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My cat gets extreme travel anxiety. How can I transport him safely?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 4 years and 10 months old | 16.2 lbs

I recently moved 7 hours away. I have 3 cats, 2 of which are not very good travelers. I managed to successfully get 2 moved by giving them Cerenia for the motion sickness. However, the last cat could not make the trip despite having Cerenia. The nausea/vomiting was controlled, but he was extremely stressed and urinated all in his pet taxi. I need suggestions/recommendations for transporting him safely. I feel he needs to be medicated by possibly a sedative of some kind. Thanks in advance.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 17th, 2018

Ask your veterinarian for some calming medication such as Zylkene (http://www.vetoquinolusa.com/content/zylkene) It also helps to put the carrier on the floor of the car so your kitty cannot look out the window, and to put a blanket over it to make it dark. Some cats are happier if they can feel the owners hand while in the car (someone else should be driving).

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Davis

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I have had good luck giving gabapentin to help cats relax for travel and to reduce anxiety. Please talk to your veterinarian about it. You will need a prescription for it. We use it too for cats who are nervous coming to the veterinarian for exams. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Thor.

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