   "The Travel Buddy" Foldable Food Bowl & Mat. 

Microchipping & ID Tags:  It's always a good idea to microchip your pet, just in case of emergency. Always make sure your pet's ID tag has your contact information printed clearly on it, so they can be returned to you ASAP if they are to get lost. 

Leash Training:  Leash training & harness training your cat will make going on a road trip that much easier. Taking pit stops, walking into the hotel, or even having your kitty attached to their leash & harness while in the car will give you peace of mind.  

View this post on Instagram A post shared by N E W T & E M U (@newttheadventurecat)

Tips from other cat parents:

"Harness Training! Good carriers that they are comfortable with. MICROCHIPS, and lots of patience!" @twintorties

"Practice before long rides. Build in stops to go to the litter box or eat. CBD oil is calming. Make sure you have a plan in case you need an emergency vet visit" @sherlock_thesiamesekitty

"We went for car rides before the big trip to get her used to being in the car for a long time."  @massy_masc

"Start harness training young. Let them adjust to it. Don't force it. Patience!" @ubliani

"Don't be sad if the first time he's afraid. By the second time, your kitty will be good!" @mariuxitapia 

@camerousseau

Cat Carrier

Choosing the right cat carrier is vital to making sure your cat feels safe & secure on your road trip. Cat carriers give your cat a place to call their own while they are riding in the car, and while they're out and about on your adventures! Check out our many different cat backpacks   here , all which are great for taking your cat in the car. We've got something for every Travel Cat!

Features of a Good Carrier -

• Strong - Obviously. You want your cat carrier to be made of high quality material! All of our carriers are made with top-of-the-line fabrics like oxford cotton & strong scratch-proof mesh. 
• Well-ventilated -  Your kitty needs a cat carrier that doesn't let them get too hot, and has plenty of airflow. All of our backpacks have multiple air holes or mesh paneling to make sure your cat gets all the fresh air they need!
• Size - Kitties are cute, in every size! Find the carrier that works best for your furry friend. We have cat backpacks for small, medium, and bigger boned cats that can hold up to 25lbs of floof. 
• Comfortable - If you aren't comfortable wearing your cat backpack, your kitty isn't going to feel comfortable either. All of our backpacks have adjustable straps and are super comfy for both kitty & hooman. 

"Take them on short walks in the bag and set them in the vehicle daily for 10-20 min. Maybe even drive around for a few min so they know what to expect during a car ride. Reward them with treats!" @ chernobylcat_n_mimo

Where to place the cat carrier in the car - 

Cat carrier backpacks and cat car seats should be placed on a secure surface where they won't slide, like the floor between the passenger's feet, or seat of your car. Never put your cat carrier in the trunk of your car, as there is not enough ventilation for safe airflow for your cat. Keep their carrier secure by fastening with a seatbelt, or placing between things to keep it in place. Avoid putting your cat carrier in front of a direct air conditioning/heating unit so your kitty doesn't get have to brave the elements! Make sure to bring your cat's favorite blankets for an extra cozy ride.

"Make the Backpack the safe space. they will always have somewhere to return to." @jules.adventure.cat

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lyra the Bengal Cat (@lyra_thebengalcat)

Train your cat to like the carrier - 

Making sure your cat feels at home in their secured cat carrier is important before you go on any road trips together. Practice by keeping the cat carrier out & accessible to them at home, so they can hop in and out whenever they want. Then practice by taking them outside, then on short walks, then longer walks. For more in-depth advice, check out   this article . 

"Bimini falls asleep in his fat cat backpack, and enjoys some of the trip looking out his space bubble" @bimini.the.ragdoll

Best cat carriers and cat backpacks for a fun car trip with your cat:

• "The Fat Cat" Cat Backpack for Larger Cats is a great backpack for a kitty who might need a little extra room, or if you're bringing more than one cat along for the ride!  
• "The Navigator" Cat Backpack for Adventure Cats is perfect for long car rides, because it has extra mesh paneling for optimal air flow, and it also converts into a normal carrier that lies on it's side, so your kitty can have extra space to stretch out in the back seat. 
• "The Jackson Galaxy" Convertible Cat Backpack is great for car trips because it also converts to a carrier that lays horizontally.    

"Transferred to his backpack when we made a stop and he did so well! No fights, no fits, so dreamy." @stephanielshulte  

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cali & Opie (@catventuresofcaliopie)

Travel Litter Box, Scoop & Litter Supply

Bringing a travel litter box along on a road trip is a must. Your cat needs a place to go, and you definitely don't want that place to be your back seat. Bring   "The Porta Pawty" Travel Litter Box   and use your cat's normal litter to keep their mess contained. This litter box zips up to keep mess from shifting around, and is seamless for an easy clean at the end of a long day on the road. Get your cat used to their portable litter box by starting to use it in your house, a few days before you set off on your trip. Put it in place of their normal litter box, using their normal litter to ease the transition.

"The Porta Pawty" Travel Litter Box

How will my cat use the travel litter box on a car ride?

Your cat might feel comfortable doing their business on the go, and if so, they could be let out of their carrier to go in their travel litter box if you pull over. But if your kitty prefers to go outside of the car, you might need to make a longer pit stop to set up their space. Since kitties like to eat & use the pawty shortly after, we recommend pulling over to do both safely & more conveniently. Thankfully, "The Porta Pawty" is super portable & easy to store away until you need it. Just unroll it, let your cat do their business, and zip back up to contain any mess once your kitty is done. 

Best Portable Litter Boxes for Cats:

"The Porta Pawty" Travel Litter Box is what we recommend. See more of its features,   here . 

Portable Travel Cat Beds

If you're planning an overnight trip, having a place for your kitty to sleep is a must, especially if you're going to an unfamiliar environment. Your cat will want a place to call their home and get away for a snooze sesh every now and then.

Don't forget to pack their favorite blankets, and "The Meowbile Home" Convertible Cat Bed & Cave is just that - a scent soaker bed that will help your kitty feel more at home, wherever you go. A scent soaker is something with your kitties scent or your scent on it and will help calm cats for travel because they'll be in a familiar-smelling place. "The Meowbile Home" is super lightweight and easy to transport in its drawstring bag. 

"The Meowbile Home" Convertible Cat Bed & Cave  

If your kitty needs some extra space to move around, try out "The Donut" Cat Bed & Cave . This bed is easy to transport and fits right on your car seat or in the back with the seats down, for a fun alternative to your cat backpack carrier. "The Donut" is not only a great place for a kitty snooze sesh, but it will also give your cat another way to play & entertain themselves on the road. 

"Donuts!! These have been a life saver for us, so much less whining when they have these to hide in." - @birchandluna

Medication & Anxiety Relief

It is important to bring along any medical documents that your cat might need on your road trip, like vaccination certificates, etc. just in case of an emergency. If they are on any medication, make sure to have those documents & the appropriate dosage to last the entirety of the road trip (plus extra). 

Prepare for your cat to feel some stress during the road trip, and if your cat is extremely prone to anxiety attacks, consider leaving them with a trusting friend or family member while you're gone. We do not recommend cat sedative for travel, but there are plenty of anxiety relief medications and solutions that would offer a safe alternative. Be sure to ask your vet what they would recommend you bring if your cat needs a little extra help calming down. We love Jackson Galaxy's "Easy Traveler" All-Natural Holistic Solution.  

Food & treats are also a great way to calm nerves, and entice an otherwise skeptical kitty. Try using their favorite treats while training them to ride in the car as well, rewarding after they get in the car and at the end of the drive. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zedd the Plant Cat (@plantcat_)

A hungry kitty is not a happy kitty, and you don't want to drive with an unhappy kitty. Continue using your cat's normal food & eating schedule while on your road trip, in order to keep things as familiar to them as possible. Store your cat's food in ziplock food bags to make sure it stays fresh, & mess free.

Keep your cat hydrated throughout the duration of the road trip with portable water bowls, especially if you're traveling somewhere on the hotter side. Make sure to bring more than enough food for the duration of your trip, along with plenty of treats! Check out our cat travel accessories &   food/water bowls , made to help your travels go a little smoother. Whether your cat likes dry or wet food, this silicone travel bowl is super easy to clean and store away when you're not using it.

"The Travel Buddy" Foldable All-In-One Double Bowl & Mat 

"The Go Anywhere Bowl" Collapsible Travel Pet Food and Water Dish

While your cat might enjoy peeking out the window for a bit, it won't entertain them for hours on end. Bring along your cat's favorite kickers, teaser wands, and other toys that will help them feel at home & entertain them while on the road. Check out these super fun & portable toys:

"The Rainbow Dancer" Cat Teaser Toy Wand

Traveling with Multiple Cats or Pets

The more floof the better! Going on a road trip with more than one furry friend might pose different challenges, but none that any cat-loving parent can't weather. Just make sure to have plenty of food, a carrier big enough for them or multiple carriers , and follow your cat parent instinct. Remember to take plenty of stretch/food/bathroom breaks, and bring treats galore. Having multiple cats come along might mean your cats can help entertain themselves, so the ride might be a little extra fun. Even if that means less - quiet 😹

If you're traveling with different types of pets, make sure your cats are well-adjusted or have time to meet & greet their road trip companions. If you're going on the road trip with some pet parents, try planning a little play date for your kitties and pets to meet before the big day. 

"If traveling with dogs AND cats, put the cats in the vehicle first and let them be used to the environment prior to letting the dogs in."  @chernobylcat_n_mimo

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Penelope and Juniper (@penelopelovesjuniper)

What not to do on your road trip:

Never leave your cat alone in the car.  This is especially important on extremely hot or cold days. If you are traveling and want to explore a bit on your own or go out to eat, we suggest finding a cat friendly hotel to stay at for the night, or pet sitter in the area! If you need to go to the bathroom, either bring your cat with you in their cat backpack, or if you're riding with a friend, have them sit in the car with your cat. 

Try not to let your cat out of their carrier. They might want some freedom & space to move around, which is why it's important to find a cat carrier that they are comfortable in. It is not safe to keep your cat out of their carrier while you are driving, in case of an emergency. They might protest at first, but try & build in plenty of walk breaks so they can stretch their legs, eat & use the bathroom, and give them lots of treats.

Don't leave the windows open too far, and always make sure they are locked. Having a cracked window might help keep your kitten calm, but there should never be enough space for them to escape. Always keep your windows locked, even if they are cracked a bit, so that curious paws don't lower them.

"Windows cracked (and *locked*) help keep kitties calm. Plus breaks for walks!"  @birchandluna

Whether or not your kitty is an experienced car traveler, accidents happen. If they end up getting carsick, keep calm & give lots of comfort, clean them up, and try to clean their carrier as best you can. In order to make clean up easier, pack wipes just in case, and line your car & their carrier with towels or pee pads that you can easily remove. Unless your kitty is seriously ill, carry on with your road trip & don't let it ruin those awesome adventure vibes.

How do I entertain my cat during the road trip?

