How to Keep Your Cat Calm While Traveling
Traveling with a cat can be a daunting experience, both for you and your feline companion. Cats thrive on routine and familiarity, so the chaos of travel often brings out their stress. However, with thoughtful preparation and some clever techniques, you can help your cat stay calm and comfortable throughout the journey.
Start With the Carrier
The cat carrier is the cornerstone of low-stress travel. Start by making it a familiar part of your cat’s environment weeks before departure. Leave it open in a safe spot at home, line it with cozy blankets or bedding that smells like home, and toss in treats or favorite toys. Let your cat explore at their own pace—never force them inside.
Once your cat is comfortable entering the carrier voluntarily, practice closing the door for short periods. Gradually increase the time spent inside and try carrying the carrier around so your cat gets used to motion. Spraying Feliway Classic (a synthetic feline pheromone) on the blankets inside can further soothe nerves.
Consult Your Veterinarian
A pre-travel checkup ensures your cat is healthy enough for the trip. Confirm that vaccinations are current—especially if you’ll be flying—and ask about any specific airline requirements regarding health certificates or documentation.
If your cat has shown signs of severe anxiety in the past (panting, aggression, drooling), discuss calming supplements or medications with your vet. Some cats benefit from mild sedatives or over-the-counter options like Benadryl (diphenhydramine), but never medicate without veterinary guidance.
Prepare for Different Modes of Travel
- Car Travel: Allow your cat to explore the parked car while still in their carrier. Secure the carrier with a seatbelt to prevent sliding and drive smoothly to avoid sudden jolts. Keep things quiet—soft music designed for cats can help—and never let your cat out of the carrier while moving. Stop regularly for water breaks and comfort if it’s a long trip.
- Public Transport: Always keep your cat in their carrier and use an ID collar or harness with a lead for safety. Covering the carrier can shield them from overwhelming sights and sounds. Arrive early to minimize stress from rushing.
- Air Travel: Check airline pet policies well ahead of time regarding carrier size, health paperwork, and whether pets are allowed in-cabin or must go in cargo. Use pheromone sprays on bedding before flights, bring treats, collapsible water bowls, disposable litter boxes, and ensure all identification is up-to-date.
Packing Essentials for Calm Cats
- Litter tray options, especially for longer journeys
- Bottled water from home, offered at regular intervals
- Treats and favorite toys
- A spare collar with ID tags
- Absorbent pads or towels for accidents in the carrier
- Pheromone spray (like Feliway)
- Your cat's usual food, but avoid feeding immediately before travel to reduce motion sickness risk; feed once you arrive at your destination instead
- A harness and leash, even if you don't plan to walk them—it's essential for safety during stops or emergencies
- Documentation: vaccination records, microchip details, health certificates as required by airlines or accommodation providers
The Power of Familiarity & Routine
Cats find comfort in what they know best. Bring along items that smell like home: bedding, a favorite toy, even an unwashed T-shirt of yours can make a big difference inside their carrier. Before leaving home on travel day, tire out your cat with interactive play—this encourages rest during transit.
Troubleshooting Stressful Situations
If you notice signs of stress such as excessive vocalization or licking, panting, or aggression:
- Speak calmly to reassure them—your mood matters! Cats pick up on owner anxiety.
- If traveling by car or plane feels overwhelming despite all efforts, consult your vet about trialing sedatives beforehand so there are no surprises during actual travel.
- If possible (and especially if travel is not essential), consider alternatives like hiring a trusted pet sitter or booking a reputable cattery instead of bringing your cat along.
Arriving Safely & Settling In
The journey doesn’t end when you reach your destination. Set up a quiet room with food, water, litter box, bed, scratching post—everything familiar—to help your cat adjust gradually. Plug in a Feliway diffuser if available to release calming pheromones into this new space.
A Few Extra Tips For Smooth Cat Travel:
- Avoid leaving cats unattended in cars under any circumstances; temperature changes can be fatal quickly.
- If using medication or natural remedies (like Rescue Remedy), always test them well before departure day under veterinary supervision.
- Praise calm behavior throughout training sessions and actual travel—a little positive reinforcement goes a long way!
- If traveling overnight by car or stopping en route: confirm pet-friendly accommodations ahead of time so there are no surprises upon arrival.
- If flying internationally: research quarantine rules at both ends long before booking tickets.
