How to Prevent Motion Sickness in a Cat

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By Jamie Conrad
eHow Contributing Writer

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Cat owners who have experience with feline traveling companions often have experience with feline motion sickness. Motion sickness is characterized by nausea, vomiting, excessive salivation, whining, apprehension and, occasionally, diarrhea. It can happen during any type of travel (car, boat, airplane, etc.) and can be caused by a combination of movement and fear of the vehicle the cat is traveling in. With a little preparation and information, motion sickness can be successfully prevented.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Travel crate
Cat treat
Car (or access to a car)
Tranquilzing medication

Preventing Motion Sickness In Cats

Step 1

Purchase a cat travel crate several days (if not weeks) before the trip. Make sure the crate is large enough for the cat to stand up and completely turn around inside.
Step 2

Set the crate up in your home. Place a cat treat into the crate, and leave the door of the crate open. Allow the cat to explore the crate in privacy, at its own pace.
Step 3

Make at least two to three short trial trips in the car to acclimate the cat to travel. These trips alone are enough to prevent motion sickness in some cats. Increase the length of time you spend on the trial trips each time you take one.
Step 4

Make a note of its behavior if the cat shows signs of discomfort during the short trips. Tell your veterinarian exactly what the cat's signs of discomfort are (drooling, excessive crying, panic, etc.). Your veterinarian may prescribe a tranquilizer appropriate for your cat to prevent motion sickness.

Tips & Warnings

Travel crates are available in hard and soft materials, and either works well. Cat treats work in the second step but favorite toys, a litter box, or a small amount of food can be used in place of a treat. Placing a blanket or towel that smells like home along with a favorite toy into the crate can make traveling less stressful for your cat. Tranquilizing medication can be prescribed by your veterinarian or natural herbal options are available online or in natural food stores (use these as directed). Sometimes motion sickness just happens, so it is always a good idea to pack paper towels and an extra blanket for the crate just in case of an accident.
If using a tranquilizing medication for your cat, always administer as directed by your veterinarian and monitor the cat's behavior while traveling to ensure it tolerates the medication and has no adverse reactions. Make sure your cat travels in a crate at all times to ensure both its and your own safety.