If you know you’re going to be travelling with your cat, there are a few things you can do beforehand to make sure they’re well prepared. 

Get your cat used to the carrier: help your cat get used to the carrier by leaving it open and sitting in an accessible spot in the house for a few days before the journey with cosy bedding, treats and familiar scents inside. When you notice your cat is exploring their carrier and venturing inside, try not to make any sudden noises or movements that might scare them or suggest it isn't a safe space.  

Take your cat on short journeys and give them lots of positive affirmations and the occasional treat or toy. This will associate the car with positive feelings and will reduce the distress that they may feel.  

Check out our selection of cat carriers and travel accessories to make your journey smoother for both you and your furry friend.

• Cat Carrier: as per UK law, pets must be secured when transported for the safety of the pet and the driver 
• Safety release collar and name tag: as an extra precaution, in case your cat escapes their carrier 
• Pheromone spray: there are plenty of pheromone sprays on the market, these can help the cat settle and promote calm within their carrier 
• A familiar blanket and/or toy: these comforts and familiar smelling objects help keep your cat at ease during the journey 
• Water: remember to keep your pet hydrated by giving them plenty of options to drink on longer journeys 
• Paper towels and disinfectant: Just in case!  

Before travelling, avoid giving your cat big meals as this can make them carsick. If your cat is a particularly nervous traveller, consider asking your vet for medications to help with this. 

Make sure you have given your cat time to familiarise themselves with the cat carrier if possible. Get this out at least the day before you intend to use it. This lets your cat get reacquainted and stops some of the association between it arriving and the transport happening. This makes your cat less likely to run off or hide when they spot it. 

Travelling long distance with a cat that is uncomfortable in the car is not recommended, but sometimes it is necessary to get to a veterinary centre or cattery. Try to prepare for the trip by allowing the cat to explore their carrier while in their home environment, adding soft cushions and toys to show that it is a safe space to stay. Keep a familiar blanket or toy in the carrier while you are travelling to surround them with smells of home. 

Consider using pheromone sprays to keep your cat relaxed – remember that their sense of smell is much better than ours so one spritz can go a long way. Read the instructions on the bottle to prevent wastage.  

Take regular breaks to allow the cat to use the litterbox – we recommend doing this while the car is stationary. Allow them access to water to keep them hydrated. Rather than letting your cat free in the car at breaks to use the bathroom (which risks escape through a window or entanglement under the car seats) try using a large dog crate with a bed area, litter box and water bowl. 

How long you travel with your cat depends on how comfortable they are in a crate or carrier. Anything more than six hours without a break can be dangerous, so remember to take short breaks every few hours to allow them to drink and use the litterbox. If you’re taking a long journey, consider a large dog crate with a bed, water bowl and litter box inside to allow them to stretch their legs during the ride.  

Do not leave your cat unattended in a car, as they can suffer from heatstroke, hypothermia, or can get trapped and injure themselves. If you need to leave the car to pick up supplies on the way, leave a passenger in the car with the keys to keep the cat company and ensure your cat stays safe.  

If you’re travelling in a car with your cat, you should stop every 4 to 6 hours to allow them to urinate or defecate. Holding onto urine for too long can cause significant health issues, as can preventing access to water.  

A stressed cat may need access to the toilet more regularly and may soil their carrier. It is important to check and remove soiled bedding carefully to ensure your cat cannot escape.  

To give a cat water while travelling, you can use a non-spill water bowl in their crate. If space is tight, instead you can offer water to them at regular intervals from a normal water bowl. Always be careful when opening crates and carriers to ensure your cat is not able to escape. Check out this travel pet bowl designed for convenience, with features that help reduce spills.

Although it differs between individuals, many cats dislike travelling because of the confinement they experience. While carriers are necessary for their safety, and the safety of the passengers of the car, if your cat is not exposed to a cat carrier before their journey they can be stressed. The best way to counter this is plenty of training and exposure before your car ride. Take a look at our cat calming and anxiety solutions to help your cat relax and feel safe.

For the pet parents of nervy or motion sick cats, a spritz of pheromone calming spray can help. Items familiar to them, like blankets, toys, or even your voice can bring a sense of comfort as well. If your cat remains uncomfortable during driving and you have a long trip coming up, consider discussing this with your vet as there may be medical options available. 

Prevention is better than cure, so for the smoothest trips with your cat it’s recommended to accustomed to the carrier and to the movements of a car over time. This involves step by step introducing your cat to the carrier, starting with leaving the carrier in the room, allowing them to explore the carrier at their own pace. Once they’re completely comfortable with the carrier, close the door without locking it and open it after a minute or two. Gradually increase the amount of time the door is closed. 

After this, you should start to train your cat to be comfortable in the car – starting with just a few minutes in the car without it moving and slowly increasing the amount of time spent in the car. Do not leave your cat unattended in the car. Eventually, if the cat is comfortable staying in a car for prolonged periods of time, you can trial driving at a slow speed for a short period of time. This can then be built up over time and with increased speed over a longer period. If at any point your cat becomes distressed, take a step back in the training progression and spend some extra time ensuring they’re comfortable before progressing to the next step.