Travelling with a cat in a car is pretty much a hassle, with the cat being difficult to handle while you just trying to drive. It’s no secret that cats don’t like car travels, let alone speeding.
Even if your cat is used to travelling in cars they will not do well with speed. They will become anxious, stressed and could hyperventilate. This may cause the cat to become fearful and aggressive since the speed could be seen as a threat.
When the cat is in defence mode, they become aggressive and very vocal, it’s a mechanism that is used to help protect them when they feel threatened. Your cat could even attack you since they are left in confusion and you are seen as the enemy.
Speeding with your cat can be nothing major to you, but can really upset your cats well being and can cause temporary health problems. For example, cats have a well-developed gag reflex and could easily vomit disrupting their digestive system.
They could also become so fearful that they fall into depression. Their habits and behaviour could change and they may become distant towards you. If this happens you know that you lost your cats trust.
Cats are very fragile and sensitive pets, they are not like dogs. They are more cuddly and soft. So when travelling with your cat make sure you drive at a good pace and help ease your cat’s anxiety.
You will be in a situation where you late for an appointment or in a hurry for something. It’s best to leave the kitty at home. You may feel bad and distant but what really matters is that your cat is healthy and well.
Reasons to Never Speed with Cats.
- Some cats poop and urinate when they are scared, their autonomic system freezes when faced with sudden fear.
- The cat could jump out the window, since a sudden reflex can cause adrenalin to be released, giving the cat a burst of energy.
- Your cat may become aggressive and mess up your car seats. Your car will be the cats scratch post.
- The cat may scream and growl continually which can be unpleasant when driving. This can distract you from driving safely.
- Anxiety attack, this is mostly in docile and calm cats. The cat could hyperventilate and their breathing can be cut off.
- Speeding is dangerous and can kill. Statistics show 34,4 million Americans drive with pets, there are around 6 million crashes per year with 32,719 fatalities.
- Speeding is against the law. You will be liable to pay a fine or serve time.
What Speed can I drive with my cat?
When riding with cats you just want to be safe and travel at a good pace. A cat can be seen as a baby. The same speed you would travel with a baby on board is the same speed you must travel with your feline.
Safe speed limit to drive with pets
| 40mph – 65 km/h | Inside urban areas |
| 65mph – 96 km/h | highways |
| 70mph – 113 km/h | freeways |
Note that every city have its own rules and regulations regarding speed limits, therefore you want to adjust the speed accordingly. This is just a guideline to help you make a better decision.
When driving on rainy or snowy days its best to travel about five miles slower since the roads are wet and could be dangerous.
Personally I never drive above 75 mph- 120 km/h with my pets on board, since I’ve noticed that it’s normally above that speed when the cat started acting strange and anxiety kicks in.
Other cats may have a higher speed tolerant, you can test and see what speed does it for your cat but please be safe while doing so.
How can I travel safely with my cat in a car?
When travelling with a cat on board you must be observant and have the correct gear. Never compromise safety for anything, as you never know what could happen.
First thing is to get kitty strapped up and secure. Some cats are not comfortable with using the pet seat belts, rather opt to a cat car seat. These seats are fantastic, as it keeps the cat safe while also comfortable.
There is a range of cat car seats to choose from with different prices. If you are on a budget you can use a normal cat carrier just be sure to use the car seat belts to properly secure the carrier to the seat.
When driving be sure to travel at a good pace according to your cat’s speed limit.
Normally when I’m driving I play music as I believed it would soothe my cat. I was wrong since cats feel more stressed out by music, sooner realized that they hear at a higher pitch than humans, so no to the music.
Lastly, when driving, try and make your cat feel comfortable by tagging along with toys and fidgets also favourite snacks. A cuddle or a quick gently pat will also do the job.
Travelling with a cat in a car long-distance.
Travelling with a cat in a car is very stressful on its own, imagine long distance travels. Some people choose to leave their cats at home and monitor them remotely while some choose to carry them along.
Cats can travel long distance but you must be prepared and well equipped for the journey as you never sure what can happen. Here are some tips to help.
- Choose a secure spot in the car, preferably next to the window so that kitty can be entertained by the scenic beauty. Make sure the spot has good airflow.
- You either go carrier, pouch or car seat. All these options are fantastic and extremely comfortable for the cat. If space is a problem then your best option is a window pouch.
- Make the car cat friendly. Keep the music low and just maintain a serene environment throughout the journey.
- Travel litter box or trays. You never really know when your cat wants to do their business and the last thing you ever want is to have cat poop and pee in your car.
- Pack snacks and water. Try to avoid feeding the cat before the drive. They might get motion sickness. You want to feed them snacks since it digests easily also use a portable water dispenser instead of a water bowl.
- Get a scratch post. Some cats are very grumpy and they often take their anger out on things around them. To save your car get a scratch post.
- Take interval breaks. A fifteen-minute break would be fine after every 2 to 5 hours of driving. Park the car in a safe spot and jump off so that kitty and you can get a breather just to get the blood circulating.
- Watch the cat’s body language. Sometimes your cat may be uncomfortable and its shows, therefore you want to be observant.
- Give assurance. Your cat may be confused and a little tense but with a quick cuddle and a gentle stroke your cat will be fine.
- Use sedatives or tranquillizers. If your kitty becomes anxious or aggressive you may want to consider a good calming herb or medicine. Benedryl, acepromazine, catnip/gabapentin or chamomile. Consult with your vet before use.
- Do a practice run. Take a drive to the mall or wherever. You just want to see the cats reaction and allow the cat to become familiar with the car.
Cat accessories and gear for road trips.
- Leash and collar.
- Carrier, pouch or car seat.
- Potable litter box or tray.
- Cat travel water dispenser.
- Cat travel flask.
- Food, water and snacks.
- First aid kit.
- Toys and gadgets.
Related questions
1. Do cats like travelling in cars? they don’t love travelling neither do they hate it. It’s just new and strange to them but with practice and planning any cat will be fine with travelling.
