Top Cat Carriers and Tips for Safe Car Travel with Your Feline Friend

Ensuring your cat’s safety and comfort during travel is essential, especially when heading to veterinary appointments at Cherrybrook Vet Practice. Whether you’re taking a quick trip for a check-up or embarking on a longer journey, having the right equipment and preparation can make all the difference. We’ve put together this useful guide to help you select the best carriers, prepare your cat for travel, and ensure a smooth experience. If you have any questions about traveling with your cat, give Cherrybrook Vet Practice a call on (02) 9980 1800.

Preparing Your Cat for Car Travel

1. Familiarise Your Cat with the Carrier

Cats are naturally wary of new environments, so it’s important to make the carrier a familiar and comfortable space before the trip.

  • Place the carrier in a quiet and accessible area several days before the trip.
  • Keep the door open, allowing your cat to explore and enter voluntarily.
  • Add their favourite blanket or toy inside to create positive associations.
  • Use treats and praise to reinforce calm behaviour when interacting with the carrier.

2. Acclimate Your Cat to the Car

Before embarking on a long trip, help your cat get used to the car environment.

  • Start with short, stationary sessions inside the car, even it the first time is just placing the carrier with your cat inside on the back seat, then taking it back to the house. You can make it a routine and build up the length of time over time. Make sure you do not leave your cat and carrier at any time while you’re doing your familiarisation sessions.
  • Gradually introduce short drives, ensuring a smooth and calm experience. Once around the block is fine.
  • Reward calm behaviour with treats to build positive associations.

3. Schedule Travel Appropriately

Plan your trip during times when your cat is typically relaxed, such as after a meal or play session. Avoid peak traffic times to minimise stress caused by noise and vibrations.

Choosing the Right Cat Carrier

1. Types of Cat Carriers

Selecting the right carrier is vital for ensuring your cat’s safety and comfort during car travel.

Hard-Sided Carriers – Offer sturdy protection, are easier to clean, and are ideal for cats prone to scratching or chewing.

Soft-Sided Carriers – Lightweight, more portable, and suitable for calm cats or short trips.

Expandable Carriers – Provide extra space during stops, allowing your cat to stretch out without leaving the carrier.

2. Key Features to Look For

When shopping for a carrier, consider the following:

Size: Ensure your cat can stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. The carrier shouldn’t be too large either. As you’ve seen with your own cat, they prefer to find a small, safe areas comforting.

Ventilation: Multiple mesh panels provide airflow and visibility; however, cats also appreciate privacy so if the carrier you buy has optional ‘curtains’ you may find your cat is happier, calmer and quieter if it is unable to see his or her surroundings. Make sure you check at regular intervals for overheating inside the carrier. Alternatively, you can simply pop a towel or cotton throw over the carrier to provide a darkened environment.

Security: Strong zippers and latches prevent escapes. Make sure you check that the carrier’s handles are strong and securely fitted or stitched before leaving. An inadvertent handle mishap is an unpleasant and potentially dangerous experience.

Comfort: Look for padded interiors and removable liners for easy cleaning. You may also want to add an old towel and a puppy pee-mat for unfortunate ‘accidents.

3. Top Recommended Cat Carriers

There are literally hundreds of different carriers on the market, and the following examples are simply a small selection of what’s available depending on size, budget and personal preference. We’ve taken three options (and no sponsorship!) available in Australia as a starting point:

Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed: Top of the range! This multi award winning pet bed doubles as a travelling pet carrier, offering comfort and security. Not only is it super cute, but it also has some pretty impressive safety credentials.

Open Top Carrier: Great value hard carrier. Making your cat more accessible, the Open Top Carrier has both front and top access, which also gives your cat more airflow and visibility if they prefer to see what’s going on. The cat carrier is light weight, yet tough, is easy to clean and comes in some fun colours.

Gapzer Travel Carrier: Excellent value for money with plenty of extras. It’s a light-weight but sturdy carrier that can be folded for storage. It has large mesh windows on all sides and top, with built in curtains for privacy. Top, side or end access with zips that are unable to be reached from inside by curious paws!

