Road Trips With Cats

Road trips with cats are entirely possible with the right mindset: preparation, patience, and accepting that your cat may never love the car.

Road Trip Essentials

  • A well-ventilated carrier secured with a seatbelt
  • Water offered at every stop
  • Portable litter box for breaks
  • Light covering for the carrier
  • Climate control (cats overheat easily)

Making Stops

  • Stop every 2–3 hours
  • Offer water and litter access inside the car (doors closed)
  • Never leave your cat unattended in the car
  • Keep rest stops brief and calm

For a complete packing guide, see What to Pack. Return to our Travel guide.