Yes — cats can get carsick. Motion sickness is more common in cats than most owners realize, and it's one of the most common reasons cats are miserable in the car. Here's what causes it, how to recognize it, and what to do.
Signs of Carsickness in Cats
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting or retching
- Yawning repeatedly
- Lethargy or unresponsiveness
- Restlessness, pacing, or crying in the carrier
- Urinating or defecating in the carrier
Note: some of these signs overlap with anxiety. The distinction matters because the treatment is different. See: How to Keep a Cat Calm in a Car
Why Cats Get Carsick
Motion sickness in cats has two components: vestibular (inner ear) and psychological. Young cats are more prone to vestibular motion sickness because their inner ear isn't fully developed. Adult cats that get carsick are often experiencing anxiety-driven nausea rather than true vestibular motion sickness — the car has become associated with negative experiences (vet visits, stress).
How to Reduce Carsickness
- Face the carrier forward — reduces vestibular input
- Keep the car cool and well-ventilated — heat worsens nausea
- Don't feed before travel — an empty stomach reduces vomiting risk
- Use a familiar-smelling carrier — a worn t-shirt inside the carrier reduces anxiety
- Cover the carrier — reducing visual motion input helps some cats
- Take short practice trips — desensitize your cat to car travel gradually
When to Talk to Your Vet
If your cat vomits on every car trip despite management strategies, talk to your vet. Anti-nausea medications (maropitant/Cerenia) and anti-anxiety medications are both effective and safe for cats. For long road trips, medication is often the most humane option for severely affected cats.
See: Best Sedatives and Calming Aids for Cat Travel
Carrier and Travel Gear
- Best Airline Approved Cat Carriers
- Best Cat Backpacks for Travel and Hiking
- Best Cat Water Fountains for Travel
Related Reading
- How to Keep a Cat Calm in a Car
- Why Does My Cat Cry in the Car?
- Cat Scratching and Crying in Carrier
- Road Trip With a Cat: The Complete Guide
- Traveling With a Cat in a Car for the First Time
- Best Sedatives and Calming Aids for Cat Travel
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