Ensuring Safety During the Journey

1. Secure the Carrier in the Car

Place the carrier on the back seat and secure it with a seatbelt or straps. NEVER place cats in carriers in the front passenger seat as injuries will happen if, by some unfortunate circumstance, airbags deploy. Did you know that airbags deploy, on average, at 200km/h and can be triggered at speeds as low as 20km/h if you have a front-end collision? What could appear to be a relatively slow-speed impact could have disastrous results if you have your cat and carrier in the passenger seat.

2. Maintain a Comfortable Environment

Keep the car temperature consistent and avoid exposing your cat to direct sunlight. Make sure that you place your cat carrier on the side of the car that is least likely to receive direct sunlight if travelling in summer. Even if your car is airconditioned, the interior of a dark carrier, receiving direct sunlight, can heat up considerably. If you’re planning to take your cat with you on holiday, and you will be travelling long distances, ensure the carrier is placed on the shaded side of the back seat. For example, if you’re heading north at 8am, ensure your cat carrier is placed on the left hand (western) side of the car to avoid the morning sun. It goes without saying that cats in carriers SHOULD NEVER be placed anywhere other than inside the main body of your vehicle, and should never, ever be placed in your boot, trailer, or the tray (covered or otherwise) if you drive a ute.

Minimise loud noises by keeping the radio volume at a reasonable level. Consider closing windows if you’re driving through noisy areas that could frighten your cat. You might also consider using calming pheromone sprays inside the carrier to reduce anxiety. Speak to our team at CVP about the calmative options available, particularly for long trips. However, if you’re bringing your cat into Cherrybrook Vet for a consult, some medication may not be advisable, as it could alter our diagnosis by affecting symptoms or pathological results. Give us a call to check before you administer any travel medication.

3. Monitor Your Cat’s Well-Being

Check on your cat periodically during the journey. Look for signs of distress such as excessive meowing, panting, or agitation, and address any issues promptly. It’s a good reason to remind ourselves to ‘Stop, Revive, Survive’ by pulling over in a safe spot to check on your cat, and for you to stretch your legs.

Tips for a Stress-Free Trip

1. Plan Ahead

It’s a great idea to pack some essentials in a small bag for any trip. We recommend taking the following items with you:

Your cat’s harness and lead. Make sure you check the fit on your cat before you leave home to ensure it fits securely but is not too tight. While we don’t recommend removing your cat from their carrier during the trip, you may find that it is necessary if you need to clean up any ‘spills’.

A pack of baby wipes (make sure you buy the pure water, biodegradable wipes to avoid the risk of biological reaction from wipes that contain perfumes, chemically produced moisturiser or plant additives). You can easily pick up 99.9% water-based wipes from the baby section of your local supermarket for a quarter of the price of ‘cat brand’ versions. The wipes can be used to pick up or wipe down any areas that may be soiled, including your cat.

A couple of old towels or blankets that can be used for unforeseen accidents, or to put over the cat carrier to provide a dark, calm environment. Bring more than you think you’ll need!

Rubbish bags: Remember to take a roll of rubbish bags to place soiled items in. You don’t want a soiled towel as a passenger for 3 hours on a warm day! Make sure they’re large enough to tie off the top.

Pet pee-mats that can be used to sit over the bottom of your cat carrier. You may find that your cat will displace the mat during travel, so a handy trick is to place it under a single layer of an old towel. That way any leaks will not travel through to the base of the carrier, or worse, to the car seat.

Water from home and a water bowl: It’s highly unlikely that your cat will drink on a long trip, but it’s a good idea to offer your cat a drink on long journeys. By taking a bottle of water from home, your cat will be more likely to drink water that is familiar by scent and taste.

2. Use Calming Aids

Pheromone sprays or calming collars can help reduce anxiety. Vet-approved sedatives may be suitable for especially anxious cats. Ask the Cherrybrook Vet Practice team to get a recommendation for your cat.

3. Plan for Breaks

For long trips, schedule breaks to allow your cat to relax. It is strongly recommending that you do not release your cat from their carrier unless absolutely necessary. If you do have to remove your cat from its carrier for any reason (such as the need to clean up any unfortunate mess), make sure you plan ahead.

