Travelling with a Cat: Car Journeys and Beyond
Most cats find travel stressful. The right carrier, a calm approach, and good preparation make a significant difference to how your cat copes.
Choosing the right carrier
The carrier is the foundation of low-stress travel. Look for one large enough for your cat to stand, turn, and lie down. Top-loading carriers are much less stressful than front-loading for most cats as there is no need to push the cat in through a small opening. Hard-sided carriers offer more security and do a better job of blocking visual stimuli. Leave the carrier out at home between trips so it is not exclusively associated with stressful journeys.
Carrier preparation
- Line with bedding that smells of home, ideally your cat's usual blanket
- Spray a cat calming pheromone spray inside at least 30 minutes before travel and allow it to dry
- Cover the carrier with a blanket as blocking visual stimulation reduces stress significantly
Car journey basics
- Secure the carrier in the footwell or with a seatbelt; movement and jolting are stressful
- Keep the car cool and well-ventilated
- Play calm music or speech radio at low volume
- Drive smoothly and avoid sudden braking or sharp corners where possible
- Never open the carrier while driving
Longer journeys (over 2 hours)
Offer water at rest stops using a small travel bowl. Cats rarely need to eat during journeys under four to five hours. If the cat uses a litter tray at a stop, ensure they are back in the carrier before you continue. Never let your cat out of the carrier in an unsecured car. A panicked cat loose in a moving car is extremely dangerous.
Signs of severe travel distress
Continuous vocalisation, panting (cats are not normally panting animals so this indicates significant distress), drooling, vomiting, or being unable to settle at all are signs that your cat is struggling badly. For cats showing severe distress, discuss with your vet options including calming supplements or prescription anxiolytics for longer trips. Also consider whether the journey is avoidable and a pet sitter at home might be preferable.
Travelling abroad with a cat
Travelling outside the UK with a cat involves significant planning and paperwork. Requirements include an up-to-date microchip, an Animal Health Certificate, and depending on the destination, rabies vaccination and blood tests. Check current DEFRA guidance on travelling abroad with pets well in advance of any international trip.
Related articles
Frequently asked questions
Can I give my cat something to calm them for travel?
Yes. Options include pheromone spray in the carrier, calming supplements available from your vet, or prescription medication for very anxious cats. Never give human medication to your cat. For long or frequent journeys, discuss options with your vet in advance.
Should I feed my cat before a car journey?
It is generally better not to feed your cat for two to three hours before a journey to reduce the risk of travel sickness. Ensure they have access to water beforehand and offer water at any stops on longer journeys.
Help Your Cat Feel Calmer
LOAFD's drug-free pheromone diffuser helps reduce stress-related behaviours — including the ones you've been reading about.
Get Your Free Diffuser →