How To Travel With Two Cats in the Car

If you have two (or more) cats, there may be times that you’ll all need to be in the car at the same time. Of course, traveling in a car with multiple cats poses its own set of challenges.

You can easily travel with two cats in the car by preparing your cats for the drive and choosing the best carrier(s). Make sure each of your cats have a comfortable, safe place to ride in the car with adequate personal space from one another.

I’ve driven across the United States with multiple cats four separate times, and I regularly take all three of my cats to the vet together. 

In this article, I’ll share the best tips I’ve found for traveling with two or more cats in the car.

Table of Contents:

• Traveling With Two (or More) Cats in the Car
• How To Travel Long-Distance With Two Cats
• Can You Have Two Cats in One Carrier When Traveling?
• The Best Cat Carriers for Two Cats

Traveling With Two (or More) Cats in the Car

Whether you’re getting ready to take your cats to the vet or preparing for a big move, you may be curious about the best ways to transport two cats.

In my experience, traveling with two cats in the car isn’t too much more difficult than traveling with one cat. You may have to pick up an additional carrier or a bigger carrier (more on this later) and plan for additional space in the car, but otherwise, the steps to help prepare your cats (and the drive itself) will be the same. 

If your cats haven’t traveled much in the past, start helping them each get ready for the drive as early as possible. Take them each to the car (together or separately) days before your trip and let them get used to the space, smells, and sounds.

Even if you’re just traveling a short distance, it’s a good idea to introduce the cats to the environment at least once (but preferably a few times) before the drive. 

I also recommend using a pheromone spray like Feliway (you can buy it on Amazon or Chewy) and spritzing the car before you travel. It’s great for helping to keep your cats calm in stressful situations, like being in the car. Anytime I travel with my three cats, I use Feliway in their carriers and in the car before we go. 

Finally, consider bringing a few familiar items for each of your cats. Two of my cats have favorite blankets while the other has a favorite pillow/pillowcase. You can place these items in your cats’ carriers or cover the carrier with them to surround your cats with their favorite familiar smells. Plus, covering part of your cats’ carriers may help reduce travel anxiety, especially if your cats aren’t the best of friends.

How To Travel Long-Distance With Two Cats

If you’re getting ready to travel with two (or more) cats in the car, start preparing as early as possible. The best way to reduce your cats’ travel anxiety on the road is by helping them feel prepared. Of course, it’s also important to be prepared yourself. 

Here are my top six tips for traveling long-distance with two cats in the car:

• Get your cat carrier(s) early. The earlier you get your cat carrier(s), the faster you can let your cats start exploring it. Whether you opt for one or two cat carriers, let your cats explore the new space in your home first. You can even work toward feeding your cats in their carrier(s) to help them associate it with safety long before the day of the drive. This will help reduce travel anxiety on the road.

• Pack your cats’ travel necessities. In addition to your cats and their carrier(s), pack anything else they’ll need on the road. This could include a travel litter box, travel water and food bowls, your cats’ favorite blankets or toys, and familiar cat food and litter. Additionally, consider packing a car cleaner for any accidents (like one of your cats getting sick) on the road.

• Load both cats safely in the car. Make sure your cats have enough personal space in the car while also being safely loaded in. I like having my cats in the backseat if possible so I can easily check on them with my rearview mirror on the road. Additionally, neither of your cats should be exposed to direct sunlight for the entire duration of your trip. Alternatively, they shouldn’t be placed directly in front of the A/C either. This will quickly dry out your cat’s nose.

• Use pheromone spray. I highly recommend using a pheromone spray like Feliway (Amazon or Chewy) in the car with your cats. If they don’t get along, this can be a great way to help keep them calm. Even if they do, Feliway is a great way to reduce travel anxiety in the car (as well as in any new space, like a hotel room or new place).

• Plan your trip ahead. Speaking of hotel rooms, take the time to plan ahead and find pet-friendly hotel rooms along the way if you plan to stay overnight. If you’ll be in the car over 8-12 hours, I recommend giving your cats (and yourself) a night’s break if possible.

• Take breaks every four hours. In addition to planning out pet-friendly hotel rooms, plan your regular stops as well. Your cats will need breaks from their carriers on a long-distance road trip as well as opportunities to drink water and use the litter box. For more on how and when to plan your breaks, check out my article on how long you can travel with a cat before needing a break.

For more tips on how to plan your long-distance trip with two or more cats, be sure to also check out my guides on why your cats may be panting in the car and how to travel with a cat litter box in the car

Can You Have Two Cats in One Carrier When Traveling?

As you’re preparing to take both of your cats in the car, you may be wondering whether or not you should buy two carriers. Can you have two cats in one carrier when traveling in the car?

As a general rule, you can have two cats in one carrier while traveling as long as both cats have enough room to stand up, turn around and sit down. Additionally, you’ll only want to keep your cats in the same carrier if they get along.

If you’re traveling with two kittens, they’ll likely have plenty of space in the same carrier. However, if you have two chunky cats, they’ll likely appreciate their own space in the car. 

Of course, if your cats don’t get along at home, you should get them each their own carriers. If your cats regularly hiss at each other, bat at each other, or are generally never near each other in the house, putting them in one carrier could create more travel anxiety for both your cats and yourself.

Best Cat Carriers for Two Cats

Purchasing your cat carrier(s) as early as possible is a great way to help reduce your cats’ travel anxiety. The sooner your cats can start exploring their carrier(s) and the car, the less stressed they’ll be on the day of travel. 

Here are my top three picks for the best cat carriers for two cats based on size, safety, comfort, and customer satisfaction:

For more options, check out my full list of the best cat carriers for two cats here.

In addition to your cat carrier(s), there are a few other travel essentials that you may want to purchase before the trip, especially if you’ll be traveling long-distance with two cats.

Here are my recommendations:

• Travel food and water bowls (see my top picks here)
• Portable litter box (see my top picks here)
• A harness (this one is very highly-rated)
• Pheromone spray (I definitely recommend Feliway)

Final Thoughts

As you prepare for traveling with two cats in the car, keep in mind that preparation is key. Get a great cat carrier for two cats as soon as possible. Then, begin introducing your cats to their carrier(s) and the car.

If your cats get along, you can purchase a single cat carrier that’s big enough for both of them. If your cats prefer their space away from one another, try to respect that in the car.

To combat your cats’ travel anxiety in the car, try using a pheromone spray like Feliway (Amazon or Chewy). Of course, you likely won’t be able to completely prevent travel anxiety. If one of your cats starts panting in the car, check out these tips to help calm them down.

For more travel tips and advice, be sure to also check out my full guide on how to travel with a cat in the car.