We hope you like the products we recommend! Just so you know this post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking our links.
Cats usually pant in the car because they’re stressed, frightened or overheated. Unlike dogs, panting isn’t normal behavior for cats, so it should always be taken seriously.
While mild stress-related panting often settles once the journey ends, persistent panting or other signs of illness should be assessed by a veterinarian.
A lot of cats don’t enjoy traveling by car, and even the most laid-back feline can quickly become distressed and even aggressive.
| Possible cause | Is it an emergency? | What should you do? |
| Stress of anxiety | Usually not | Keep the journey calm and monitor your cat |
| Overheating | Potentially yes | Cool your cat down and contact a vet if symptoms persist |
| Motion sickness | Usually not | Speak to your vet before any future journeys |
| Underlying illness | Possibly | Arrange a veterinary appointment |
🐈⬛ Your cat is stressed or anxious
Unless there’s an underlying medical reason, which we’ll mention later in this post, cats pant in cars because their heart rate is elevated and they’re stressed. This is similar to how people sometimes experience rapid breathing when they’re in a stressful situation.
Unlike dogs, cats are often anxious travelers, and they’re also very tied to their territory and environment. Some cats are also nervous about being trapped inside their carriers.
Dogs are often exposed to traveling at a younger age. They’re taken in cars on walks, grooming trips, visits to other people’s homes and holidays. Cats are often only put inside the car for veterinary appointments or trips to the cattery. Neither of which are enjoyable experiences. They may have associated the carrier with bad experiences, which means when they see it and when they’re forced it into they may become stressed.
Panting in the car can be a sign of nervousness and anxiety.
If you think your cat is likely to get anxious in the car, then it can be helpful to add their favorite bedding and toys to the carrier to help them feel more comfortable. Using a pheromone spray can also help.
These are Amazon Affiliate links; we may make a small commission if you purchase something.
You can find cat-calming pheromone sprays on Amazon US and Amazon UK.
🐈⬛ Your cat may be overheating
Cats can overheat, and heavy breathing may be one indication. Make sure the temperature in the car is regulated and that the carrier is shaded. Turn on the air conditioning if you can, and ensure your cat has access to fresh and cool drinking water. When cats are outside, they’re generally pretty good at keeping themselves cool, but in the car this isn’t possible, so it’s up to you to make sure the cat isn’t too hot.
Brief spells of panting should stop once the cat starts cooling down, but if it doesn’t happen quickly, then they may be suffering from the early stages of heatstroke. This is a serious condition, which can be fatal.
If it is heatstroke, the intensity of the panting will increase as the condition becomes more advanced, and symptoms can also include drooling, increased heart rate and respiration, vomiting, etc. If you suspect heatstroke, contact a veterinarian immediately.
🐈⬛ An Underlying Medical Condition
Brief spells of fast breathing in the car due to anxiety or heat will stand out as unusual behaviour, similar to when a cat is panting due to overexertion through play or exercise, but if the panting is unusual, then it could be a sign of an underlying illness. You should make an appointment with your veterinarian for further investigation. It doesn’t necessarily mean the issue is a serious one, but a panting cat may be suffering from a cardiac or respiratory illness, heartworm, or they could be in pain.
🐈⬛ Motion Sickness
Cats can suffer from motion sickness in the car. You might notice drooling, lip-licking, repeated swallowing, vomiting, and panting. If this happens every journey, you should speak to your veterinarian, as there is medication available to help.
🐈⬛ How to stop your cat panting in the car
If your cat is panting in the car because of stress, then the most effective thing you can do to help keep them calm actually starts well in advance of you turning the ignition and rolling off the driveway.
This won’t be helpful if you’re currently in a situation with a panting cat, but chances are you’ll need to transport your cat in the future, and there are things you can do to make it easier.
🐈⬛ Get your cat used to the carrier
Your first choice will be choosing between a hard and soft carrier. For car journeys, you can usually make this decision based on your cat’s general personality. Calmer cats may be more comfortable with a soft-sided carrier. Cats prone to scratching, biting and clawing, are often more secure in hard-sided carriers.
Hard carriers are popular because they’re more durable and helpful if your cat is a nervous traveller and likely to scratch or pee when scared. They’re easier to clean and harder for a cat to claw its way out.
Soft carriers are lighter to carry and more comfortable for the cat. They’re also easier to fold down if you’re short on storage space.