A bored kitty is a loud kitty 😹 Bring their favorite toys, treats, and make sure to take plenty of rest stops so they can eat, stretch their legs, & be stimulated by the scenery along your drive! If your kitty likes looking out the window, position their bag so they can peer out & check on their whereabouts while you're on the road. Depending on how long your trip is, they will probably sleep a lot too! 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vincent_Dante_TheMaineCoons (@vincent_dante_themainecoons)

When You Arrive at the Destination

Yay! You did it. 

Reward your kitty with lots of treats & kisses, and give yourself a pat on the back for a road trip well done! And maybe take a nap 😽 💤

We hope you enjoyed these tips & experiences from our community 😽

Disclaimer: You know your cat best. Please use caution & travel with your kitty's safety as top priority! 

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How to Travel With Your Cat in The Car (and Help Your Kitty Stress Less!)

It doesn't have to be so stressful for you or for your cat.

Janelle is a cat mum to two resident adventure kitties, Lyra and Atlas, and numerous cat and kitten fosters. Janelle and her furry family enjoy filling their days with hiking, kayaking, and seeking out the best cat-friendly destinations around the Pacific Northwest. You can follow Janelle, her adventure kitties, and adoptable fosters at @paws_pdx.

Do Cats Like Car Rides?

Why is my cat panting in the car.

• How to Travel Long Distances
• Travel Gear

Cats have their own way of saying , "No thanks, I'll stay home!" From excessive meowing to hiding at the sight of their carrier—there is something about a trip in the car that many felines often dislike.

If you're like most of us cat lovers, you might be wondering if there are any kitties on earth who actually enjoy riding in the car. With all the hiding and meowing that happens ahead of a vet visit, it's tough to even imagine a world in which cats are willing to get in the car, let alone enjoy it. But pet pros say that with enough positive associations with the car and their carrier, it's possible for cats to actually learn to like an occasional ride here and there. With a little training and some help from his favorite treat, your kitty could be on their way to co-pilot status. So buckle up, because we've teamed up with two cat behavioral experts to determine how to make those wild rides just a little more enjoyable for everyone.

Before we try to modify a kitty's behavior, it's important to understand it. When considering why so many cats have an averse reaction to trips in the car, think about their experience with that action. Many times, a car ride is associated with a dreaded trip to the veterinarian. This negative association—combined with the motion of the car and all the new sights, sounds, and smells that go along with it—can cause a total sensory overload for your cat. This may be why your feline friend harbors her distaste for traveling in the car, explains Shannen McNee , CCBC at The Toronto Humane Society. But it doesn't have to be this way! McNee says that a little bit of training can make a trip in the car a less stressful experience.

So, how do you train your cat to like the car, or at least tolerate a ride to the vet? LeeAnna Buis , CFTBS at Feline Behavior Solutions, says training your cat for car rides starts inside your home. "Your cat may actually be reacting to the carrier more than the car," Buis explains. With a few desensitization strategies and positive reinforcement that incorporates high-value rewards (like favorite treats or toys), the carrier can become a safe, fun space for your cat.

To help your cat love his carrier, McNee suggests a few simple steps:

• Leave the carrier out so it becomes a part of your cat's familiar environment. Make it a cozy space by placing his favorite blanket inside.
• Encourage your cat to spend time in his carrier by rewarding him with treats and feeding meals inside the carrier. Playing with your kitty inside the carrier is a great idea, too!
• Once your cat starts relaxing in his carrier, close the door for short amounts of time followed by rewarding him with a tasty treat. Gradually increase the amount of time the door is closed.
• Once he is comfortable in the carrier with the door closed, start picking the carrier up for short amounts of time. Where will your first trip be? A walk around your house with him safely inside the carrier!

When your kitty successfully associates his carrier with positive interactions and as a cozy place to take a nap, Buis recommends slowly introducing him to a car ride inside of his carrier. "Start by just sitting in the car in the driveway," Buis explains. "After a few sessions of this, start the car. Move on to letting it run for a few minutes, then backing out of the driveway and pulling back in, and so on."

Lastly, Buis says to pay special attention to reward your cat for the desired behavior. "Never underestimate the power of positive reinforcement," Buis says. If a car ride comes with lots of verbal praise and treats, your kitty will be more likely to want to repeat it another time.

While cooling down is the most widely recognized reason for panting in animals, there are other reasons your cat may be panting while traveling in the car. One of those reasons, McNee says, is anxiety . To calm down your cat in the car, McNee has a few suggestions:

• Put some of your cat's familiar scent in the car by rubbing your cat's cheeks with socks or small cloths, then put them in the car.
• Play your cat's favorite tunes . That's right, there's actually music created specifically to calm cats (and it's quite soothing for humans, too). Composer David Teie created Music for Cats , an album of classical, species-specific music that scientific studies have shown actually reduce stress for kitties.
• Spray a calming pheromone like Feliway inside the car and carrier that mimics the natural essence that mama cats give off when their young are nursing.

How to Travel With a Cat in a Car Long Distances

When it comes to long car rides with your cat, Buis has three words of advice: practice, practice, practice. "Start well in advance of your trip with mini car rides and slowly work up to longer and longer periods in the car as your cat gets comfortable," Buis says.

McNee and Buis recommend planning each and every stop along your journey. "Call ahead to ensure the places you plan to stay are cat-friendly and plan your route to include regular water and elimination breaks," McNee recommends.

Cat Car Travel Gear You Might Need

Testing out your gear before a long-distance car ride isn't a bad idea either. Here's a few suggestions of the gear you might need for your kitty's next road trip.

1. Cat Car Carrier

Your cat's carrier should be large enough that he can stand up and reposition. "Look for carriers designed specifically to be strapped or belted-in for security," Buis recommends.

2. Cat Car Harness and Seatbelt Loop

"If your cat is harness trained for adventures and enjoys car rides, get a harness with a seatbelt loop to secure him," McNee suggests.

3. Car Seat Cover

A car seat cover is the best way to keep your car clean and free of pet hair, kitty puke, muddy paws, and anything else your cat drags in.

4. Calming Medication

"If your cat is prone to motion sickness or anxiety, talk to your vet because they may recommend medications that can help," McNee says.

Related Articles

More related articles.

• Cat Behavior
• Health & Care
• Vet Approved

How to Travel With a Cat in a Car: 11 Tips & Tricks

Image Credit: Lightspruch, Shutterstock

Last Updated on June 24, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

VET APPROVED

REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY

Dr. Maxbetter Vizelberg DVM

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

As much as we love our cats, the idea of traveling with them in a car on a long-distance trip can be daunting and just a little bit terrifying as well. If your cat is anything like most cats, they might spend the entire trip howling, screeching, and letting everyone know that they are terrified.

It’s important to realize that cats will remember being kittens and being taken to the vet for shots or even just the car ride to their new home. So, they’ll be expecting the same experience again when you load them into the car.

In this list, we’ll give you a few tips and tricks to make the trip in the car easier and more pleasant for you and your feline friend.

• The 11 Tips & Tricks for Car Travel with a Cat
• 1. Always Use a Cat Carrier

Never take your cat anywhere in the car without using a cat carrier . Not only is it dangerous, but in some states, it’s also illegal to let your pet roam freely in the car as you drive.

You want to make sure that the cat carrier is as comfortable as possible for your feline companion. This means that the carrier should be big enough for the cat to stand up, turn around, and lie down with ease.

Ensure that the carrier you use is well-ventilated so that the cat can breathe easily.

• 2. Let Your Cat Explore the Carrier

If your cat is used to roaming freely and has never used a carrier before, then he’s going to be anxious and terrified for most of your trip. Instead of just forcing your cat into the carrier and hitting the road the day of the trip, give your cat the time to explore the carrier in his own time.

Remember, many cats love boxes! So leave the door to the carrier open, throw in your cat’s treats and favorite toys, and then let your cat explore the carrier at will. Hopefully, they’ll get used to the carrier and have no problem entering it and laying down when traveling time arrives.

• 3. Beat the Heat

Just like you get hot when the sun beams directly into the car, so does your cat. So make sure to put the carrier in a well-ventilated area that benefits from the air conditioning you’re sure to have going if you’re traveling in the summer heat. Avoid areas of the car that will get direct sunlight or the cargo area of the car where air doesn’t circulate.

Never, leave your cat in the car alone when you stop somewhere. When you stop and turn off your engine, take the cat and carrier with you. If your cat tolerates a leash and a harness, you can do it that way, but never leave your cat in the car. It’s also not a good idea to leave the engine running. That’s inviting car thieves to take the car, meaning you’ll not only lose your car but your feline friend as well.

It’s essential to note that most states have made it illegal to leave your animal in the car. If you’re caught, you can face a fine, imprisonment, or both for cruelty to animals.

• Read Also:  Why Is My Cat Panting in the Car? (5 Possible Reasons)
• 4. Gather Your Supplies/Check Your Supply List

About a week before you’re supposed to head out on your trip, gather any supplies that you need for your cat along the way. If you’re unsure what those supplies might be, we’ll give you a few suggestions below.

• Fresh water, preferably bottled or from home
• Food and treats
• Clean cat litter
• Pet medications
• Pet first-aid kit
• Extra tag and collar
• Extra harness and leash
• Blankets and towels to replace anything soiled
• Pictures of your cat
• Vet records for the cat
• An extra carrier just in case
• Poop bags and poop scooper

Once you’ve gathered all these items, go through your pet supply checklist and check them off one at a time. You don’t want to need these supplies and have to find a place to buy them when you’re on the road.

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• 5. Consider Microchipping Your Cat

The last thing you want is to stop at the local diner, and your cat disappears, never to be seen again. While you might think you can keep a sharp eye on your cat, accidents happen, so it’s best to be prepared.

If you haven’t already, you might consider microchipping your cat before the trip. Other precautions to take include having the pictures of your cat suggested above, making sure your cat has your name, address, and telephone number on their tag and collar, and making sure the same is on his crate, along with “Live Animal” written on the side of the crate.

Doing all of these will make it easier to track down your cat should the worst happen during your trip.

• 6. Check-Out Accommodations Ahead of Time

As a pet parent, you probably already know that not every hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, or vacation rental is going to be pet-friendly. Nothing is worse than pulling into a hotel on the road, only to find you can’t find a room that will allow you to have your cat inside. But, of course, you can’t leave the cat in the car, so what can you do?

The answer is to find pet-friendly hotels along the route you’re taking to your destination long before you head out on the road. Then, call ahead to check the pet policies of the accommodations you know accept pets, as some only allow certain pets, have a pet deposit, and have a limit on how many pets you can bring.

Once you’re in your room, it’s best to set up the litter box in the bathroom where there is no carpet, just in case an accident happens, so that you won’t be charged for carpet cleaning when you check out.

• 7. Expect the Unexpected

If you’ve traveled with or without pets, then you already know you should always expect the unexpected. You never know when something will happen, and you’ll have to fly back home instead of driving the car. So you need to be prepared to travel by plane with your cat if the worst should happen.

If you have a favorite airline, then call and see what their pet policy is before you leave on your trip, just to be on the safe side.

