People usually end up here with a simple problem: a trip is coming up, and the cat can’t (or won’t) be left behind. The risk is rarely the distance itself. It’s the loose door at a servo, the hot car at a roadside stop, the carrier that tips in a sudden brake, or a cat that panics in an unfamiliar room.
Below is a practical, low-fuss way to travel with a cat in Australia—how to set up the carrier, reduce stress, keep them safely restrained in the car, and settle them once you arrive. Where rules vary by state or service, the safest approach is to check early and travel as if escapes are likely.
Preparing for the journey
Choose the right travel carrier
A good carrier is quiet, sturdy, easy to clean, and sized so your cat can stand, turn around, and lie down naturally. A hard-sided carrier offers better protection in a sudden stop, while a well-made soft carrier can suit short trips if it holds its shape and closes securely.
Look for:
- Multiple ventilation panels (not just a single end)
- A door that latches firmly and can’t pop open under pressure
- A flat base that won’t sag when lifted
- Enough room for bedding, and an absorbent layer underneath
Help your cat accept the carrier (before travel day)
Most travel stress starts with the carrier appearing only when something unpleasant happens. Leave it out at home with the door open, add familiar bedding, and let your cat explore it on their own schedule. Small, calm repetitions tend to work better than one big “practice run”.6, 7
When your cat is comfortable stepping in and out:
- Close the door briefly, then open it again before they start to struggle.
- Carry the carrier around the house for a minute or two, keeping it level.
- Move to short car trips, then slowly lengthen them.6, 7
Pack the essentials (and keep them easy to reach)
- Food for the whole trip (plus a little extra)
- Bottled water and a bowl
- Litter tray or small portable tray, litter, and waste bags
- Absorbent pads and a few cleaning wipes
- Any regular medications (with dosing notes)
- A familiar blanket or T‑shirt (for scent)
- A current photo of your cat on your phone
Health, ID, and microchips
Before you travel, make sure your cat’s microchip details are correct and current. Microchipping rules and registration requirements vary by state and council, but it’s widely required for cats and is one of the simplest ways to be reunited if an escape happens in a strange place.2, 3
If your cat hasn’t travelled much, or has a history of vomiting, diarrhoea, or intense distress in the car, a quick pre-trip vet check can be worthwhile. It’s also the right time to ask about motion sickness options and whether any calming products are suitable for your particular cat.8
Managing travel anxiety (without overdoing it)
Many cats settle once the car’s rhythm becomes predictable, but the first 10–20 minutes can be loud. Keep the cabin calm and steady—no thumping music, no sudden temperature swings.
For some cats, a pheromone spray used inside the carrier shortly before departure can take the edge off. Test it at home first, so travel day isn’t the first experiment.6
Safety measures that matter
Cats should travel in a secure carrier for the entire time the vehicle is moving. The carrier should be strapped in with a seatbelt or otherwise firmly secured so it can’t slide or topple.1, 4
Also:
- Never place the carrier in the boot of a sedan—airflow and safety are compromised.4
- Don’t leave your cat unattended in a parked car. Heat stress can develop quickly, even on mild days.1
- When you open any door, assume an escape attempt is possible. Keep the cat contained.
Modes of travel
Travelling by car: a steady, quiet setup
Place the carrier on the back seat and secure it with a seatbelt. Many cats do better if the carrier is partly covered with a light sheet, which reduces visual rush while still allowing airflow.8
On longer drives, plan breaks for you. For the cat, breaks are mostly about checking temperature, offering a small drink, and making sure the carrier bedding is dry and comfortable. If your cat is harness-trained and genuinely calm outdoors, a very controlled break may be possible, but many cats are safest staying inside the closed carrier until you reach accommodation.8
If your cat tends to vomit in the car, ask your vet about motion sickness strategies. Some owners find it helps to avoid a large meal right before departure, but follow veterinary advice for your cat’s age and health status.8
Air travel with cats: plan early, keep it simple
Airline rules vary, and routes can differ in whether cats may travel in-cabin or must go as checked animal freight. Confirm requirements before you book: carrier dimensions, documentation, check-in timing, and whether health certificates are needed.
