Cats on Car Rides: Maine Coon Edition

Why Some Cats Hate It (and Why Some Maine Coons Don't)

Cats on car rides: some love it, some hate it, and some just meow the entire way there and back.

If you've ever wondered why your kitty reacts the way she does when going for a ride, you're not alone.

For most felines, even short trips are stressful. A ride to the vet, a move to a new home, or even just a quick drive around the block can feel like chaos to an animal who thrives on routine and territory.

For example, Darrin in Iowa shares of his boy, Zeus: "He follows you everywhere and always wants to be involved, and loves car rides."

Why Car Rides Are Hard for Cats (Usually)

The average house cat is a homebody. Their whole world revolves around the familiar: favorite napping spots, the scent of their humans, the quiet rhythms of daily life. Going for a ride upends all of that.

• New smells: the upholstery, cleaning products, even the scent of gasoline.
• Unfamiliar motion: the stop-and-go, curves, and vibrations can cause motion sickness.
• Loss of control: Felines like to observe and predict - and a ride offers neither.

While dogs often lean into the stimulation (head out the window, tongue flapping happily in the wind), cats are wired differently.

For them, the vehicle can feel like a noisy, vibrating box that never quite makes sense.

The Maine Coon Twist

Most cats see vehicles as enemy territory  -  but Maine Coons often surprise us.

Their easygoing nature and curiosity mean some are far more tolerant of travel than the average feline.

Instead of panicking at every bump, certain Coonies will settle in, watch the scenery roll by, or even nap through the ride.

A few adventurous ones seem to enjoy tagging along, especially if they've been gently introduced to short drives when young.

It isn't universal, of course. Plenty of Coonies still protest a trip to the vet - but their reputation as adaptable "dogs of the cat world" definitely shows up here.

Many owners report that their Maine Coons adjust to the vehicle with a little patience. Instead of having a stressful trip, it's something closer to a quirky adventure.

Helping Cats Get Comfortable With Rides

Even if your kitty doesn’t seem like a natural-born traveler, there are things you can do to make rides calmer and safer.

Get Comfortable With the Carrier

If the only time the carrier comes out is for a stressful vet visit, your Coonie will dread it. Leave it out in your home with the door open. Toss in a blanket, a few treats, or even some toys. Let it feel like a safe hideaway, not a trap.

Choose a Secure Setup

The carrier should be well-ventilated, easy for you to carry, and secure in the vehicle.

The back seat is usually safest, with the carrier belted in place so it doesn't slide. Some cats relax when the carrier is partially covered with a light blanket.

Start Small

Take practice drives. Start with a lap around the block and build up to longer trips. Keep it calm, and reward them after each one. Over time, they’ll associate the ride with positive experiences rather than stress.

Keep It Calm Inside the Car

Feline ears are sensitive. Loud music or sudden noises can make the experience worse.

A quiet ride is best, but some cats respond to soft classical music or other 'softer' playlists designed to soothe.

Bring Familiar Comforts

A blanket that smells like home, a favorite toy, or even a few treats can help anchor your kitty during travel. It's a small reminder that everything is okay.

Watch for Stress

Excessive meowing, panting, drooling, or trying to claw out of the carrier are signs your cat is overwhelmed. If it happens often, talk to your vet about calming aids or other solutions.

Safety First

Rides can look different for every cat. While a few Coonies may tolerate riding in a harness with a passenger keeping watch, the safest option is almost always a carrier. Even the calmest kitty can panic and bolt if startled.

Think of the carrier not as confinement, but as a seatbelt. It keeps them safe, and it keeps you focused on the road.

Maine Coon Cats on Car Rides: What to Expect

At the end of the day, going for a ride may never resemble a happy-go-lucky dog with his head out the window. But that doesn’t mean travel is impossible.

Some Maine Coons genuinely seem to enjoy the ride. Others may never love it, but with patience and prep, they can at least learn to tolerate it calmly.

Every small step you take to make the experience positive builds trust between you and your kitty.

Rides don’t have to be a nightmare! With a cozy carrier, a little practice, and a calm approach, many cats (especially adventurous Coonies) can settle down and maybe even enjoy the trip.

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We asked our readers how their Maine Coons handle car rides - here's what other owners in our community had to say:

Jessica Deans: My Coonies are not fans of the car or being caged up. I think it's mostly being contained in their carrier.

They meow and try to get out the entire drive to the vet, which is the only time they go in the car because of their behavior. I wish they liked car rides.

Sandra Elliott: My MC was so large I could not lift him in a carrier, so I put him in a harness with a leash.

I attached the handle of the leash onto the headrest so he was secured in the car but could stand up to watch out the window.

Veronica Lorek: Well my boy hated them at first, but he has learned to love them as long as we don’t put him in a cat carrier. There are days he will even take control of the wheel!!!!

DaeLynn Armstrong: We had to drive 4 hours to get this little man. He loved the ride. ❤️ ~Lincoln, 4 months.

Jeffrey Williams: Mine travels well in a carrier next to me while I drive. This Thursday we're going to go dog sitting for a few days.

MarJean Cook: Mine sing opera!

VickiJo Jordan: Noooooo 😔 Both yowl like they are being tortured!

Roos van der Lugt: Big fat NOPE for Mr. Jasper. He doesn’t like ANY change in routine.

The results are days of an upset stomach, howling and crying around the house, and being a “velcro furbaby.” My vet joked he was the most autistic cat he ever heard of.

Ryan Ciglar: My male doesn’t mind car rides at all but my female hates them.

Klaus Dieter Syfuss: My boy used to love going for a drive to the kiting beach in Weston-super-Mare.

Although he was on a lead, some people pointed out there are no animals allowed on the beach.

However I pointed out that the sign named horses, donkeys and dogs as animals but said nothing about cats!

Cory Williams: A big nope for my Madonna. Scares her to death. Well, not literally, lol!

Heather Feather: He has crossed the bridge, but my Atticus Finch used to love car rides to visit his grandma. My current Coon mix hates it, poor girl.

Sarah Rainbow: Vinnie loved our old campervan 😎

Brian Hallinan: Yes, but he sometimes gets sick going up and down hills.

Michael Rosenberg: Ours hates it, as the only time she travels is to the vet. Howls all the way!

Mija Vera Robertson: Mine does not. He drools and gets upset, almost like he gets motion sickness. We tried in the crate, no crate, even a special pet car seat… he dislikes it all.

Lueg Golina: O ya. And falls asleep like a baby once in the car.

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So, does your Maine Coon yowl the whole way, curl up and nap, or eagerly look out the window?

Share your stories with us - we'd love to hear how your Coonie handles car rides.

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Ilene Stankiewicz: My Mystic, a rescue who is now 11, continues to complain on car rides, but he never cared for the carrier.

We started with a hard carrier, went to a soft carrier and he now rides clipped into a doggie car seat. It's also raised up on a big piece of foam (couch cushion) so it's easy for him to see out the window.

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Car rides are just one window into the unique temperament of Maine Coons.

These gentle giants are known for their playful streaks, loyal companionship, and surprising habits that set them apart from other cats.

If you’d like to know more about what makes them so special, you’ll love our full guide about the Maine Coon Personality.

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