• 8. Always Secure the Carrier

Just as you never know when you’ll have to fly home for an emergency, you also never know what could happen on the road. You may have to stop suddenly, slam on the brakes, and send your carrier and cat flying, ending with the cat being injured.

So, once you have the carrier in good working order, put everything your cat needs to be comfortable inside and make sure to secure the carrier firmly with a working seatbelt. This will prevent the carrier from sliding and your cat from getting hurt.

• 9. Schedule a Few Practice Runs

Once your cat is used to the cat carrier and feels comfortable lying down inside, you can schedule a few practice runs for the cat to get the feel of the moving car. Start with short trips, such as driving around the block or backing out of the driveway and then pulling back in. Then, keep an eye on how your cat reacts, and if he reacts badly, stop the car and try again another day.

Doing this also shows the cat that every car ride doesn’t end at the vet, which will help when you’re on the road. If you can’t schedule practice runs before your actual trip, try to keep your cat calm by staying calm yourself. Remember, our pets pick up on our stress levels and react in kind.

• 10. Talk to Your Vet Beforehand

It’s always a good idea to schedule an appointment with your vet for a checkup before going on a car trip, just to ensure everything is okay with your pet.

If your cat suffers from anxiety, this is the time to talk to your vet about medications that will keep him calm. Though none of us want to sedate our pets , it’s better to go this route than to have an anxious cat that’s injured when trying to get out of the carrier going down the road.

• 11. Use Patience, Kindness, and Love

Even with all the tips above, you need to use patience, kindness, and love to keep your little feline friend calm and happy during a car ride.

If you get upset, yell, or seem mad at your cat, then the cat is going to respond in kind, which means you’re in for a long trip with an angry cat.

When you travel in a car with a cat , you can expect to make a few adjustments to keep your pet safe and relaxed. Hopefully, these tips will make your next car ride with your cat a roaring success, or at least a little more bearable for the two of you and any family that’s tagging along.

• Traveling With Kittens: 7 Essential Tips
• Does Lyft Allow Cats? Pet Policy & Travel Tips
• The Spruce Pets

Featured Image Credit: Lightspruch, Shutterstock

About the Author

Patricia Dickson

Patricia is a pet writer and lifelong animal lover. She has two cats (Binx and Link) and one dog (Mystery). Binx was found as a kitten under her house and has been part of the family ever since! Patricia is also a published author under the pen name Skylar McKinzie. When she isn’t writing, Patricia enjoys volunteering at her local animal rescue.

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How to Travel Long Distance With a Cat

Last Updated: May 30, 2021 References

This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS . Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 32,111 times.

Are you anxious about traveling with your cat? Chances are, your cat is too! Traveling can be a stressful experience for you both if you haven't prepared for the journey. A little preparation can make traveling by car or plane calmer and much more comfortable. Eventually, you both might even enjoy traveling together.

Preparing to Travel

• When crossing state lines, you might only need a current Rabies vaccination with a tag and certificate. When crossing into other countries, the requirements vary depending on the country and region.

• You can order a customized collar at your local pet store or on the internet.

• When your cat is in a stressful situation, she may rapidly lose vitamins and nutrients. Herbal supplements can help replenish these, calming your cat.

• Trial runs will let you know how your cat responds to the sedative and whether you need to adjust the timing or dosage, before the trip.

• The more comfortable your cat is with its crate, the more comfortable they will feel in it while they are traveling.

Traveling By Car

• Keeping your cat in a crate will also prevent your cat from escaping through a window or door when the car is stopped. It will also keep your cat out of areas in the car where she could get stuck, like under one of the vehicle's seats.
• Before your big trip, try taking short rides around town with your cat to help get used to traveling in the crate. [6] X Research source

• Each time you stop for a break during your trip, offer your cat a small amount of water.

• Don't forget to pad the bottom of the crate with a towel or blanket to make your cat more comfortable during the trip. A small litter box can be added to the crate so that your cat can use the restroom as needed during travel. You might want to put pet pads down on the bottom of the crate, so if your cat misses the litter box, you don't have a mess.
• Your cat may enjoy privacy when using her litterbox, so keep the privacy flaps of the crate or carrier down. [9] X Research source

• If you find your cat won't use the litter box in her crate, try putting her on a harness with a leash. Let her get out of the car in order to eliminate.
• Never leave your cat alone in the car. If it's hot outside, your cat is likely to overheat, even with the windows cracked or open. If it's cold outside, your cat could become hypothermic while she waits for you to return.

Traveling By Plane

• Flying in the cargo hold can be extremely dangerous for some breeds of cat. For example, it's not recommended for cats with brachycephalic facial structures, or "smushed faces", like Persians. Their narrow nasal passages make it difficult to breathe in that area of the airplane. [12] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source

• You should also attach a 24-hour feeding schedule to your cat's carrier. This way, you cat can be taken care of if she's delayed in her travels. [13] X Research source

• A hard-shell carrier is preferred if your cat is traveling in the cargo hold area.

• If the temperatures are going to be extreme, many airlines won't allow your cat to fly in the cargo hold. This is another reason why it's important to check with the airline before you fly.

Expert Q&A

• Once you've reached your destination, let your cat check out her new surroundings from the safety of her crate. This way she can get a feel for the new sounds and smells of the area. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Talking to your cat while you drive or playing soft music can help drown out scary noises produced on busy roads. This can help calm her down if she's anxious about traveling. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.purina.co.uk/cats/behaviour-and-training/moving-and-travelling/travelling-with-your-cat
• ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/car-travel-tips
• ↑ http://traveltips.usatoday.com/calm-cat-travel-car-1605.html
• ↑ http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/traveling_tips_pets_ships_planes_trains.html
• ↑ http://www.peta.org/living/companion-animals/travel-tips/car-travel/
• ↑ http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/packing_for_pets.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/
• ↑ http://www.pettravel.com/passports_travel_with_cat.cfm

About this article

If you need to travel a long distance in a car with your cat, choose a sturdy, hard-shell crate that you can secure with a seatbelt in the back seat. Practice taking short trips around town with your cat so it gets used to traveling. The day of the big trip, don’t feed your cat for at least 2-3 hours before you get in the car so it doesn’t get an upset stomach. Put a soft blanket in the crate so the cat will be comfortable, but don’t put any food or water in the crate, or it could spill. Instead, offer your cat a small amount of water each time you stop for a break during the trip. Keep reading for tips from our veterinary reviewer on taking your cat on a plane trip! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Traveling with a Cat in a Car Long Distances

You are probably already familiar with traveling with your cat.  This time it isn’t just for a stroll around the block or a quick vet visit.  You might be going a lot farther like across the country, or even to the mountains to go camping. 

If you’re going to be traveling with a cat in a car long distance then there are a few extra things you will need to know and prepare for.  Take a look and see how to prepare to travel long distances with your cat.

Table of Contents

Plan Your Trip

Before going out on your long distance journey there are a few things needed to be done.  Once you have decided where you will be going with your cat the next step is to make sure you bring all the proper supplies.  What does this entail you ask? 

Any item that you will need to keep your cat safe and healthy.  Items you might bring are treats, food, a cat carrier, and many other essential items that are needed for both you and your cat to have a safe trip depending on the location.

Items to Bring for Your Cat When Traveling Far

The first essential item you will need when traveling a long distance is a cat carrier.  If you are unfamiliar with cat carriers then you can check out my article about the best cat carrier for long distance travel .  The next thing you should probably bring is some sort of cat harness and leash.  If you don’t want to keep your cat cooped up in a carrier the whole time then this is what you will need.  A harness and leash will keep your cat safe and secure wherever you may be going.

Don’t forget to bring a litter box!  The last thing you want to forget is your cat’s bathroom.  If you are using a carrier then it would be best to purchase one that will fit inside otherwise you will need to put them in the litter box every so often to let them empty their bladder.

If you know for a fact that your cat will not calm down during the long travel then it is probably best to sedate them.  Sedating your cat before traveling will make it much easier on the both of you.  If you need more information about this topic I have written an article you can read about  how to sedate a cat for travel .

Don’t forget to bring familiar items from home like toys or blankets.  Bringing familiar objects from home will also help keep your cat calm.  The item itself isn’t what will calm your cat down.  It’s the familiar scent that is on the item you bring that will help with your cats behavior.  Also don’t forget to bring some sort of collar with his I.D. tag on it in case he were to get lost.  Some collars have a gps tracker, but those can be a bit pricey.  Although you can’t put a price on your cat if he ever goes missing while you are traveling.

Make Sure Your Cat Is Used to a Cat Carrier

Depending on the type of cat you have will determine how long it will take him to get used to it.  Some cats actually enjoy traveling and will adjust to it quite easily.  If your cat, on the other hand, does not enjoy it then here are a few tips you can do to help ease them into it. 

When you first get your cat carrier make sure to leave it in plain view with the door open.  Do not put your cat into it just yet.  We want to ease them into it.  They will most likely be curious and start checking it out.  This is normal.  Eventually your cat will wander inside the carrier once they feel there is no threat.  Once your cat is comfortable with going inside the carrier you can start to put him in the car with it.

Tips for Getting a Difficult Cat into a Carrier

If you have a difficult cat then there are a few ways you can get them inside the carrier.  The first thing you can try is giving them treats.  Simply give your cat a few treats when he exhibits good behavior towards the carrier.  Then go ahead and place a few treats on the inside.  Once your cat is inside the carrier you can go ahead and reward them with another treat.  This method rewards good behavior and teaches your cat that he is doing the right thing by going inside of his carrier.

If you have a very aggressive cat that won’t get into the carrier then you can wrap them in a blanket or towel and place them into the carrier that way.  Make sure to do this in a small room or bathroom to prevent your cat from running off and hiding. 

If you don’t want to wrap them in a towel or blanket you can simply use a pillowcase.  Just be sure to not close the other end of the pillow case while they are inside or they can suffocate.  This will give you enough time to place them inside the carrier hopefully unharmed.

Can I Take My Cat in the Car Without a Carrier?

Yes you sure can.  If all else fails and you think it would be easier to travel without a carrier then you must use a harness and leash setup.  You will need to make sure your cat is secure by tying the leash around the bottom of the seat or the safety hooks provided for children car seats. 

This will help keep your cat safe during your long trip.  It’s best to start with small trips to see how your cat will react without a carrier before taking them on longer trips.

Introducing Your Cat to Your Car

Once your cat is comfortable enough with his carrier you can place him inside the car.  Start small by turning on the car and just idling to see how your cat responds to all the extra sounds.  Try turning on the radio to see if it will help calm them down or make it worse. 

Once your cat seems comfortable you can take a small trip around the block and judge how he does.  If he shows heightened signs of anxiety or motion sickness then you will be better prepared on what to expect on longer car rides.

What to Expect During the Trip

Once you and your cat are comfortable enough with the carrier and the car it’s time to go on your trip.  Be sure to have gathered all the supplies you will be bringing with you.  If using a cat carrier then safely secure it in the back or front seat based on your preference.  If you will be traveling without a carrier then be sure your cat is securely fastened to a harness with a leash.

