How to spot and soothe your cat's travel anxiety

Airports. Loud noises. Overpriced egg mayo sandwiches. Wearing 3 jumpers because your suitcase is 0.2kg overweight... Travelling is anxiety-inducing even for the hardiest of us, so just imagine what it’s like for our cats. Not simply inconvenient, for them it’s full-on chaos. And yet more and more cats are on the move. Research from across the pond shows that in 2020, cats made up 22% of pet air travellers in the U.S. That’s a lot of stress flying under the radar.

Here’s what you need to know to protect your cat’s wellbeing, before, during and after travel, from a vet.

Why travel triggers cat stress

Cats are creatures of habit. They thrive on predictability and control. Travel strips both away.

Whether it’s air travel or a long car journey, these are some of the most common stressors for cats:

• Being taken away from their home turf

• Loud, unpredictable noises

• Being confined for long periods

• Separation from their humans or bonded animals

• Rough or unfamiliar handling

• Bright lights, strange smells and other animals

• Changes in routine, temperature or access to essentials like litter and water

These stressors don’t act alone. They stack. The more there are, the more intense your cat’s stress response becomes. That’s called trigger-stacking, and it’s why travel can feel like too much, too fast, all at once.

Recognising anxiety in your cat

Most cats don’t scream about their stress. They go silent. Hide. Freeze. Many owners miss it because they’re not taught what to look for.

But stress shows up physically and behaviourally. And if it goes on too long, it stops being manageable and starts being dangerous.

Signs your cat is stressed or anxious while travelling:

• Closed, crouched posture

• Tail tucked, head low, ears back

• Trembling, drooling or panting

• Dilated pupils

• Hiding or staying very still

• Growling, hissing or swatting

• Vomiting, diarrhoea or not using the litter tray

• Overgrooming or complete lack of grooming

• Refusing to eat, play or interact

• Trying to escape the carrier

Don't guess. Assess

Before any trip, especially flights, your cat needs to be officially declared fit to fly by a licensed vet. Most airlines require this within 10 days of travel.

And even if you’re not flying, the check-up matters. Some cats aren’t built for travel. Seniors. Cats with chronic illness. Highly anxious cats who don’t bounce back.

If the stress of travel outweighs the benefits for your cat, it’s time to think differently:

• Can someone cat-sit?

• Could a family member host them?

• Is this trip truly necessary for your cat?

Your cat’s wellbeing should never be an afterthought.

How to make travel easier on your cat

You can’t remove every stressor, but you can reduce their impact. Here’s how:

1. Start early

Let your cat explore their carrier well before the trip. Feed them inside it. Add their favourite blanket. Make it a safe place.

2. Keep things familiar

Bring a worn T-shirt that smells like you, as well as their blanket and usual litter. Small things like this help ground them. Familiar smells can also help reduce overwhelming odours during the journey. A toy or blanket from home helps mask unfamiliar smells from detergents, disinfectants or other animals.

3. Reduce the chaos

Use a covered carrier. Avoid peak travel hours. Choose direct flights if flying. The fewer transfers, the better.

Minimise sensory overload by placing a towel or breathable blanket over the carrier to block out visual triggers. Try to keep your cat’s view clear of other animals and unfamiliar people. Speak softly, avoid sudden noises (phones, alarms, fans) and play calming music. Yes, there’s cat-specific music backed by science. Acoustic dampeners and clean but neutral-smelling environments help, too.

4. Ask your vet about support

For some cats, pheromone sprays or calming supplements can take the edge off. In more extreme cases, your vet may recommend medication. What matters is choosing what’s right for your cat. For road trips, offer bathroom breaks using a portable litter tray. For longer flights or cramped carriers, an absorbent pad (taped down to prevent slipping) is a better bet. Carry a few extras, along with gloves, paper towels and zip-lock bags for quick cleanups.

Put your cat’s needs first

Cats don’t “just get over it.” Travel stress can lead to physical illness, behavioural fallout and long-term anxiety. It’s your job to spot it, reduce it and, when necessary, rethink the plan entirely.

Traveling with cats can work, but it takes preparation, respect and a deep understanding of what your cat is really experiencing.