Travel sickness is somewhat different from anxiety about traveling, although there is undoubtedly considerable overlap between the two problems. Acclimatization to travel is best started in young kittens, since they adapt better and learn quickly, and the acclimatization process can be as gradual as needed. This can work in older cats too, and is worth tackling if frequent travel becomes necessary (see below for a suitable programme).
Remember that, for a cat, to be placed in an unfamiliar cat carrier, taken into a noisy and unpleasant-smelling car (or bus/train) and subjected to continual movement and agitation before arriving at a threatening and strange destination, must surely be extremely stressful. There are many unfamiliar experiences here of sight, sound, smell and movement – all conspiring to upset an otherwise happy and secure feline. It is amazing that traveling cats are not more terrified than they appear, though in some cases the ‘coolness’ that is shown may be merely masking considerable inner turmoil.
It is likely that many cats, with their superior sense of smell, also experience severe nausea due to fumes and vapors from transport fuels, and also from the unusual motion over which they have no control. This is especially likely in infrequent travelers.
Pet Urgency
The problem is not an urgent one, though undoubtedly unpleasant for the cat. Attempts should be made to acclimatize the cat to all aspects of travel beforehand by a very gradual process of increased exposure to the experience, starting literally with just a minute or two.
Pet First aid & nursing
Try to limit the length of necessary journeys by careful planning. Ensure the cat carrier is large enough for your cat – some cats prefer it to be covered, others like to see out to some degree. Make sure that familiar blankets are inside the carrier and reassure the cat during movement.
Try to visualize things from your cat’s perspective, e.g. when carrying your cat in its carrier down a street, you may be moving in such a way that the cat, at your knee level, feels it is approaching the large dog that is being walked towards you head-on, and with no means of escape! Unable to retreat, feelings of panic can arise. On public transport, have the open end of the carrier facing towards you and away from walkways or passages.
Pet Homoeopathic first aid
Remedies for ANXIETY are important here. Many cats anticipate fear as soon as the cat carrier is brought out. This is one reason why acclimatizing exercises help – the cat learns that the basket does not always mean an unpleasant experience! Sometimes, it means play or a food treat or extra attention from you.
For anticipatory anxiety, give Argent nit, 1 tablet every 20 minutes or so.
For the physical effects of travel sickness (drooling, loud wailing, etc.) homoeopathic Petroleum should be obtained and given in combination with Argent nit, starting 2 hours before travel and given hourly (1 tablet of each).
Pet Veterinary treatment
- Sedatives and anti-sickness drugs are available. Their effectiveness is somewhat variable in cats, but they can be worth trying in severe cases. Gradual behavioral acclimatization and homoeopathy are better long term objectives.
- Sedatives are not appropriate for air travel as the effects of lowered blood pressure can occasionally cause problems at altitudes. Specific veterinary advice should be sought before air travel is contemplated.
Tip: Acclimatization to the basket and travel in kittens and cats
Try the following technique.
Session 1: Bring out the cat basket, leave it open in a visible place, but do not put the cat in it. Allow the cat to explore and investigate. Place a familiar blanket inside.
Session 2: Place some food treats in the basket. Allow the cat to go in after them.
Repeat Session 1 and 2 several times, a few days apart.
Session 3: Providing reassurance, place the cat in the basket. Give food treats and attention. Close the door for a few minutes. Reassure the cat through the door.
Repeat Session 3 6-10 times in total, twice a day on different days.
Session 4: With the cat in the basket, carry around the house between rooms.
Repeat Session 4 several times on different days.
Session 5: Venture outside, only for a few minutes at first, but then extending the times and distances.
Repeat Session 5 as many times as necessary on different days until your cat seems relaxed.
Session 6: Introduce the car (or public transport). Again, only for a few minutes (or one bus stop!) before returning home.
In this way your cat’s confidence and tolerance will be built upon in a controlled way. If more anxiety is shown at any stage, further repetitions can be built in to reinforce that Session and improve confidence. It is necessary to keep up familiarity with the basket once the cat is `trained’. This can be achieved by repeating any of the individual sessions every few weeks or so, you do not have to go through the whole process again!
Related or similar conditions
- ANXIETY/FEAR L
- PANTING
- SOCIALISATION
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