It isn’t uncommon for your cat to get motion sickness during a car ride.  Motion sickness in cats is very similar to what us humans get.  I have written an article on ways to help with motion sickness that you can read called how to prevent motion sickness in cats .  This article will help prepare you and your cat in case this were to happen.

It is also best to avoid feeding your cat a big meal right before a trip.  Traveling on a full stomach can contribute to motion sickness and vomiting.  Feeding them too much will put them at a greater risk for motion sickness.  It’s best to give them something small if you are planning on traveling a long distance with few stops.

Don’t forget to pull over every so often to give your cat water.  Water is very important for you cat especially when they are in a heightened state of anxiety.  Traveling will usually cause heightened anxiety which can contribute to dehydration.  If you do not know the signs and symptoms of anxiety in cats I have written an article explaining it more in depth.  Check out my article called symptoms of anxiety in cats for more information.

Taking Your Cat Into A Hotel

There will come a time while you are traveling when you will need to stop at a hotel with your cat.  Before booking a hotel it would be a good idea to make sure you know what hotels are pet friendly.  You might also want to check out how to pet proof your room before bringing your cat inside.  You can check out my article here called how to make a hotel room cat friendly .

I have also researched a few hotels for you that are pet friendly to save you some time:

Kimpton Hotels Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Best Western Fairmont Hotels and Resorts La Quinta Holiday Inn

Candlewood Suites Red Roof Inn Motel 6 Ace Hotel

If you want to do your own research for pet friendly hotels you can check out the following link.  You are able to search by city and state:  https://hotels.petswelcome.com/

Don’t Forget About Car Safety

Be sure to keep all the doors closed and do not open them until your cat is secured in a cat carrier or a harness.  Opening a car door while your cat is loose can be a huge mistake.  This is one of the leading causes for losing a cat while traveling. 

Your cat will most likely be in an unfamiliar area and will not be able to find their way back to you or the car.  In case of an event like this it would be smart to have some sort of gps tracker like a collar in order to locate your car.

Final Thoughts

Traveling with a cat in a car long distance doesn’t have to be difficult.  If you do the right research and take the right precautions then everything should go smoothly. 

Traveling with your cat shouldn’t be taken lightly.  Make sure you take the time to get the proper equipment as well as training before going out.

Related Posts

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11 Cat Travel Accessories You Need For Safe Travel With A Cat Long Distance In A Car

Posted on Published: January 31, 2022  - Last updated: January 29, 2024

Categories Cat Travel , Travel

Traveling can be stressful. When you travel with a cat doesn’t exactly make it any easier! To make car travel with a cat long distance easy and safe for both of you, you’ll want to pick up these 11 cat travel accessories.

We drove with our cat in the car for 26 hours from Montreal to Florida. We crossed the Canada-US border, and stayed overnight in 2 hotels with him. This was the longest he’s been in the car, and his first hotel experience.

The journey couldn’t have been more successful and we made it to Florida with a very happy cat!

Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!

Useful Resources You Might Need For Travel With A Cat

Book a Pet-Friendly Hotel :   Hilton Pet Friendly Hotels Car Rentals : Rental Cars at Low, Affordable Rates | Enterprise Rent-A-Car Travel Safe Carrier : Amazon.com | Amazon.ca Travel Cat Backpack : Amazon.com | Amazon.ca Cat Travel Digital Planner : Etsy.com

Other cat travel posts you might be interested in reading… Honest Cat Backpack Review: Pecute Cat Backpack | Tips To Know Before Travelling With A Cat In A Car

11 Cat Travel Accessories You Need For Safe Travel With A Cat Long Distance

You want your kitty to be as comfortable as possible when you travel in the car long distance…right? There are a few must-have items you can get to make it the least stressful trip possible for them.

I had all these items on our 26 hour long car ride with our cat. Even if I didn’t end up using all of these cat travel accessories, I was happy that I had them just in case I needed them.

You might also be interested in reading…

• Everything You Should Know Before Travelling With A Cat: Is It Worth It?

1. How To Travel With A Cat: Get A Safe & Roomy Cat Carrier

This is the most important thing you’ll need for safe car travel with a cat long distance. It isn’t safe to have your cat roaming around in the car. They can go places they shouldn’t be and distract the driver. More importantly, you want them to be safe if anything should happen while driving.

So, you want a cat carrier that’s roomy enough so they can sit up, stretch, and move around a bit. Remember, they’re going to be in there for a long time.

We bought a Pet Design dog carrier although I don’t think it’s available anymore. This one from PetSeek seems very similar (and maybe even better!). On top of the large size, what I really like about the PetSeek Carrier is the metal frame. This will help protect and keep your furry friend safe! P.S. It also collapses flat for when you aren’t using it. ( See prices on Amazon )

If you have more room in your back seat this double cat carrier on Amazon is even bigger! It gives your kitty PLENTY of space and can even hold a litter box if that’s something you’re looking for.

Shop PetSeek Large Cat Carrier On Amazon

2. A Cat Backpack For Easy Transport

Depending on the cat carrier you buy, you may want to invest in a way to easily transport your cat from the car to the hotel depending on how long your road trip is. The large carrier will stay in the car, and you don’t have to lug it anywhere.

We like the Pecute backpack for this . It was super convenient to bring our cat into hotels and collapses for when you’re not using it. I love all the extra features as well, like the pockets, a leash to attach him to, and it expands so your cat can even sleep in it. See the Pecute Backpack on Amazon.

It’s also convenient for when you can’t leave them in the car (for bathroom breaks…etc.). This way you can easily bring them with you!

Another option is to use a duffel bag for cats. We liked the idea of a backpack better because it frees up our hands to open doors and carry more luggage into the hotel.

• Honest Cat Backpack Review: Pecute Cat Backpack

Shop Pecute Pet Backpack On Amazon

3. A Cat Travel Litter Box

When you have to go you have to go. A cat isn’t like a dog where they can go on any grass anywhere. You can bring any litter box, but I recommend getting a cat travel litter box.

That doesn’t mean it has to even be a litter box though. All you really need is something that you can close – for the smell, and easy transport to and from the car.

There are cat travel litter boxes ( like this one on Amazon ) but instead, we used a plastic container and filled it with litter – it worked perfectly! You also want to make sure to use and bring the litter your cat is used to. It’s all about making them feel the most comfortable as possible during car travel.

Keep in mind your cat can hold their pee for up to 48 hours. So they most likely won’t need to go while you’re driving. But you will need a cat travel litter box if you’re planning on staying overnight somewhere.

Shop Cat Travel Litter Box On Amazon

4. Pee Pee Pads Are A Must To Travel With A Cat In A Car

Accidents happen and it’s best to be prepared for when they do. Pee pee pads are typically used to when training puppies to pee. But I lined the bottom of the cat carrier with them. This way, just in case my cat couldn’t hold it in, or threw up, it would be easy to clean up and replace. See pee pee pads on Amazon .

We thankfully didn’t need these in the end, but I’m still happy we had them. I read horror stories about car travel with a cat long distance with cats gets nauseous driving through the mountains and throwing up everywhere.

The point is that you never know how your cat will react to such a long drive, and the different (potential mountainous) terrain you’ll be driving on. So this is a good safety net.

5. Car Travel With A Cat – Keep Them Calm!

If your cat is stressed in the car, or may get stressed sleeping in a new place for the night, get them something to calm them down. There are a few options for how to do this. It’s all about finding the one that works best for your cat.

The first option is Feliway spray that mimics the natural pheromone that sends calming messages to cats. You can spray this in their carrier for the drive or there’s also a diffuser you can use for when you arrive at your location. This will help calm them down and prevent unwanted behaviours. This was recommended to get by my vet.

• How To Prepare A Cat For Travel: Training Tips & More

Another option is to get calming treats or speak to your vet about getting a prescription if you know your cat is a nervous traveller.

I also like to give my cat silver vine sticks to chew on. I wouldn’t recommend this for the actual drive when you travel with a cat in a car because as you have to keep an eye on them to not eat any large pieces. But you can try giving it to your cat before putting them in the carrier, or once you arrive at your destination to calm them down.

Shop Ways To Keep You Cat Calm When You Travel With A Cat In A Car

Shop Amazon.ca

6. Collapsible Bowls For Car Travel With A Cat

Of course you don’t need bowls to collapse when you travel with a cat in a car, but it makes it a lot easier while you’re on the road and saves you precious space.

I just have one and I would swap between food and water throughout the day – although my cat didn’t end up touching his food or water when travelling in the car. But it made it easy to always give him the option at stops. They also clip on to his carrier which makes for easy access.

• 13 Useful Cat Road Trip Tips To Know Before Travelling With A Cat In A Car

7. Cat Travel Accessories For Safety: A Harness And Leash

You may not need think you need this if you aren’t planning on taking your cat out of his carrier. But I think it’s a good back up item to have just in case you need to.

Like I said, you don’t know how your cat is going to react with being in the car for long distances.

After a few hours, they may need to leave the carrier. Or they might need to use the cat travel litter box while on the road. A harness and leash is the safest way to let them do that. Buy a harness and leash on Amazon .

Shop Harness & Leash On Amazon

8. Special Treats For Positive Reinforcement

There are a few treats my cat just LOVES and because of that, he only gets them on special occasions to really show that he’s being a good boy. You’ll want to bring these types of treats with you.

My cat didn’t want to eat his food in the car, but he did eat his favourites treats. At least this way I wasn’t starving him all day.

Plus I also bought a new food topper for when you arrive at your destination – some chicken in water. He didn’t drink all day and was too excited when we arrived at the hotel. I was nervous about hum being dehydrated so this was the perfect thing to give him.

Cat Travel Accessories For Overnight Stays Travel With A Cat Long Distance

When travelling with a cat long distances, you may or may not need to stay somewhere overnight. These next few must-have cat travel accessories are key for how to travel with a cat long distance when you need to stay in a hotel.

• 15 Important Cat Road Trips Tips For Staying In A Hotel With A Cat

9. Extra Blankets Or Outdoor Couch Cover

Depending on your cat, you may want to bring some extra blankets with you to cover anything scratch-able where you’ll be staying.

Instead a blanket, we bought a large outdoor couch cover to bring with us. Our cat doesn’t scratch but he tends to bite and make holes in arm rests of couches.

It’s large enough to cover a big couch in a hotel room. Plus, when we runs around he ends up moving the blankets so we needed something that will fully cover the couch and not risk it falling off.

Shop Couch Cover On Amazon

10. Bitter Spray To Prevent Damage

To go along with the blankets or couch cover, we also brought bitter spray . This is for the things you can’t cover with a blanket.

We’ll spray the bed frame to not scratch it. Or there may be something in the hotel room (like a dangling wire) that is tempting for your cat to chew on.

Shop Bitter Spray On Amazon

11. A New Toy For Entertainment

Your cat will be sleeping in their carrier all day long! You’ll need a good way for them to release all their pent up energy once you get to your destination for the night.

A new toy is the perfect way to do that. Our cat gets bored of toys very quickly, so getting him a new toy always keep him engaged – at least for a little bit!

