For some cats, a car ride can cause a considerable amount of stress. A combination of fear coupled with not being able to understand what’s going on can produce drooling, shaking, or even vomiting. In fact, they may well howl during the entire trip. This is the feline equivalent of motion sickness.

For most cats this “sickness” is really just an over-reaction to the fear and apprehension of the car noise and motion. There are some simple ways you can help your feline overcome her car-phobia.

1. Acclimatisation

   Get your cat used to the car when it isn’t moving. Just open up the door and play inside with her, stoke her and do everyday cat things that you would normally do with her indoors. Of course, to get her started, especially if she’s too afraid to come into the car in the first place, you can try coaxing her in with a little treat.

2. Start it up

   Now you progress to the second stage of the acclimatisation process. Here you do exactly the same things as in the first step, but this time around you turn on the car and keep the motor running. Take your time.

3. Get moving

   After comfortably progressing onto this stage, you can slowly begin to experiment with little movements up and down the driveway. You’ll find that the more you do this, the more your cat will get used to it and more confident in the car.

4. Go for a spin

   Always lovingly communicate with your cat as you get her used to the car environment. When you feel she is ready, take her for a little spin around the neighbourhood. Watch her carefully to see how comfortable she is and cut it short if she gets uptight. As with the rest of the process, be patient and take things slowly.

You’d be best to get your cat used to the car as a kitten. At this stage they are generally more receptive to new adventures. Your feline can make for a great travelling companion, so you’ll find it well worth the training and effort, for the joy and enjoyment a car ride will bring both of you in the future. Best of all it will ensure any emergency trips to the vet have one less stressful factor.