Motion Sickness in Cats

My cat gets sick when we travel. What causes this?

Motion sickness in cats is a common problem. Unlike many dogs that can be “trained” to comfortably ride in cars, cats prove much more challenging to overcome their anxiety.

Most motion sickness cases in cats are caused primarily by the stress and anxiety associated with travel. Cats that travel only once or twice a year (typically when visiting the veterinarian) are not used to car rides and often associate the car ride with the stressful experience that follows. This reaction can result in motion sickness.

How can I tell if my cat is getting motion sickness?

Nauseous humans often “turn green” or pale when they feel an upset stomach approaching. Signs your cat may be experiencing motion sickness include:

• excessive vocalization (loud meowing or howling)
• pacing and restlessness
• excessive licking of lips
• excessive drooling
• lethargy or inactivity
• vomiting
• diarrhea

How can I prevent motion sickness in my cat?

Desensitizing or counter-conditioning cats to car travel may take some work, but it can be accomplished. Helping your cat overcome the stress and anxiety of travel will mean that your cat can accompany you on trips more frequently and will allow you to spend more time together.

The first step in reducing your cat’s stress and anxiety associated with car travel is to make her more comfortable in her carrier. Start by teaching your cat that the carrier is a “safe place” in your home. This can be done by offering food and treats in the carrier. You can also place the carrier in your cat’s favorite sleeping area with her preferred bedding. Placing the carrier on your cat’s favorite chair or even bed can help your cat become more comfortable with going in and around the carrier.

Using Feliway® (a feline facial pheromone) inside the carrier during training (and before travel) can help reduce stress.

Once your cat is comfortable with her carrier, you can begin conditioning your cat to ride comfortably in your car. 

The best method for easing your cat’s travel anxiety is by taking several short trips before embarking on a long haul. Once your cat is comfortable inside the carrier in your home, it is time to take it to the car. Start by simply placing your cat in its carrier inside your car, starting the motor, and sitting there without moving the car for a few minutes. The next day, repeat this process, but only back out of your driveway and then return. Be sure to praise your cat and offer a food reward inside the carrier for good behavior once you are back inside your home. Next, try a trip around the block. Gradually work your way up to riding comfortably for 20 to 30 minutes.

Conditioning your cat to ride comfortably in the car may require several days or even weeks. Be sure to gradually expose your nervous pet to more and more challenging stimuli. You cannot force your cat to “get over” or “deal with” its anxiety. Traveling in a confined space in a motor vehicle can be frightening for a cat and requires time to adjust. Make sure you maintain a calm and cool attitude, and do not scold your cat if it begins to howl or whine. Visible anxiety is a sign to stop the current training and start again another day. Continuing to expose your cat to a stressful situation will only cause it to further associate the car with displeasure and fear and cause setbacks in your training. Car rides in a carrier can also be good practice for traveling in an aircraft or train.

Here are additional tips to make your cat’s travel more enjoyable and reduce motion sickness:

Withhold food 12 hours before travel. An empty stomach will help reduce nausea and the need for frequent potty breaks that are often unwelcome, especially during long car rides or airplane or train travel. Be sure to provide access to fresh water whenever possible. Water bottles that hang on the carrier’s door are a good option for many pets. If your travel time is over 6 or 8 hours, have litter available for your cat.

Use a carrier. Anxious cats can both hurt themselves and cause accidents. A carrier is often viewed as a “safe place” for many cats.

Keep the car cool and quiet. Play soft classical music and keep the temperature cool.

Include the sweet smell of home. Add a t-shirt or blanket with your scent to your cat’s carrier. In addition to smelling like home, nothing is cozier than mom or dad’s shirt.

Special trip toys. Offering a new toy that your cat only gets to play with when she travels can help her associate travel with fun.

If your cat seems to need a little more help to stay calm during travel, talk to your veterinarian about using one of the following remedies:

Feliway®. Feliway® contains pheromones that can calm a tense traveller. Add this to your cat’s carrier and bedding before a trip (and during training) to help calm her fears.

Calming herbs. Natural remedies, including Bach® flower (Rescue Remedy®), kava, valerian, passionflower, ginger, and skullcap, have been used for decades to ease anxiety and motion sickness.

Anti-nausea medication. Meclizine (brand names: Antivert® and Bonine®) or dimenhydrinate (brand name: Dramamine® II). This anti-nausea medication can prevent vomiting in a stressed pet. Keep in mind that this drug only helps with motion sickness, not anxiety. Ask your veterinarian for dosages and frequency to administer.

Anti-anxiety medication. These medications may be considered for use in extremely stressed pets only. Alprazolam (Xanax®), gabapentin (Neurontin®) or other prescription medications given the night before travel and repeated 12 hours later can relax even the most anxious pet traveller. Many veterinarians will recommend you give a second dose about 2 hours before you embark on your trip. Keep in mind that some prescription medications need to be started several days to a couple of weeks before travel to be most effective. Always follow instructions from your veterinarian carefully.