Choose an airline-compliant carrier, line it with an absorbent pad, and avoid last-minute changes (new carrier, new scent, new routine) right before flying. If your cat is highly anxious, speak to your vet well ahead of time rather than trialling anything new on departure day.8
Public transport, rideshares, and ferries
Rules depend on the operator. In practice, a clean, enclosed carrier makes the trip smoother for everyone and reduces the chance of a frightened cat bolting when doors open. If the service is noisy or crowded, a light cover over the carrier can help cut visual stimulation while you keep a close eye on ventilation.
Accommodation options
Finding genuinely cat-friendly stays
“Pet-friendly” often means “dog-friendly”, with cat conditions added as an afterthought. Before you book, confirm:
- Cats are specifically allowed (not just “pets”)
- Any extra fees or cleaning clauses
- Whether windows or balconies are screened
- Rules about leaving pets unattended in the room
Settle your cat on arrival
In a new place, cats often go quiet and still, then suddenly become curious—usually at the least convenient moment. Start by setting up one small “base camp” area: litter tray, water, bedding, and the carrier left open as a familiar hiding spot.
Do a quick scan for hazards:
- Gaps behind fridges and beds where a cat can wedge themselves
- Open windows, loose flyscreens, and balconies
- Loose cords, small objects, and household chemicals within reach
Feeding and hydration
Keep the diet steady
Pack enough of your cat’s usual food for the whole trip. Changing food suddenly can trigger stomach upset, and travel is already a stressor.
Make water easier
Offer water regularly, especially in warm weather. Some cats drink better from a familiar bowl; others prefer wet food while travelling. A spill-resistant bowl can help, but many cats won’t drink while the car is moving—try when you’ve stopped and the cabin is quiet.
Entertainment and comfort
Comfort beats entertainment
Most cats don’t want “activities” while the car is in motion. They want a stable surface, familiar scent, and less sensory noise. A soft blanket from home and a carrier that doesn’t rattle do more than a bag of new toys.6, 8
Calming aids: test first
If you’re considering pheromones or other calming supports, trial them at home before the trip so you can judge the effect. If your cat’s distress is severe—panting, drooling, frantic scratching, or prolonged vomiting—get veterinary advice rather than pushing through.6, 8
Legal and ethical considerations in Australia
Restraint isn’t optional
In Australia, unrestrained animals in a moving vehicle can be a driver distraction and may raise welfare concerns if the animal is injured. The practical standard is clear: cats should be contained in a secure carrier, and that carrier should be restrained so it can’t move around the cabin.1, 4
When it’s kinder not to take them
Some cats cope well with travel once they’re trained and the routine is familiar. Others don’t. If your cat becomes increasingly distressed with every attempt—despite careful training—it can be more humane to arrange a calm pet sitter or a familiar boarding option instead of repeating an experience they can’t adjust to.
Final thoughts
Travelling with a cat works best when it looks a little boring. A secure carrier. A steady temperature. Familiar smells. No surprises at doors and carparks. With those basics in place, most journeys become manageable, and some cats even begin to treat the carrier as a small, dependable room that comes along with you.
References
- RSPCA Pet Insurance (Australia) — Pet Travel Guide
- RSPCA Knowledgebase — Is microchipping mandatory for cats and dogs?
- Government of Western Australia (DLGSC) — Microchipping (cats and dogs)
- RSPCA NSW — Travelling With Your Companion Animal
- Agriculture Victoria (Animal Welfare Victoria) — Microchipping of dogs and cats
- Cats Protection — Travelling with your cat
- FOUR PAWS — Travelling With Your Cat
- ABC News (Australia) — Car travel with your pet doesn’t have to be stressful
Veterinary Advisor, Veterinarian London Area, United Kingdom