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How to travel by car with your cat?

By Emilie Heyl Content Writer

Updated on the

Do you want to travel by car with your cat? Dr. Noémie Tommasini, Director and Trainer at the Ecole Supérieure d'Aide Vétérinaires – Institut Bonaparte in Paris, gives her advice. 

Put your cat in a cat carrier

To make sure you arrive at your destination with a happy cat and for your safety and that of your cat, place him in a closed cage or transport basket. Indeed, your cat will feel calmer and reassured and will not risk being thrown about during emergency braking. You can get your cat accustomed to this basket, leaving it open at home with a comfortable cushion. It’s important during road trip to never leave your cat loose  as he must not distract the driver. 

Car travel sickness

While travelling with your cat in a car, if your cat suffers from car sickness, whether that be vomiting or meowing, spritz a pheromone spray in the cat carrier 1 hour before departure. If that does not help, it would be a good idea to do a trip to the vet, who can prescribe a drug specially suited to your cat’s needs.

Don’t leave your cat

Never leave your cat alone in the car, even with the car window open, and even in the shade. You risk subjecting your cat to a lot of stress and maybe to a fatal heat stroke!

In conclusion: a car ride with cats is possible, by using a closed transport cage and taking some precautions if they’re sick. And most importantly, never leave your cat alone in the car!

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