Why Is My Cat Panting In The Car?

Should you be worried if you’re in the car with your cat and they start panting?

Speaking from first-hand experience, I know how alarming it can be when your cat starts panting in the car. However, this is actually a common response for cats in stressful situations, like being in a moving vehicle.

The most likely reason your cat is panting in the car is because they’re stressed. Traveling is often stressful for cats, which may cause a temporary increase in heart rate. Your cat is likely panting to keep cool and calm down.

In this article, I’ll take a closer look at the most common reasons that your cat may be panting in the car, how to help prevent it or stop it, and when you should see a vet.

Three Reasons Your Cat May Be Panting in the Car

Cats often pant when their heart rate is elevated, when they’re too hot, and when they have underlying medical conditions.

1. They’re Stressed or Anxious

The most likely reason your cat is panting in the car is that they’re anxious. Unless your cat is frequently in a moving vehicle, traveling is often quite stressful for cats.

Although your cat may be panting like a dog in the car, they’re most likely not enjoying the ride the way a dog would be. Instead, they’re likely more afraid of all the sights, sounds, smells, and unstable ground that they feel that they’re on.

When you picture the signs of anxiety in a person, what comes to mind? A fast heartbeat and sweaty palms? While your cat’s heart rate will likely also increase, they cannot sweat the same way we do. Instead, your cat may pant instead to try and calm itself.

2. They’re Too Hot

Like dogs, cats can’t sweat the same way that people do. Instead, their body cools itself off in other ways. One way is by panting.

Whether your cat is in the car or in a field, they may pant if they get too hot. To prevent this, keep your cat in a cool place while you’re traveling. Make sure the carrier you choose has proper ventilation and that it’s placed in a shaded area.

3. There’s an Underlying Medical Condition

If your cat is panting in the car, it’s most likely a short-term side effect of stress or heat. However, if your cat continues panting for an extended period of time, drools, or begins convulsing, something else may be wrong.

Here are a few underlying medical conditions that may cause your cat to pant:

Allergies
Asthma
Respiratory infection
Heartworm

There are more medical conditions that may lead to panting in cats. However, this type of panting will likely be noticeable outside of car travel as well.

If you’ve never noticed your cat panting before, it’s unlikely that the car ride itself has triggered this side effect in a bigger medical condition. However, if your cat continues panting for a long time or keeps panting after the car ride, there may be a bigger issue. At this point, you should absolutely consult your veterinarian.

How To Avoid Your Cat Panting in the Car

If you’ve traveled with your cat before, you may know that they have issues with panting. Alternatively, you may just be trying to keep them as calm and comfortable as possible before their first trip.

Either way, there are several things you can do to help prepare your cat for traveling in the car (check out my full list of tips here). And the less stressed your cat is in the car, the less likely they are to pant!

Introduce Your Cat to the Carrier and Car ASAP

As soon as you know that you’re going to be traveling with your cat, go ahead and get your cat carrier. More importantly, get a cat carrier that’s properly ventilated, large enough for your cat, and that’s optimized for your trip.

You’ll want to make sure the cat carrier you choose has ventilated walls on at least three sides. Additionally, make sure your cat will be able to stand up, turn around, and lay down in the carrier.

If you’ll be traveling over a long distance, consider getting a cat carrier with a travel litter box. You can check out my top picks here.

Once you have your cat carrier for the trip, let your cat get used to it at home first. After they’re comfortable hanging out in the carrier, you can start taking them to the car and on short trips. Start doing this as early and as frequently as possible. Helping your cat get comfortable with riding in the car is the best way to prevent them from panting.

“If they’re just exposed to that stressful environment prior and learn that it’s okay, they can handle the actual traveling day better,” says Natasha Diehl, DVM.

Make Your Car a Home-Away-From-Home for Your Cat

Cats don’t like change, and being in a moving vehicle that they’re not familiar with can be quite stressful for them. To help alleviate the stress, make sure your cat will be as comfortable as possible during the trip.

Here are some things you can do to create a safe space in the car for your cat:

Choose the right carrier. Make sure you choose a cat carrier that’s properly ventilated and large enough for your cat. That being said, also choose a carrier that meets your needs. If you’re moving, your car might be pretty packed. Make sure the carrier you choose can hold its shape, protect your cat, and comfortably fit in your car.
Plan ahead. If you will have more things in your back seat than just your cat in their carrier, make sure it’s packed logistically. You don’t want boxes falling on your cat’s carrier or loud, loose objects shifting around that will create unnecessary stress. Also, when you do load your cat carrier into your car, make sure it’ll be secure and in a cool location. If the sun is beating directly down on your cat’s carrier the whole trip, they’ll likely get too hot and start panting.
Create a familiar environment. While this one is a little more challenging, there are some small things you can do to help your cat feel less lost in the car. In addition to getting them familiar with the car before the day of the trip, bring along familiar items from home like favorite toys, blankets, treats, etc. This little bit of familiarity can go a long way when it comes to keeping your cat calm and preventing them from panting in the car.