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Travelling with your cat

Need to take your cat on a trip by car, taxi, or train? Or perhaps just need some advice on how to travel long distance with a cat? Read our guide on making travelling as easy and stress-free as possible for you and your cat.

Travelling with cats

Choosing the right cat carrier when travelling, how to get your cat used to a carrier for travel, what to bring when travelling with your cat, how to get your cat used to travelling in a car.

• Tips for travelling long distance with your cat

Travelling with your cat by taxi

Travelling with your cat by train or bus, how long can cats travel without going to the bathroom, what is motion sickness in cats.

We know that most cats find travelling stressful. They feel safe in a familiar environment and are not used to the different smells, noises and sensations of travelling in a vehicle. Even the sight of the pet carrier being taken out can stress some cats because they associate it with a sign of an upcoming trip.

It is best to only take your cat on trips if absolutely necessary, but some journeys, like going to the vet or moving to a new place, may be unavoidable.

If your cat gets very stressed when travelling, speak to your vet as they can discuss further options.

Find out more about spotting signs of cat stress .

One of the first things to prepare before travelling is to have a cat carrier that is safe and comfortable.

It should be well-ventilated and made of sturdy material such as plastic or metal wire that is also easy to clean in case of any accidents.

While some cats prefer being in small spaces when frightened, it’s important to choose a carrier that’s the right size for your cat, so they can stand up and move around if needed.

Learn more about how to choose and use a cat carrier .

To help your cat feel more comfortable, get them used to the carrier at least a few days before the trip. Place the carrier in a room where they like to relax and leave it open so they can explore and get to know it better in their own time. You can also put in their familiar blanket and add some treats.

For more nervous cats, a pheromone spray like FELIWAY® can be used inside the carrier around 15 minutes before going on a trip.

When going on a short trip with your cat such as to the vet, apart from having them in the carrier you can also bring their favourite toy or blanket.

For longer road trips, you should take the following to ensure your cat has everything they may need:

• cat carrier and soft bedding
• food and bottled water
• litter box, familiar litter and waste bags
• puppy pads (to line the carrier or place under a blanket)
• pet-safe cleaning wipes and disinfectant  

If your cat hasn’t travelled in a car before, introduce them to travel gradually. Start with a short trip and go on a slightly longer journey the next time.

Your cat may be loud and meowing excessively. This is a sign of stress, but they should settle down eventually. You can show them attention and help them calm down a little by talking to them gently and reward them with treats when the journey is over.

Can I drive with my cat loose in the car?

To keep everyone safe, your cat should be kept in their carrier at all times when driving. Leaving your cat loose in the car can be a distraction and put you at risk of an accident. To secure the carrier, it’s best to put it on a backseat and fasten it with a seat belt.

Tips for travelling long distance in a car with your cat

• Book a routine vet check to make sure your cat is healthy for travel
• Unless you’ve been told otherwise by your vet, try to limit food for at least a few hours before the journey to avoid vomiting and reduce motion sickness
• Plan your journey route and breaks in advance. Don’t leave your cat unattended in the car, especially in hot weather . If travelling alone, limit to only essential short breaks and make sure inside the car is well-ventilated and the temperature is comfortable for your cat
• If possible, avoid travelling with your cat for more than four hours in a day and let them out in a room where they will spend the night. For longer journeys, aim to take regular breaks every two to four hours to give you a chance to check up on your cat

There may be situations when you need to go to the vet urgently or take your cat somewhere quickly, and if you don’t have a car, a taxi can be a good option.

As for taxis, whether or not you can travel with your pet depends on the taxi company or driver. Some companies may charge extra to bring a pet. Depending on your location, there may be a pet-specific taxi service in the area.

Before booking, make sure the taxi driver will accept travelling with pets. You will also need to keep your cat inside the carrier for the duration of the trip.

If you’re wondering whether you can take your cat on a train, you should know that in the UK each passenger is allowed to travel with up to two pets, free of charge.

If you want to take your cat on a bus, the bus driver may decide at their discretion whether you are allowed on with a pet, depending on how busy the bus is and whether there are other animals on board.

Other things to be aware of when travelling on a train or bus are the many different smells, unfamiliar faces, and other animals, all of which can scare your cat. You can try booking a ticket outside of peak hours and, if possible, find a quiet place during the journey. Do not leave your cat unattended, and keep the carrier close to you. Throwing a light blanket over the carrier can help prevent overstimulation but ensure there is adequate airflow. 

When travelling by public transport, you should keep your cat in a carrier throughout the trip.

On average, cats with no underlying health issues urinate two to four times daily and poop about once a day.

However, being in an unfamiliar environment such as in a car is stressful for your cat so they might hold in their urge to go to the bathroom. But sometimes they are not able to hold it and will need to use the litter box right away. 

If you notice that your cat suddenly becomes extremely loud and shows signs of distress or wanting to get out, it might be the time you will need to let them use the litter box. It’s advisable to avoid letting your cat in and out of the carrier frequently but, if needed, have the litter box ready next to them and let them use it once you stop for a break.

Motion sickness is a common occurrence in many cats. There can be several causes, but the most common cause of motion sickness in cats is anxiety and stress associated with travel. If your cat experiences this, you may notice the following symptoms:

• fast breathing or panting
• excessive lip licking and drooling
• increased vocalisation and meowing
• lethargy or inactivity

If you see any of these signs, you should let your vet know so they can do a physical exam to rule out any health issues or advise you on ways to manage your cat’s anxiety when travelling.

Although desensitising cats to travel can take some work and patience, over time your cat should become more comfortable when going on a trip.

Related topics

Foreign travel and cats

Moving home with your cat

Going on holiday without your cat

How To Travel Long Distances with Multiple Cats

We know that all cat parents consider their kitties to be part of their families. If you are planning to travel long distances because of holidays, your new job, or because of family reasons, in this article you will find answers to all your questions.

Do you really need to travel long distances with a kitty?

Valuing their own comfort and security, surrounded by familiar scents and sounds, any travel – even a short vet visit – can be a big deal for fluffy balls and can cause unnecessary stress. Studies on cats’ transportation show that travelling can cause stress in pets, and thus needs to be well considered.

If you are planning vacations and thinking as to whether to travel long distances with your fluffy ball, you can consider alternatives to long distance travel such as engaging your friends or other family members to take care of the kitty, or rehoming them, finding a pet-sitter, or arranging the cat’s stay in a boarding facility. Pet parents need to consider all situations and solutions, particularly when their cat is in their golden age, has health-related issues that need to be under control, is pregnant, or their age is less than 8 months.

YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN: Checklists for cat sitters in Meowpassion shop on Etsy

Travelling long distances – essential guide

When deciding on travelling long distances with cats, careful preparation, planning and management are always required to minimize stress in cats, any disease transition and ensure your pet’s comfort. 

Tip#1 – always check the distance and how many hours you might need to reach your final destination. After 6 hours of drive, it is recommended to have a 1-hour stop to enable your kitty to go about their business, feeding and drinking. If you continue your drive for longer than 6 hours, then you need to have an 11-hour rest before your next journey.

If you will be travelling with kittens, then you can drive 7 hours maximum with a 2-hour stop. As research indicates, a midway stop provides rest by decreasing cortisol and thus lowering stress levels in pets.

Tip#2 – you need to know where cat-friendly (pet-friendly) hotels are while you will be travelling, if they impose any additional fees per cat, or if they charge per night or the whole stay, so you can understand how expensive a hotel will be if you stay there with multiple cats.

Tip#3 – before the trip visit your vet to take precautions if your cat suffers from chronic diseases or is in their golden age. You can also ask advice about sedatives to help your pet during the long journey.

Tip#4 – emergencies on the road or during travel might occur, and you might need to consult or visit a vet while you will be travelling with your cats. Check out vet emergency services available on your route, have a copy of, or take with you, your cat’s documentation such as health and vaccines records and/or certificates

Tip#5 – if you are moving to another state, country, or internationally you need to recognise the local laws and legal requirements as vaccination and tests might vary. If your kitty will need any vaccinations, plan your vet visit to be done a minimum 3-5 days before the planned journey.

Tip#6 – if your fluffy friend suffers from car sickness, avoid feeding your pet for 3-4 hours before your trip.

Tip#7– test drive your cat and take occasional rides to get them familiar with the carrier and adapt to travelling in cars.

Tip#8 – prepare a list of food and other supplies you need to have while travelling long distances with cats, and buy them in advance.

Tip#9 – while travelling long distances the person who your kitties are most attached to should stay as close to them as possible.

Tip#10 – control the temperature in the car, particularly if you are driving in large SUVs. Sun might come in the windows, so a pet will be hot even though the air conditioning is on. When you travel long distances during hot seasons, increase the number of midway stops so that you can take them for a walk in parks or other shady places.

Tip#12 – invest in a well-constructed, well-ventilated and leak-proof carrier. A great feature to have in the carrier is many pockets where cat owners can pack essential items they can access easily any time during the journey.  When purchasing the carrier, it is important to remember that:

• your pet must be completely inside it, will feel comfortable to move, stand, sit, turn around, stretch, and rest. The recommended carrier size is 1.5 times your cat’s size;
• a divider is helpful when you want to transport two cats and divide their space;
• a pet owner needs to know the maximum acceptable dimensions of a carrier if they will be travelling by plane;
• all elements of the carrier must be durable;
• the carrier is an investment as a good one provides extra security for your kitty;
• pet owners can easily latch and unlatch the top, and the sound of snapping cannot be loud and scary to the pet;
• the carrier should be easy to clean, cozy, and comfortable for the pet;
• multiple doors are nice-to-have so everyone has a variety of ways to help a pet without removing it from the carrier;
• the carrier should be cat-friendly, particularly if they are veterans.

Tip#12 – pet owners can also choose a larger crate that will have a litter box and a bed in it. 

Tip#13 – in most cases it is better to transport cats in separate carriers (singly).

Tip#14 –  it’s a well-known fact that cats do love boxes, which are not a safe option throughout the journey as pets can chew them and it’s difficult to clean up the mess.

Tip#15 –  according to the research undertaken by Bristol University, cats feel less stressed when their bedding, washable mat, or towel is present in the carrier. A carrier with a towel or bedding in the bottom (you can spray it with Feliway approximately 30 min before you place your kitty in the carrier – more details here) allows pets to feel cozy and be surrounded by familiar scents.

By having a pad inside the carrier, pet owners can also control and clean the carrier easily if a pet urinates, gets carsick and vomits, or defecates. 

Tip#16 –  to make trips less stressful, prior carrier training can be helpful.

Tip#17–  while preparing for your journey, always check the carrier for holes and its zippers.

Tip#18 –  secure the carriers with seat belts in the car. Even if your kitty is a great traveler, it is safe to keep them in the carrier for long distances. If an accident happens, your 4-legged friend can escape, be injured, get lost and won’t know what to do in the unknown surroundings.

Tip#19 –  your pet will feel more relaxed having their favorite toys, blanket, or other belongings, with them during the travel.

