How to Carry a Cat on a Car Journey

Ways of Keeping Your Cat Safe and Happy for Trips to the Vet

Jan 27, 2009

Every now and then cats need to be taken on car journeys, whether it is for a trip to the vet, the cattery, or because their owner is moving house. Here's how to do it.

A cat must always be restrained on a car journey. Even if it is happy on the car seat or back window, this is not safe, either for the cat or other occupants of the car. Swerving or sudden braking could cause serious injury to the cat, or a scared cat could damage a human traveler or cause an accident. So always carry your cat in a crate or cat carrier. But which are the best ones, and how should you get the cat into it?

The Best Types of Baskets or Cat Carriers

The best cat carriers are modern, sturdy ones made out of metal or plastic. A plastic carrier should have a metal door, since determined cats can break through a plastic door, and even relaxed cats can become panicky if unaccustomed to car travel. Carriers can be either front or top loading, and if you have a nervous cat or one which might struggle, a top loading carrier may be better.

Old style wicker cat baskets are adequate for short journeys. However, they can be drafty, are difficult to clean, and the fastenings can sometimes become loose, so they are not ideal.

A cardboard box, even the special ones which can be obtained from the vet, are really only suitable for a kitten or elderly cat on a short trip. Most healthy adult cats can chew their way out of these…and they will!

How to Get the Cat into the Crate or Carrier

It is best to leave the carrier open for a couple of days to allow the cat to become accustomed to it. Then put a comfortable blanket in the crate, and if possible a favourite toy. Some cats will happily jump in if this is done; others may need more persuasion. You may need to wrap the cat in a towel or blanket and gently push it in, while carefully reassuring the cat as it is obviously scared. Some cats prefer to go in back legs first, so this may be worth a try.

Where in the Car Should You Put the Carrier?

Some cats like to look out of the window. Others are nervous, and feel better if they are on the floor of the car or if the carrier is covered by a towel or blanket. Particularly for a long journey, it is worth experimenting to find out how the cat is happiest.

What if the Cat is Car Sick or Very Frightened?

Most cats do not suffer from motion sickness. However, some can be very scared indeed, and in this case, sedatives can be prescribed by a vet. It is also worth trying homeopathic aconite or the Bach Flower Rescue Remedy. Apart from these, never give human medication to a cat.

If the owner follows the above advice, the cat should be able to travel safely in the car, and hopefully without too much stress.

The copyright of the article How to Carry a Cat on a Car Journey in Cat Care is owned by Helen Krasner. Permission to republish How to Carry a Cat on a Car Journey in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.