Greenbriar Animal Hospital

Your cat does not have to suffer through the indignities of being ill, stressed, or upset in the car! If the cat gets motion sickness (drools or actually vomits), there are medications that really help prevent this, and they can be used for most cats. These medications are given on an empty stomach and an hour or two before car trips. For long trips (moving across the country, for example), you may need to repeat doses during the day. Cats that get motion sickness are often calmed by using Feliway Spray in their carrier before putting the cat into it. Also, always make sure the carrier is clean and has an absorbent, washable pad (folded towel, crate bed, blanket).

If your cat does not get motion sickness but just gets upset in the car (restless, incessant crying, perhaps having stool and/or urine accidents), there is a different dose of medication that can help with this. Elderly cats and those with medical problems may not be able to safely receive the standard medication for this, but we do have alternatives. For cats that can’t tolerate medication, or are very difficult for you to give medication at home, consider a house call veterinarian for checkups! We can refer you to an excellent local house call vet. Cats that get stressed and upset in the car are often calmed by using Feliway Spray in their carrier before putting the cat into it. Also, always make sure the carrier is clean and has an absorbent, washable pad (folded towel, crate bed, blanket).