Tip#20 –   packing to be ready for all potential situations is better than under-packing. An absorbent pad, plastic bags, paper towels or baby wipes for cleaning up will be helpful in unexpected situations during the journey. 

If you are travelling by plane, make sure all items meet TSA standards.

Other helpful items to take might be:

• collapsible silicone bowls for food and water
• a large bag of Premium cat food
• big plastic dog dishes to be used as litter pans
• bottles of water

Tip#21 –  the kitty’s carrier should be labeled with their name, as well as the owner’s and vet’s names, and should include emergency contact information.

Tip#22 –  if you are travelling inside your country or internationally by plane, you need to research the policies and specific rules set by your airline, as well as the requirements of your destination.

Final thoughts

Travelling with your fluffy friend by car or plane can be stressful for all sides involved, but sometimes you cannot avoid it. If you get all the information in advance, plan and prepare your journey to fit your cat’s personality and follow the above guidelines, then your kitty will become your travel companion who enjoys travelling long distances with their owners.

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Traveling with Cats in a Car – Long Distance

Cats are creatures of routine. When subjected to long car rides, they will protest. For one, it disrupts their sense of normalcy and pushes them into the unknown.

What can a cat owner do when a cat must go on this journey? Things to consider include your cat ’s safety, comfort, feeding and relieving schedules, activity, stress relief, and medications. 

Let this post be a friendly guide for keeping your cat —and your own—anxiety levels at bay. 

Visiting Your Vet

We will discuss cross-country traveling by car on a separate post. But, even with 3-6 hours long car trips, you will still want to take your cat for a check-up.

Your primary concern will be to ensure your cat is fit to travel. Traveling causes stress and anxiety to cats, which can further complicate any illness.

You may also need to discuss medicating your cat for the trip. In particular, cats on their first-time to travel long distance will show signs of discomfort, including:

Panting, drooling, excessive yowling, aggressive behavior, vomiting, and incontinence

As much of an annoyance as it can be for humans, cats have it worse. We want cats to feel safe and comfortable as much as possible. 

Anti-anxiety medication, anti-motion sickness, and sedation may be the best course for such a cat . The effect of sedatives can last between 6 to 8 hours.

Prepping Your Cat

Preparation goes a long way in making sure of the success of your long-distance road trip with your feline buddy. The less of a shock traveling by car is to your cat , the more cooperation it will give you.

Get your cat accustomed to the car long before the trip. Make short, frequent trips around the block. This can decrease the anxiety of unfamiliar environments as your cat gets acclimated to the sound, smell, and movements in a car.

The Safety Precautions

Your cat will also need either a harness and leash or a carrier for the trip. You will need to train your cat to be familiar with your choice of security for the trip.

The last thing you want is to be delayed hours for your trip from struggling with a cat that won’t get in its carrier or refuses to be placed on a leash.

Securing Your Cat

A cat collar with an updated ID tag with your contact information is a must. Also, consider microchipping for your cat to ensure its safety.

When going out with your cat , make sure you have your cat in a carrier or on a harness with a leash.

Plan pit stops every 2-3 hours so you can give your cat a drink, time to use the litter pan, and stretch its legs while on a leash.

Restraining Your Cat

Adults, children, and babies are mandated by law to be restrained to the car via seatbelts and car seats.

When riding with cats, for everyone’s safety, be sure to have your felines restrained. As mentioned above, options include a cat harness with a leash and a contraption like a seat belt for pets—or you could select the right carrier (soft/hard) for your feline buddy.

If you are riding with multiple cats, you may need to travel them in separate carriers or purchase an especially large carrier. For cats who can’t stand each other, separate carriers are a must.

Why can’t cats roam freely in the car?

It is not wise to let a cat loose in a moving vehicle without a harness and seat belt on. We know it is not safe for humans and pets to ride in the car without a seat belt on.

Distracted driving can happen when a cat is loose in the car. The cat can get startled by sudden stops, bumps on the road, or the honking of the horn. You want your mind and eyes on the road, not on your cat .

Even with other passengers to care for the cat , it is still safest to restrain your cat —not just with a hand, but with the appropriate safety measures. Also, make sure the windows and doors are locked securely when your cat is in the vehicle.

Sticking to Your Cat ’s Schedule

Traveling or not, it is wise for cats to have feeding and relieving schedules in place. Consider feeding your nocturnal buddy at night so it can poop in the morning.

It is not ideal for cats to feed or drink while the car is in motion. But since hydration is a non-negotiable, make sure to offer your cat a drink at every pit stop.

Take away food and water for at least 3 hours before the ride. Some cat parents find it better for their cats to stop feeding the night before the trip. Ultimately, this will decrease the chances of nausea and vomiting in the car.

Dealing with the Litter Box

Your options are to keep a litter box inside the carrier with your cat or to have your cat pee at every pit stop. Have poop bags or a cat poop scooper on-hand for the journey.

When choosing kitty litter, consider large pellets that are dust-free to keep the mess at bay. Be aware that anxious cats can lose control of their bladder. Be ready for accidents with your choice of cat urine remover.

Easing Your Cat ’s Discomfort

If you choose to sedate your cat for a long-distance road trip, it is wise to start on the lowest dosage and gradually add more throughout the trip. You can also try calming treats for cats .

It is best to have another passenger stay with the cat and provide comfort. You can distract your cat and ease feelings of discomfort by playing and rubbing the cat often.

One thing your cat won’t like is overstimulation and this is why cats hate going on car rides. The sound and sight of traffic is a far cry from the stimulation your cat receives from its window perch at home.

Position the cat carrier facing the passenger side. You may cover the sides of the carrier with a blanket but be sure it does not obstruct ventilation.

Keeping Temperature in Check

When traveling in winter, be sure to have warming pads or extra blankets for your cat . In summer, have cooling pads or ice packs you can place under or on the sides of their bedding. 

Never leave your cat in the car alone. Even if you roll the windows down or leave the AC on while the car is in shade, danger can happen and your cat may suffer a heat stroke.

Staying at Hotels / Arriving at Your Destination

If you plan to go on a long-distance trip over several days, it is best to stay at cat -friendly hotels for the night. You may need to pay a pet deposit.

Always survey the place and cat -proof it before you let your cat roam freely while you sleep. It is best if your cat stayed in one room.

Give your cat time to adjust to its temporary or permanent environment. Be wary that your cat may have temperament changes during and after the trip. It will soon go back to working on establishing its territories.

Your cat can ride in the car with you for 10 to 12-hour rides with several stops in between. To minimize nausea and mess, offer a drink and the litter pan at every pit stop instead of giving free access to these necessities during the trip.

Safety should be your top concern. These include your cat ’s collar, ID tag, microchip, harness, leash, safety belt, and carrier. 

To ensure your cat ’s health and wellness, be sure to visit your vet before the trip, gradually introduce your cat to the environment in a car, and have options to comfort your cat either with medication or distraction.

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Traveling with Cats in a Car Long Distance (17 Essential Tips)

How to travel with cats in a car long distance? What are the essential tips for traveling with cats in a car long distance? What is the best way to travel long distance with a cat? How to make traveling with a cat easier and enjoyable?

If you are planning to travel long distance with a cat in a car, then there is a 99% chance that you might be searching for the answers to these strategic questions. Isn’t it?

And why shouldn’t you? After all, it’s the matter of your cat’s safety. Right? And when it comes to traveling with cats in car long distance, you must be familiar with all the car travel safety tips for cats to help you prepare for a smooth, fun, and safe trip.

Nowadays, we get to see that people love their pets way too much than they love fellow human beings around them. It is, in fact, a trend these days to have dogs or cats as pets alongside other animals as well. More and more people are getting inclined towards adopting pets and keeping them along with themselves at their homes.

But what happens when you travel out? Where would you keep your lovely cat while driving cross country?

Well, even if you are travelling, you can still take your pet along with you so that you do not have to miss them while on the trip and keep worrying about their well-being back at home, even if there is someone to look after the pets.

Today, we shall discuss cats as pets. Cats are very adorable of all the pets and thus, traveling with cats in a car long distance does not seem to be an issue of any kind. If you own a cat and you want to take it out along with you when you travel for a long distance, then here are some essential travel safety tips for traveling long distance with cats that you can follow.

So just keep reading to know what is the best way to travel long distance with cats and learn more about driving cross country with cats happily, safely, and comfortably.

Table of Contents:

17 Essential Tips for Traveling with Cats in a Car Long Distance

Undoubtedly, traveling a new place can be an exciting and eye-opening experience for most of us, but the same thing does not apply to our pets. Like most of the pets, Cats hate moving. Yes, it’s true! Unlike dogs , cats don’t seem to enjoy the experience of travelling a long distance by car.

Cats are creatures of habit. They like stability and want to be surrounded by all familiar things. These are the reasons why you can’t put a cat in a moving car without any preparation and proper conditioning.

Yes, if you want to make a road trip with your cat safe, peaceful, and enjoyable, then you will have to make sure your car is comfortable, resourceful, and travel-friendly according to your cat’s needs.

Don’t worry, though. There are some very helpful and easy cat travel solutions to make traveling long distance with cats in a car simpler. Are you ready to learn what they are? Here are 17 most essential tips for traveling with cats in a car long distance you can try today. Here we go:

Choose a Pet-Friendly Destination

When you travel long distance with cats, you must remember that it is not like other pets who are drive friendly. In fact, cats are prone to develop motion sickness and may also feel stressed during the journey.

Which is why, you must try to choose such a destination to travel which is pet friendly, so that when you reach there, your pet cat can relax and chill to overcome the long road journey that it had just completed.

There are many hotels and accommodations available these days, which is pet friendly, and they provide every means to make your pet feel comfortable and happy. Even if you are traveling cross country with a cat, you must make sure there is no barrier for carrying your pet along with you in the border.

Are you wondering how to find pet-friendly hotels and places to stay with dogs or cats when travelling cross country by car? Well, you can use the popular pet travel and hotel booking sites like BringFido , Expedia Travel , and Pets Welcome , etc. to search and book pet-friendly hotels.

We hope now you know the answer to your questions – How to find hotels that are pet friendly and how to choose a pet-friendly destination.

Choosing a pet-friendly destination sums up to be a place where your pet feels like home, in terms of comfort and relaxation. And when it is your cat, traveling to a pet-friendly destination is almost a must-have as cats are very delicate animals and do not love to travel places leaving their comfort zone.

Shop the Right Cat Carrier for Car Travel

Cats are very fragile pets, and we need to take extra care of them while we take them out for a long drive in our car. As they love to stay where they are and also afraid of leaving their territory and comfort zone, it is not always a good idea to make them travel along with you to some long-distance destination.

But suppose at all you need to carry your pet cat along with you while you travel a long distance in your car. In that case, it is highly recommended that you buy the best cat carrier for long distance travel to make your cat feel comfortable and healthy during the tiring journey.

Curious to find out what is the safest and best cat carrier for long distance car travel? Here are some of the top-rated picks and best cat carriers for traveling with cats in a car long distance:

Last update on 2024-06-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The cats are furry animals who are soft and adorable as well. And you can’t be harsh on them by providing them with a hard carrier! Thus, it is recommended that you buy soft and cozy carriers for your cats while you travel long distances with them. When you are taking them out, it is your responsibility to look after their health and comfort!