If you know you’re going to be traveling with your cat in the car soon, spend some time preparing. This is the best way to prevent your cat from panting in the car.

While it may not entirely eliminate the stress, your cat will definitely appreciate being in a good carrier, having visited the car a couple of times before the trip, and having familiar items from home during the ride.

Visit Your Veterinarian for a Checkup and Recommendations

Any time you’ll be traveling with your cat, it’s a good idea to plan a vet visit ahead of time. You’ll want to make sure your cat is healthy enough for the trip, make sure their vaccinations and microchip information are all up-to-date and discuss further recommendations with your vet.

Every cat is different, and some cats handle traveling better than others. If your cat is especially prone to stress, excessive panting, or other issues in the car, your veterinarian may prescribe a mild calming medication to give them on the day of the trip. Never give your cat medication that hasn’t been prescribed by a veterinarian for travel anxiety.

Your vet may also provide further recommendations for your cat based on their age, health, and other factors. You may need to plan for additional stops or change your cat’s diet prior to travel.

In addition to your veterinarian’s recommendations, be sure to check out this guide on what to do with cats on moving day to help alleviate stress. Keeping the transition as smooth as possible is a great way to keep your cat from panting in the car.

How To Calm a Cat Panting in the Car

Despite all the preparations in the world, your cat still may pant in the car during your trip. If this happens, here’s what you can do to help calm them down:

Use a Cat Calming Spray

Cat calming spray can help to relax your cat in stressful situations. In turn, this will stop your cat’s panting.

“I really like Feliway,” says Dr. Natasha Diehl. “It’s a pheromone-based product that can help decrease stress levels. I would definitely spray down the car.”

You can buy Feliway spray at Amazon. I recommend adding this to your to-pack list for your upcoming trip with your cat. You can spray the car down ahead of time and keep the bottle nearby on the drive for a quick spritz if your cat gets worked up.

Additionally, this is one of the easiest methods to help calm your cat while driving.

Soothe Your Cat by Petting Them if Possible

If you aren’t the one behind the wheel, reach back and calm your cat the way you would at home. Talk to them softly, pet them if you can, or even move the cat carrier to sit in your lap for a short portion of the trip.

Being near you and feeling you petting them will be a huge sense of relief for your cat in the unfamiliar car.

In addition to petting your cat, you may also have familiar items from home that you can give them to help them stay calm, like a familiar blanket or toy. While they likely won’t be in the mood to play, the familiar scent will be comforting.

Pull Over and Take a Break

If your cat is still panting after you’ve attempted to calm them down, it’s time to pull over and take a break from traveling. You may just need to stop for five or ten minutes to let your cat calm down.

While you’re stopped, check to make sure that your cat is comfortable in their carrier and not too hot. You may also want to see if you can get your cat to drink some water to cool off. You can check out my top picks for the best portable water bowls here.

Regardless of whether or not your cat is panting in the car, make sure you’re giving them enough breaks throughout the trip if you’re traveling a long distance. You can learn more about how long you can travel with a cat before needing a break here.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, there are a few reasons that your cat may be panting in the car. The most likely reason your cat is panting in the car is because they’re stressed about the trip.

The best way to prevent this is by preparing ahead of time for your trip. Plan accordingly by getting your cat carrier early and helping your cat get used to the car before a big trip. Create a comfortable, safe space for your cat to travel in. Additionally, make sure that your cat will stay cool with proper ventilation and protection from too much sunlight.

If your cat does start panting in the car, try using a cat calming spray like Feliway, pet your cat if possible, surround them with familiar items and keep them cool. If this doesn’t work, pull over and take a break from traveling.

After a break from driving, if your cat is still panting, if they start drooling or convulsing, it’s time to contact a veterinarian. You should only be worried if the panting persists, other symptoms emerge, or if your cat’s heart or lungs aren’t healthy enough to handle the stress. For this reason, it’s most important to visit your veterinarian for a checkup well before traveling with your cat in the car.

If your cat is panting, stay calm, flexible, and attentive. Your cat is most likely just stressed in the current situation and needs you to help them feel safe.

For more information on how to travel with your cat in the car, be sure to check out my full guide.

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