Don’t be tempted to pull over on a busy road. Find as quiet and secure area as you can so you can move around the car easily. Ideally, if travelling with passengers, take this opportunity to have a break. By having friends, partners or kids leave the vehicle, you’ll be better able to quietly and quickly see to any ‘cat issues’. Make sure all windows in the car are closed and, if possible, fit your cat’s harness and lead to them before removing them from the carrier and placing them on to an old towel or blanket while you see to the carrier.

4. Post-Travel Care

Once you arrive, give your cat time to acclimate to their new environment. Provide food, water, and a quiet space to help them settle in.

FAQs About Transporting Cats in Cars

  1. How can I reduce my cat’s anxiety during car travel? Speak to CVP about the use of pheromone sprays, keep the car environment quiet, and ensure the carrier is comfortable. Gradual acclimation to car rides can also help.
  2. Should I let my cat out of the carrier during the trip? No, cats should remain in the carrier for safety. If necessary, secure them with a harness and leash during breaks.
  3. Can I feed my cat before a trip? Avoid feeding your cat immediately before travel to reduce the risk of motion sickness. Offer a light meal 3–4 hours prior.
  4. What if my cat hates car rides? Introduce short car rides early and reward calm behavior. For persistent anxiety, consult your vet about calming aids or medications.
  5. How can I tell if my cat is experiencing motion sickness during car travel? Cats can experience motion sickness due to stress, anxiety, or the motion itself. Symptoms include excessive drooling, vocalization, immobility, vomiting, and diarrhea.
  6. What should I do if my cat has an accident in the carrier during the trip? If your cat has an accident in the carrier, safely pull over and clean the affected area using pet-safe wipes or towels. Replace any soiled bedding to maintain comfort. To prevent future incidents, avoid feeding your cat immediately before travel and ensure they have used the litter box prior to departure.
  7. Are there specific laws in Australia regarding pet restraint in vehicles? Yes, in Australia, laws regarding pet restraint in vehicles vary by state. In New South Wales, it’s illegal to drive with an unrestrained animal in the car, and drivers can face fines and demerit points if the pet causes the driver to not be in full control of the vehicle. Additionally, if a pet is injured because it was unrestrained, the owner can face heavy fines and a jail sentence. While these laws often reference dogs, it’s advisable to restrain all pets, including cats, to ensure safety and compliance.
  1. How can I make long-distance car travel more comfortable for my cat? To enhance your cat’s comfort during long trips:
  • Use a Suitable Carrier: Choose a well-ventilated carrier that allows your cat to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.
  • Acclimate Your Cat: Familiarize your cat with the carrier and car through short trips before the journey.
  • Maintain a Comfortable Environment: Keep the car at a moderate temperature and minimize loud noises.
  • Plan Regular Breaks: For extended trips, schedule stops to allow your cat to relax. If safe, let them out of the carrier with a harness and leash.
  • Use Calming Aids: Talk to our team about pheromone sprays or vet-recommended sedatives to reduce anxiety.
  1. What are the signs of travel-related stress in cats, and how can I alleviate them? Signs of travel-related stress in cats include excessive meowing, panting, restlessness, and attempts to escape. To alleviate stress:
  • Gradual Acclimation: Introduce your cat to the carrier and car environment slowly.
  • Comfort Items: Place familiar bedding or toys in the carrier.
  • Calming Products: Use feline pheromone sprays or calming collars recommended by Cherrybrook Vet.
  • Stay Calm: Maintain a calm demeanour, as cats can pick up on their owner’s anxiety.

Herding Cats? Not So Tricky if You Follow Our Tips.

Traveling with your cat doesn’t have to be stressful. With proper preparation, the right carrier, and attention to their comfort, you can ensure a smooth and safe journey. Whether you’re heading to the vet or embarking on a road trip, prioritising your cat’s well-being makes all the difference.

If you need professional advice or assistance, call Cherrybrook Vet Practice at (02) 9980 1800, or visit our website to learn more about their services and book an appointment.