Whatever carrier you choose, it will need to be the correct size, and your cat should be big enough for them to stand up, lie down, and turn around comfortably.
Sometimes, owners can be temped to buy an oversized carrier to provide more space, but generally cats prefer smaller spaces, so finding one that’s suitable for the size of your cat is more important than just picking the biggest one possible.
You can also buy a car seat for your cat if you think that’s more appropriate. Cat car barriers which form a mesh barrier between the front and rear of the car are another option, but this isn’t always a good option for stressed cats as the mesh can be torn by claws.
Once you have your carrier, don’t just bring it out on the day of travel.
In the days or weeks (or as early as possible), before the trip, put the carrier with its door open somewhere where the cat can see and explore it at ease. You could also add toys or the cat’s favorite bedding. You can spray cat calming on these items, too. Sprays like this replicate the pheromones a cat naturally deposits on people and objects to help them feel calm in their environment. While sprays don’t work for all cats, it is backed by research and have worked well for some owners. We’ll add the links below if you want to take a closer look.
If your cat has a long history of hating their carrier, this may take some time.
Hopefully, once the cat is more familiar with the carrier, it’ll associate it as a safe place because it smells like them. It means that even if they dislike the smells in the car and physical motion, they can at least retreat into a safe space.
🐈⬛ Introducing them to the car gradually
The carrier may be one part of the problem, but the car will be the other.
It’s unlikely your cat has much experience with the car, so this is the next place to start. If you have an indoor cat, you can do this with a harness.
The first time allow them inside for a short period or until they look as if they may be becoming anxious. Over time, you can do this more often. Once they’re comfortable, turn the ignition, and once they’re find with that take them for a short drive. Rewarding them with treats or play can help reinforce the positive experience they’re having in the car.
🐈⬛ Drive smoothly
Cats may be more likely to settle once they’re used to the motion of the car and the sound of the engine. It’s important that you drive carefully and smoothly. Your cat will be more sensitive to any sharp turns or braking.
Cats may respond to reassurance and petting through the carrier. Sometimes putting on classical music can help to cover any engine sounds. Some cats may prefer traveling with a blanket over the top of the carrier, as they can be quickly overstimulated by passing scenery. Like humans, cats can also get motion sickness.
🐈⬛ Keep the car cool
Monitor the temperature inside the car, especially if it’s too hot.
🐈⬛ Consider calming products
If your cat is showing signs of anxiety or stress during traveling, then you should talk to your veterinarian about cat sedatives, but if it’s just mild anxiety, then you can buy over-the-counter products which can help. We’ll list them below.
These are Amazon Affiliate links, and we may make a small commission if you use them to buy something
| Cat Calming Spray | Spray inside the carrier and on any bedding 20 minutes before leaving | Check the price on Amazon US Check the price on Amazon UK |
| Bach Rescue Remedy | You can administer this directly to your cat or add it to their food or water bowl. There’s no real scientific evidence to say it works. You may be better off trying a cat calming spray | Check the price on Amazon US Check the price on Amazon UK |
| Cat calming treats | Useful if your cat is mildly nervous about traveling and food-motivated. Snacks are a great reward and distraction. | Check the price on Amazon US Check the price on Amazon UK |
| Cat harness | Useful in helping cats explore the car leading up to the journey | Check the price on Amazon US Check the price on Amazon UK |
| Soft sided carrier | A lighter, more comfortable carrier for the car. | Check the price on Amazon US Check the price on Amazon UK |
| Hard sided carrier | A more robust, durable carrier for cats who like to claw and bite when anxious. | Check the price on Amazon US Check the price on Amazon UK |
| Car seat | An open carrier which your cat can sit in during the ride | Check the price on Amazon US |
| Bedding | A way to make a hard carrier more comfortable, especially if the cat is familiar with it or it’s been sprayed with a cat-calming spray. | Check the price on Amazon US Check the price on Amazon UK |
Why else might my cat be panting?
If the panting doesn’t seem related to the car, you should book an appointment with a veterinarian, as what’s happening could be medically related. Only a qualified professional can diagnose asthma, respiratory infection, throat blockage, congestive heart failure, and heartworm. It can also indicate that your cat is in pain.
Contact a veterinarian immediately if your cat:
Continues panting after the journey has ended
- Collapses
- Struggles to breathe
- Has pale or blue gums
- Appears confused or unresponsive
- Shows signs of heatstroke