Let Your Cat Get Used to the Car and Cat Carrier

All living beings are subject to changes and adaptation at the same time. They are created in such a way that they would encounter lots of changes in their lives, and they would slowly become adapted to their lifestyle habits. Thus, animals also possess the same adaptation pattern and can adjust themselves in situations that are not their habit of living.

That is why it is recommended that you train your cat to be accustomed to car travel by taking it out for a few minutes to a few hours of ride regularly. As cats are nervous creatures and do not gel well with car traveling, they first need to be introduced to the car riding for a shorter period, and then you can take it out for long driving sessions.

While traveling with cats in a car long distance, you must also keep in mind to carry all the essential things that it might need during the ride so that your pet can remain in a healthy condition throughout the trip.

Take Your Cat to the Vet

It is advisable that you take your cat to the veterinarian before taking it out for a long drive. This is because you never know what kind of health condition your pet has, and a long journey can cause some unwanted situation which you would not like to face during your drive.

So, to be sure of the cat’s health condition, you must go for a regular checkup date with your vet and prevent any health issues with the pet during the journey.

The vet can also advise you well on any medicine or other treatments to be accomplished while you take your pet out for the drive so that it remains fit and healthy during the trip and does not succumb to the situation.

When traveling with cats in cars, you must keep in mind that they are not like other pets who enjoy long car rides. They are stressed during such long trips, and thus you must be extra careful towards them during the entire journey.

Get Your Cat Microchipped

Though this is usually done when the cat is outdoors or has probabilities of getting lost, it is still a good idea to get the cat chipped when you are taking it out for a long drive in your car. The cats’ microchipping is done by the vets using a needle, and the chip is the size of grain rice.

It is placed subcutaneously between the shoulder blades of the cat and is not a hurtful process. It takes a few minutes to complete the process and does not produce any allergic reactions to the cat’s body as well.

The primary purpose of such microchipping is to get to find your cat if it is lost somewhere during the ride when you take it out for short breaks. Traveling with your cat is not always a good idea, given the fact that cats are not ride-friendly, but if you must take a long ride with your cat, then microchipping it is indeed a good idea to think about!

If you are a new cat owner and planning to microchip your cat before going on a road trip, then you might find this microchipping guide quite useful for you. In this guide by WebMD, many veterinary experts answer most commonly asked questions about microchipping your dog or cat. It will help you in learning a lot about the microchipping process.

Use a Cat Harness and Leash for Extra Safety

Who does not love to be extra careful about a pet? We all do! And more so, when it’s an adorable pet cat! The cats are very furry and adorable creatures, and we love to pet them to that extent, where the mere thought of losing them might give us goosebumps!

So, to be extra protective towards them and keep them safe during the long drive, we must carry ourselves a cat harness and leash . When traveling with your cat for a long distance, it is mandatory to take short breaks during the drive and take your cat out for a short walk or a stroll.

And when you have a harness or leash around the neck of your cat, you can at least look after it when you are out of the car and do not worry about it going anywhere. There are several types of harnesses available that are comfortable and pocket friendly at the same time, and you must buy one accordingly.

If you want soft adjustable vest harnesses and leash for cats, then here are some of the top-rated cat harnesses and leash you can buy for your cat when preparing for your next road trip:

All these cat harnesses and leashes come with adjustable and padded cat vest that are best for walking and travelling. If your kitty is exceptionally active and likes playing around, then the use of a leash and harness adds an extra measure of safety to it during the travel.

Pack Cat Chew Toys and Chew Sticks

Cats are sensitive creatures, and they do not like to travel places just like other pets. Thus, it would be best if you were very particular with your packing choices when taking your cats out for a long drive. You will find many tips for traveling with cats in a car long distance, and almost all of those are helpful enough to make your cat feel comfortable during the ride.

One of the important cat travel accessories that would be beneficial when traveling with a cat is the cat chew toys or cat chew sticks . These types of cat toys are useful to keep the cats entertained and busy throughout the ride. They can remain indulged with these chew toys for a more extended period, and chances are less than they would feel bored or stressed during the journey.

These chew toys come in different shapes and sizes depending upon the variation of your cat. These are also very inexpensive stuff to take along with you when going out for a long drive with your cat.

Buy Cat Calming Treats for Car Travel

Out of all the cat car travel accessories, having cat calming treats is one of the best things that you can think of carrying with you when taking your cat out for a long driving session. Cats are such pets who do not like to travel much, more so, if it is in a car and for long hours. They are humble creatures loving their own space and territory and hate it when they have to move someplace else, that too in a car!

It is usual for them to get excited or frightened when you take them out for a long drive in your vehicle. And when the cats get nervous inside the car during the ongoing trip, it would be difficult for you to handle them or calm them down to normal.

So, in such cases, having crunchy and soft cat treats in your car shall help you deal with this situation quickly. Such calming treats include cat spray, cat diffuser, cat collars, cat wipes, cat supplements, etc.

Get a Cat Anxiety Jacket

Travel anxiety is very common amongst cats. And when it is your pet cat, you won’t like to see it in a stressful condition or anxiety. Thus, you must be well prepared to tackle its anxious mind while traveling long distances with the cat in your car.

There are many cat travel accessories available for the same, out of which, having a cat anxiety jacket ready for tackling such a moment is the work of an intelligent mind. The anxiety jacket for cats create constant pressure on the cat’s torso and instigate a feeling of gentle calmness during moments of anxiety.

Last update on 2024-06-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

But you must remember that the cat must not wear the anxiety jacket during the entire travel period. It is good to remove the jacket every 1-2 hours and let the cat be in a free state of mind before feeling anxious again! This way, you can complete the entire journey and keep your cat calm at the same time.

Get a Cat Sedative for Traveling in Car

How long can a cat travel in a car? This is a question that worries many travelers who travel with their pet cats. Well, after going through the entire article, you will have an idea of how long a cat can travel in a car, but as of now, you must know that though a cat can travel for more hours, they feel sick or anxious during the long drive in the car.

And for this reason, you must adapt to every precaution needed for the ride to make your cat feel comfortable and healthy during the journey. One such method of carrying your cat in a long drive without much hindrance is to sedate it using the cat sedative for car travel available in the market.

Well, it might not always be a good option for cat lovers to sedate it and change its state of mind for the journey, but if your cat gets troubled too much during the ride, then most vets suggest sedating it in safe doses. There are cat-friendly sedatives available in the market, which you can use to consult with your vet.

Maintain an Ideal Temperature in Your Car

While we know that traveling long distances with cats is not always a good idea as they are sensitive to long drives in a car, but if you need to do so, you must make sure that you make the journey a comfortable one for them! And for that, maintaining an ideal temperature inside your car is highly recommended.

How much temperature is ideal for traveling comfortably in a car for a long-distance? Well, it generally depends on what breed of cat it is or how well adapted to the climatic conditions it is!

But in general, cats do not prefer too hot or too cold temperatures. Though their furry body helps them stay calm during cold temperatures, it is suggested that you do not lower your car’s ac too much. Also, you must keep the car AC or your portable car air conditioner on at a moderate temperature so that it does not feel the heat.

There are plenty of air cooling fans and portable air conditioners for cars in the market at a relatively affordable price. Portable car air conditioners, Rooftop air conditioners, Fan air coolers, and Bucket + Fan Coolers are some of the most popular portable car ACs options.

Now it’s entirely upto you which types of portable air conditioner you want for your cars or trucks to control the temperature inside your vehicle and create a much more comfortable, enjoyable environment for your cats.

Keep Your Cat Hydrated

If you are traveling in the scorching summer season, you must know that it is as essential to keep your cat hydrated as it is keeping yourself hydrated in such weather conditions. If you are looking for tips for traveling with cats in a car long distance, then this might be helpful to you.

Cats tend to become dehydrated quickly in warm conditions as they do not possess a strong urge to drink water, often unlike other animals. And when they suffer from dehydration, you can notice symptoms like dry mouth, sunken eyes, loss of appetite, lethargy, panting, etc.

So, to keep it hydrated during the entire journey, you must look up to ways that shall not condition it to face dehydration. Like, providing them with foods with high water content or letting them drink water more often. This way, you can prevent any type of dehydrating conditions of the cat during the long drive.

Get a Portable Cat Litter Box

This is the most crucial accessory amongst all the cat car travel accessories. A collapsible and portable cat litter box is essential when you are traveling with your cat for a long distance. As you cannot always find a suitable place during the drive to make your cat litter, it is easy to have a litter box inside your car so that both you and your pet cat can remain hassle-free with the littering issue.

You must also train your cat to litter in the litter box not to make your car dirty. There are many types of portable litter boxes available, which can be easily kept inside your vehicle and the cat carrier. These boxes are easy to carry and easy to dispose of also!

When you have portable litter boxes inside your car, you do not have to worry about your cat even when it is a long one!

Take Frequent Breaks and Make Time for the Outdoors

Are you stressing over the fact of how to travel with cats in a car long distance? If yes, you must not freak out and follow some essential tips to avoid severe issues on the road. All these tips are useful enough to keep your cat in good condition when traveling a long distance in your car. Alongside all these tips, this one also allows your cat to travel a long distance in a better manner.

Allowing your cat to take a walk and short breaks during the journey shall increase its chances of surviving better during the entire trip. It is recommended that you take such a break every 2-3 hours so that your cat (and you) can feel relaxed during the journey.

When the cat is inside the car for long hours, it can feel irritated and nervous, and thus, to relive it from any kind of distress, you must take a short break and make time for outdoors.

Never Leave Your Cat Alone in the Car

How to travel with a cat in a car? Well, by now you already know how to travel with your cat in a car for a long distance. There are some tips and recommendations that you must follow during your trip with your cat. But apart from all these precautions to keep your cat safe, you must also think upon the fact that when you are traveling with your cat, you can’t leave your cat alone inside the car.

Understandably, you might also need some alone time when going for a long drive, but you must also think of your pet cat in every situation. And as cats are afraid of such long car journeys, you must be extra careful towards them during the trip.

If you leave them alone in the car, they might be more nervous or might get out of the vehicle as well. Mishaps do not take time to occur, and so, you must be aware of such facts while traveling with your cat in the car!

Don’t Forget Cat First Aid Kit for Any Emergency

Can a cat travel a long distance? Yes, it can! But with some precautions being taken care of by the pet owner! There are several things that you might carry along with you when you are going out for a long drive in your car, they might be equally useful for your cat as well.

But if you forget to carry a cat first aid kit along with you, then maybe you are missing out on important stuff.

As there can be emergencies during a drive for us humans, there can be emergencies with the animals. And having a cat first aid kit can save your cat from such emergency conditions during the drive.

The cats might feel stressed during the trip, or they can have an upset stomach, or even in worse situations, they might suffer accidents. During such moments, the emergency first aid kit can be of real help to you and your pet cat!

