Can Cats Get Motion Sickness? Signs, Causes, and How to Help

If your cat gets sick every time you get in the car, you might assume they simply hate traveling. While some cats definitely aren't fans of car rides, there may be another explanation: motion sickness or car sickness.

Just like people, cats can experience motion sickness when traveling in a moving vehicle. For some cats, the combination of movement, unfamiliar surroundings, and anxiety can make even a short car ride uncomfortable. The good news is that there are ways to make traveling easier and more comfortable for your cat.

Whether you're taking your cat to the vet or planning a longer road trip together, understanding the signs of motion sickness can help you figure out what's going on and how to help.

Can Cats Get Motion Sickness?

Yes, cats can get motion sickness. It happens when the brain receives conflicting signals from the eyes and the inner ear, which is responsible for helping the body maintain balance.

Similar to humans, when your car is moving, your cat's inner ear senses acceleration, turning, and other movements. But if your cat is inside a carrier and can't see what's happening outside, their eyes may be sending different signals to the brain. This disconnect can lead to nausea and other symptoms of motion sickness.

For some cats, anxiety can make things even worse. If your cat already associates their carrier or the car with stressful experiences, such as trips to the veterinarian, they may become anxious before the car even starts moving.

What Are the Signs of Motion Sickness in Cats?

Vomiting is probably the most obvious sign of motion sickness, but it's not the only one. Cats can show several different symptoms when they're feeling nauseous or uncomfortable during a car ride.

You may notice your cat drooling more than usual, licking their lips frequently, meowing or vocalizing excessively, or becoming restless. Some cats may also repeatedly swallow, pant, or have an accident in their carrier.

Other cats may respond in the opposite way and become very quiet or withdrawn. If your normally curious cat suddenly seems unusually still, hides their face, or appears distressed during a car ride, they may be feeling sick or anxious. It's important to pay attention to your cat's behavior throughout the trip, especially if you're traveling somewhere unfamiliar. Recognizing the early signs can give you an opportunity to stop, check on your cat, and make them more comfortable before their symptoms get worse.

Why Does My Cat Get Carsick?

There isn't always one specific reason your cat gets carsick. Some cats are simply more sensitive to motion than others, while younger cats may be particularly susceptible because the structures in their inner ear are still developing.

Cat travel anxiety can also play a major role. If your cat isn't accustomed to traveling in a car, the sights, sounds, vibrations, and movement can all feel overwhelming. A stressful experience during a previous trip may also make your cat more nervous the next time you bring out the carrier.

For cats who only travel occasionally, the combination of unfamiliarity and motion can be especially difficult. This is one reason that gradually getting your cat comfortable with their carrier and car can make such a difference.

How to Help Prevent Motion Sickness

One of the best ways to prevent motion sickness in cats is to help your cat become comfortable with the experience before you actually need to go somewhere. Start by making the carrier a familiar, positive space at home. Instead of only bringing it out when you're heading to the veterinarian, leave it somewhere your cat spends time and allow them to explore it on their own. Adding a familiar blanket or piece of clothing that smells like home can also make the carrier feel more comforting.

Once your cat is comfortable in their carrier, you can slowly introduce them to the car. Try sitting with them in the parked car for a few minutes without going anywhere. Once they're comfortable with that, take short drives around the neighborhood and gradually increase the length of the trips.

Keeping the car cool and quiet can also help. Avoid strong air fresheners or other unfamiliar scents, and consider playing soft music if your cat seems to find it calming. It's also a good idea to secure your cat's carrier so it doesn't slide or move around while the car is in motion. A carrier that stays stable can help reduce unnecessary movement and give your cat a greater sense of security.

What Should My Cat Eat Before a Car Ride?

If your cat tends to get carsick, feeding them a large meal immediately before leaving may make nausea worse.

For longer trips, talk to your veterinarian about the best feeding schedule for your individual cat. Depending on your cat's age, health, and travel plans, your veterinarian may recommend adjusting when or how much they eat before traveling.

For any trip, make sure your cat has access to water and that you bring food with you so you can maintain as much of their normal routine as possible once you reach your destination.

And don't forget the litter box. Even if your cat doesn't typically use one during short car rides, having a travel litter box and familiar litter available can make longer journeys much easier.

Take Breaks on Longer Road Trips

If you're taking your cat on a longer road trip, don't expect them to stay comfortable for hours without checking on them.

Plan regular stops so you can make sure your cat is doing okay and has everything they need. Depending on your cat and the length of the trip, this may include offering water, checking their carrier, and giving them an opportunity to use a litter box.

However, never let your cat roam freely outside of the vehicle during a rest stop. A frightened cat can easily slip away in an unfamiliar environment. Keep them safely secured in their carrier or use an appropriate harness and leash if your cat is already comfortable with them.

Having a designated travel setup with food, water, litter, cleaning supplies, and other essentials can make these stops much less stressful for both of you.

Can Medication Help With Cat Motion Sickness?

If your cat experiences severe motion sickness or becomes extremely anxious during car rides, talk to your veterinarian before your trip. A veterinarian can help determine whether your cat's symptoms are caused by motion sickness, anxiety, or another underlying issue.

In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend medication to help manage nausea or anxiety during travel. Never give your cat human motion-sickness medication or other medication without first speaking with your veterinarian.

If your cat regularly vomits during car rides, has severe symptoms, or seems sick even when they're not traveling, it's especially important to discuss it with your vet. What looks like motion sickness may sometimes have another cause.

Make the Journey Easier for Your Cat

Traveling with a cat doesn't have to mean dealing with a miserable car ride every time. While some cats may always be more sensitive to traveling than others, gradually getting your cat comfortable with their carrier and the car can go a long way.

The key is to make the experience as predictable and comfortable as possible. Give your cat time to adjust, bring familiar items from home, keep their carrier secure, and plan ahead for food, water, litter, and bathroom breaks on longer journeys.

And remember, a little preparation can make a big difference. The goal isn't necessarily to make your cat love the car. It's to help them feel safe and comfortable enough to get where you're going.