Do Cats Get Seasick? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Info

Everyone gets a little uneasy sometimes when their body is being tossed this way and that. Some animals get motion sickness far easier than others. If you’re wondering if cats get seasick, or motion sick, the answer is they absolutely can!

In this article, we’re going to explore a little bit more about motion sickness and ways that you can curb your cat’s queasiness.

Seasickness/Motion Sickness Explained

Seasickness is a form of motion sickness, and most motion sickness in cats is due to the anxiety and stress caused by traveling. They are being taken out of their normal environment and placed into a moving vehicle where everything feels very unsafe, potentially causing major insecurity.

To make things worse, the only place a lot of cats go is to stressful situations in themselves, such as the veterinarian or groomer, making their anxiety related to travel even greater.

Often, reducing a cat’s anxiety or stress when traveling will help, but not all solutions for motion sickness are so simple. Every cat responds differently to environmental stimuli. If your cat is sick every single time they get on a boat or in the car, time itself might not help too much.

However, if they are a kitten or simply not acclimated to the process of traveling, they might just need a little time to get accustomed to it.

Motion sickness can also be due to overstimulation of the inner ear, something that can happen with increased movement, such as from a car or boat. This is why it’s important to talk to your vet if your cat experiences motion sickness in order to get the best treatment.

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How to Tell If Your Cat Is Getting Sick

It’s relatively easy to tell if a cat is getting sick. They might start acting restless, overly vocalizing, and even dry heaving. While you might already know, here are a few things to look out for so you can be prepared for your cat’s sickness.

There is often quite a bit of time in between the first signs of motion sickness to when your animal actually vomits. Some pets may not vomit but may continue to salivate and vocalize along the way.

How to Reduce Motion Sickness

There are several methods you can utilize to curb most of the issues related to motion sickness in cats. Below are a couple things you can do to make sure that your cat is comfortable and jitter-free for the ride.

Empty Stomach

It’s best to make sure that your cat’s tummy is empty before any boat or car rides. They can get a lot sicker if they have something in their stomach to throw up. While adequate hydration is important, having food sitting in the gut can actually make the motion sickness more intense, so plan their feedings accordingly.

Anxiety Supplements

There are plenty of anti-anxiety medicines on the market. If your cat gets sick due to motion they may need to have some type of medication to soothe their spirits during travel.

You should always talk to your vet before giving your cat any medication, including anxiety supplements. While you will find a number of choices over-the-counter, be sure to speak to your vet first to make sure your choice is a good one for your cat. If your cat’s anxiety is significant, you might need a prescription medication to help during this time.

Desensitization

Sometimes desensitization can lower anxiety levels. This means taking your cat for car rides, or other means of travel, frequently and for short durations. Short, frequent trips can help your kitty gain their sea legs and feel more comfortable with the whole situation.  As your cat starts to feel better about the whole thing, you can increase the length of the trips.

This includes desensitization to the carrier as well. Before ever taking their first trip, your cat should be completely at ease being in their carrier. To help them get accustomed to it, start by leaving it out and open around your house. Encourage your cat to use it by putting a comfortable bed and some of their favorite items in it. As they become comfortable using it, you can start to shut the door while they’re in there for short periods. Gradually increase the amount of time they are shut in and then start to pick them up and move them around in it. Once this becomes second nature to them, you can start putting them in the carrier and then moving them to the car.

While this doesn’t work in every case, it can if you believe the motion sickness is caused primarily by jitters.

Offer Fresh Water

Whenever you can, offer fresh, clean, cool water during travel. Keeping your pet hydrated can help significantly with motion sickness. Having a water bottle that clips to the carrier can really help with this.

Keep the Car Comfortable

The car should not be too hot or cold. Try to keep a very friendly temperature to ensure the comfort of your kitty. Keep in mind that air blowing directly on them can cause distress as well, so always make sure to cool or heat the car before your cat gets in.

Add a Favorite Item

Sometimes, everyone needs a little reassurance. If your cat is having trouble acclimating to the new environment, you might try bringing something that they like or that smells like home.

Whether this is a favorite toy, a blanket, or something else that is very familiar, it can help reduce and alleviate a lot of that stress. Keep in mind that if your cat does get sick, whatever item you choose should be easy to wipe down, in case they accidentally vomit on the item.

Conclusion

Now you understand the process of seasickness or motion sickness in cats a little better. It is perfectly normal for cats to feel this way, especially if they aren’t acclimated to traveling.

However, with proper preparation, they will typically become better adjusted to travel, especially if you expose them to it frequently. Don’t let their motion sickness keep you from putting them in the car as more frequent exposure can actually alleviate a lot of the issue.

• Also see: Can Cats Swim? Truths & Myths About Felines (Vet-Reviewed)

Featured Image Credit: Mertframe, Shutterstock