Make the Ride Smooth and Slow

The best way to travel long distances with cats is to make the journey comfortable and smooth. And for that to happen, rash driving or speed of the car has to be maintained by you. Cats are already afraid of such long journeys in the car, and if you choose to drive very fast and irregularly, you will do more harm to your cat than you can ever imagine.

You must decide to drive slowly and smoothly in the road so that your cat does not panic and can adjust with the ride.

It is understandable that when you are traveling a long distance, it is not possible to drive too slowly or smoothly all the time, but you must try to maintain the speed and smoothness as much as you can so that your cat does not feel the stress of driving such a long road trip.

FAQ for Traveling with Cats in a Car Long Distance

If you found the above explained essential travel safety tips for traveling with cats in car long distance useful for you and your cats then you will find these most popular FAQs even more beneficial for your trip. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions on the internet by the cat lovers that might be helpful to you in understanding whether it is fine to take your cat for a long drive:

The answer is undoubtedly yes but with some precautions! When you’re taking your cats out on a road trip, you must be well equipped with stuff that would be useful to keep them in a steady condition during the journey. Like the best cat carrier for cars , cat foods, and other essentials so that your pet cat does not find the ride to be a difficult one. You must also feed the cat right on time and make arrangements for a comfortable sitting place for them inside the car to avoid any kind of discomfort of the cats during the drive!

Usually, a drive of up to 6 hours is excellent when driving a long distance with your cat, but it is not that you cannot travel for more hours. You can take your cat for a drive for two days or even more. But you must take short breaks during your trip and make the cat get out of its carrier so that it does not feel the burden of the long drive and suffer from car sickness. You must be alert of the cat’s behavior while on the long drive, and if you notice any unnatural behavior, you must stop the car and let the cat out for some time.

Cats are afraid of car rides mainly because they are domesticated pets, and they hate to leave their territory and move to a new place. Cats love to live where they are, and thus, they do not quite go down well with the car rides. Also, they do not enjoy the car rides because it is an instinctual change to their daily routine, and they do not adjust well with that! So if you are traveling long distance with cats, know that they might not like the ride, and the experience might be bitter for them.

Yes, cats do get car sick even when you take proper care of them during the ride. Most of the time, cats suffer from motion sickness, resulting in excessive drooling or vomiting. They might also suffer from anxiety and stress when taken out for a long drive in a car. Cats do not prefer movements out of their territory, and thus it can get uncomfortable for them when they travel in a vehicle. So, if you are traveling long distances with cats in the car, know that they are not going to like it too much and may develop car sickness.

Yes, but most veterinarians suggest that it must be the last option to think upon while you take out your cat on a long drive in a car. There are many tips for traveling long distances with a cat, and you can follow those tips to make your cat comfortable during a ride. Even if at last, you find out that your cat is suffering from motion sickness, then you can resort to sedating it with sedatives such as sleeping pills, diphenhydramine, benzodiazepines, etc. It is not good to alter the cat’s mental condition, but even if you want to sedate it, consult the veterinarian once.

Cats prefer soft and comfortable carriers or crates when they are traveling long distances in a car. Though the hard carriers are better at protecting them if there is an unusual accidental activity during the travel, it is better to think of the comfort of the cats while traveling than to provide them with a hard carrier. You can still search for What is the best cat carrier for car travel? And find out the cat carrier which is best suited for your cat during the long-distance travel by car.

Author’s View on Traveling with Cats in a Car Long Distance

Most of us today are pet lovers, and thus when it comes to traveling long-distance leaving behind our pets, we start feeling disheartened! That is why I have penned down these essential tips for traveling with cats in a car long distance so that you don’t have to feel awkward leaving your pet cat behind at home when you are moving cross country.

In my opinion, it is natural to carry a pet cat (or dog ) along with you when you travel long distances as the affection and love we have towards them is immeasurable! But if you are carrying your pet along with you, then you must follow certain things so that the long drive does not make your pet sick or they get hurt in any way.

These 17 essential tips for traveling with cats in a car long distance are very useful for you and your pet cat if you plan to travel long miles together. If I had to carry my pet cat along with me on a long drive, I would have genuinely followed these codes of conduct to ensure my dear pet cat remains safe and healthy during the long trip!

Did we miss something in this list of essential tips for traveling with cats in car long distance or moving cross country with cats? Let us know in the comments. Please feel free to share with us if you find any other effective and best ways to travel long distance with cats in a car.

You may also be interested in checking out:

• 13 Best Cat Carrier for Long Distance Car Travel in 2020
• 18 Most Essential Dog Car Travel Accessories You Must Have
• How to Keep Your Dog Cool in the Car while Traveling
• 18 Best Car Travel Accessories for Toddlers and Babies
• 24 Most Essential Car Accessories for Women Drivers of All Ages

About Amy Cuban

I am an automotive enthusiast who loves to be around cars. I enjoy working on cars in my spare time and love anything related to automobiles. I like using different types of car accessories, car gadgets, and innovative car care products.

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If your next car isn't an EV, then at least it should be a hybrid — here's why

They have some of the best values around

I’m long overdue for a new car, but car shoppers have more to consider now than ever before when looking for their next ride. I’ll admit that I’ve been spoiled the last couple of months test driving some of the best electric cars around, like the futuristic looking Kia EV9 and its 3-row seating, but one thing’s clear about most of them: they’re just so expensive.

A recent poll drives this point home, saying that U.S. car buyers are reluctant to buy EVs because of the price disparity between them and gas-powered vehicles — and this is despite the average price of EVs continuing to decline. That’s why I think an alternative worth looking at are hybrids. Anything is better than all-gas powered cars at this point. Unless there’s an immense need for them, like for your job, you should look at hybrids at the very least at this point.

After test driving an Elantra Hybrid for a week , I’m really astounded by how far hybrid cars have come since they were first introduced in the early 2000s. Not only have they become more powerful and efficient since then, but they share a lot of the same tech and conveniences I’ve seen in pricier, more luxurious EVs I’ve driven.

You’ll have a lower upfront cost

Pricing continues to be a roadblock for many consumers thinking about buying an EV. For example, Kelly Blue Book reports that the average price for electric cars in April 2024 was $55,242 — while it’s $44,989 for gas-powered ones. While I’ve explained that EVs present greater long term savings by charging them at home during off-peak electric hours, car shoppers still need to come up with the budget to shell out for an electric vehicle in the first place.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , $48,060 was the median annual wage for all U.S. workers in 2023. Depending on who you talk to, it’s recommended that you should budget between 10% to 15% of your monthly income for a car payment. This calculates to an income of  $4,000 per month, which would yield a budget of $400.50 to $600.75 each month for a car payment. 

I don’t know any finance options or car loans that would support a 12-year payment plan, but that’s basically how long it would take to pay off an average electric vehicle. I can’t even imagine the interest rate on that type of loan either. And while some EVs qualify for tax rebates that take more off their cost, they still cost more than hybrid models.

Hybrid vehicles thankfully don’t cost that much, which for those who don’t have the disposable income to buy an EV outright, would be much more reasonable to their budget. The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Limited has a starting cost of $29,450, while a Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE costs less at $23,500. If you're looking for something bigger, hybrid SUVs like the Toyota Rav4 Hybrid and Kia Sportage Hybrid start at $31,725 and $28,590 respectively.

Greater range

Another major concern for some about EVs is that they don’t have the range for long distance traveling. Many EVs today can get easily over 300 miles with a full charge and they’re becoming more efficient with each new generation. For example, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Lucid Air Pure I test drove top out at 305 and 419 miles respectively. The Lucid’s one of the few exceptions that exceed the 400-mile range, but I suspect it’s only going to get better.

But despite these numbers, you’ll still go a lot further with today’s hybrid vehicles. I was able to reach a fuel economy of 50.8 mpg with the Elantra Hybrid Limited, which would calculate to about a range of 558 miles with its 11-gallon fuel tank. Meaning, you’ll be able to travel farther distances non-stop with a hybrid — which is helpful when traveling through rural places across the country.

Fewer pit stops with long distance traveling

As a result, the greater range of hybrid vehicles over EVs means you won’t have to make as many pit stops. If you’re concerned about getting to your destination in the shortest time possible, this is an incentive you might appreciate with hybrid cars. Just think: you can drive straight for 500 miles without stopping.

Meanwhile, most EVs would need a recharge as they approach 300 miles (or before that just in case). In my experience so far, it takes about 30 minutes to get a reasonable charge back into an EV before driving off again. But the other challenge about EVs is that sometimes you might have to wait at a charging station before one becomes available for you to use. All of this adds up to longer wait times, which could be a dealbreaker for some folks.

Don’t count out EVs just yet

While I’ve detailed the advantages that hybrids have over EVs, it’s only a matter of time before EVs outperform hybrid cars. I mentioned how price was the biggest roadblock, but the prices on EVs have been declining. In fact, I’m hopeful that by the time I’m ready to hand in the keys of my 15+ year old Corolla, the Kia EV3 will be available stateside.

Why that one? Well, not only does it share many of the same qualities that made me fall in love with the $74,000 priced EV9 I drove, but it’s going to be much more affordable. It’s speculated that the Kia EV3, a compact-size SUV, will turn out to be $35,000 — which has an estimated range of 300 miles. Sure, the range could be better, but I suspect that the next generation of EVs will deliver longer range and faster charging

More from Tom's Guide

• Sorry, EVs — I test drove my first PHEV and it’s the perfect blend of electric and gas power
• Thinking of buying an EV? Here’s the one question you need to answer first
• The 8 cheapest electric cars you can buy right now

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John’s a senior editor covering phones for Tom’s Guide. He’s no stranger in this area having covered mobile phones and gadgets since 2008 when he started his career. On top of his editor duties, he’s a seasoned videographer being in front and behind the camera producing YouTube videos. Previously, he held editor roles with PhoneArena, Android Authority, Digital Trends, and SPY. Outside of tech, he enjoys producing mini documentaries and fun social clips for small businesses, enjoying the beach life at the Jersey Shore, and recently becoming a first time homeowner.

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• United Kingdom

Distance from London to Moscow

Distance between London and Moscow is 2500 kilometers (1554 miles). Driving distance from London to Moscow is 2888 kilometers (1795 miles).

Distance Map Between London and Moscow

London , United Kingdom ↔ Moscow , Russia = 1554 miles = 2500 km.

How far is it between London and Moscow

London is located in United Kingdom with (51.5085,-0.1257) coordinates and Moscow is located in Russia with (55.7522,37.6156) coordinates. The calculated flying distance from London to Moscow is equal to 1554 miles which is equal to 2500 km.

If you want to go by car, the driving distance between London and Moscow is 2888.15 km . If you ride your car with an average speed of 112 kilometers/hour (70 miles/h), travel time will be 25 hours 47 minutes. Please check the avg. speed travel time table on the right for various options. Difference between fly and go by a car is 388 km.

Estimated Travel Time Between London and Moscow

Related distances from london, related distances to moscow, recent comments.

Still not as far from Sydney to Perth by car (3934 km)

I find this information very helpful.