Cat is Carsick/Poops

[Too_Old_for_Pony_Club]

My 1 year old cat has been vomited and/or pooped the last couple of times he has ridden in the car. He has a clean bill of health from the vet. The vet gave me some calming gel to try on our next trip, but I’m open to suggestions about how to help him relax on car trips.

I withhold breakfast and the car trips are short. He is more likely to vomit or poop on the way home from the vet than he is on the way there. He is clearly stressed in the car, moaning and drooling. On the most recent trip, a friend came with me and we tried having him loose (wearing a harness & leash) in the backseat with her. It didn’t really help. I bought a dog car seat-type crate to try next time so that he can sit up and look out, but I’m very open to other suggestions. I’d like him to be happier riding in the car and at some point, he will have to travel between countries on an airplane (hopefully vomit free!).

[Zu_Zu]

Perhaps covering the carrier with a light towel - all sides - so he feels hidden and safer • has helped some of my cats.

- I’d prepped him at home with radio playing - and place a piece of clothing that has your scent in the carrier.

Line carrier with a pee pad - top with a light towel or tee shirt - can easily be rolled and tossed when home.

• Stressed … always keep in a carrier - always ! IMHO

[Kyrabee]

I had a cat that would pee on trips.I definitely left him in the carrier. I used an under pad on the floor of the crate and yes, I covered the top with a small blanket. The last few trips, he quit doing it. (RIP Oscar. He passed this month).

Also, do you leave the carrier out? Or do you just whip it out when you have to take him somewhere? Leave the carrier out and feed some treats in it. Make it a happier place. If it is truly motion sickness, maybe some Cerenia? Whatever you give as a pre trip med, make sure you give it long enough before you go so it is full effect.

Susan

[StB.YM]

Can you try going back to the start and slowly acclimating him to car trips? If he’s easy to crate, try putting him in the unmoving car for 5-10 minutes at first and see if he relaxes in the crate. Once he’s at the point where he is relaxed, add in 1 loop around the block, go back to the house and reward him. If he throws up/poops, try even smaller distances. Increase the distance slowly and see if he gets used to it over time? That’s what I would try at first.