2025 Transportation of Cats in Motor Vehicles Position Statement

The Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FelineVMA) advocates transporting cats safely and minimizing feline distress. While not the exclusive reason, the most frequent reason cats are transported away from their home is for health examinations at the veterinary practice. Impaired welfare associated with veterinary visits, including transport, is a major reason for caregivers not taking their cats for veterinary care.1–3

It is recommended that veterinary professionals educate cat caregivers on what is an appropriate carrier (size and material) for the cat, acclimating and training the cat to the carrier, and providing an opportunity for the cat to hide (e.g., covering the carrier with a towel or blanket).4–7 Further, this includes advising caregivers to secure carriers on the floor of the vehicle behind either the driver or passenger seat. If seat belts are used, they should only be used with carriers that are crash test certified.8 Seat belts should not be used with carriers that are not crash test certified as they may inadvertently result in crushing the carrier.7,8

As the veterinary visit actually starts in the home, following the mentioned principles minimizes feline distress and promotes a more positive experience within the veterinary practice.7,9,10

This Position Statement updates and replaces: 2020 Transportation of Cats in Motor Vehicles.

References:

  1. Mariti C, Bowen JE, Campa S, et al. Guardians’ perceptions of cats’ welfare and behavior regarding visiting veterinary clinics. J Appl Anim Welf Sci 2016;19: 375–384.
  2. Grigg EK, Kogan LR, van Haaften K, et al. Cat owners’ perceptions of psychoactive medications, supplements and pheromones for the treatment of feline behavior problems. J Feline Med Surg 2019; 21: 902–909.
  3. Volk JO, Thomas JG, Colleran EJ, et al. Executive summary of phase 3 of the Bayer veterinary care usage study. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2014; 244: 799–802.
  4. Feline Veterinary Medical Association. Ongoing cat care, part II: taking your cat to the vet. catvets.com/ongoing-cat-care-video-resources/ (accessed 17 January 2025).
  5. Taylor S, St Denis K, Collins S, et al. 2022 ISFM/AAFP Cat Friendly Veterinary Environment Guidelines. J Feline Med Surg 2022; 24: 1133–1163.
  6. Feline Veterinary Medical Association. Visiting your veterinarian, ‘Getting your cat to the veterinary practice’. catvets.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/FelineVMA_VisitingYourVet_Web.4.pdf (accessed 17 January 2025).
  7. Center for Pet Safety. Pet travel tips. www.centerforpetsafety.org/faqs/pet-travel-tips/ (accessed 17 January 2025).
  8. Center for Pet Safety. CPS certified. www.centerforpetsafety.org/cps-certified (accessed 20 October 2025).
  9. Feline Veterinary Medical Association. Cat friendly homes. catfriendly.com (accessed 17 January 2025).
  10. Rodan I, Dowgray N, Carney HC, et al. 2022 AAFP/ISFM Cat Friendly Veterinary Interaction Guidelines: Approach and Handling Techniques. J Feline Med Surg 2022; 24: 1093–1132.
Download Position Statement

© Feline Veterinary Medical Association, 2025