I’ve traveled all over the place with my cat and it hasn’t always been easy. But I’ve done my best to set both of us up for success when planning to take her with me on a trip.
My number one goal is to make her as comfortable as possible she will be happy. Also, with my cat, I don’t feed her before we head out. At least 3 hours before she doesn’t eat otherwise she is more likely to get car sick and puke. Then that just makes her whole trip miserable.
I also have never had to give her any medication before going on a plane or in a car to “calm her down”. Probably because she has been traveling with me since she was a kitten.
I make sure to bring everything she needs with me and have a litter box for her, treats, food, water and a bed on hand anytime I think she may want it. I also try to provide what she needs BEFORE she has tell me she wants it. I can do this having traveled with her so much and being used to her needs. She will drink while traveling and pee, but she prefers to go to the bathroom (number 2) before leaving or just as we are leaving and she actually prefers not to eat before or during the trip. She will eat when we GET there. Or at least to the hotel in between stops! But eating in a moving car or plane is not for her.
Here is a video of her on the last road trip I took from Florida to Idaho, and back. She did great and laid not only on her bed, but on all of our warm winter jackets! Notice how calm and unbothered she is. This is what a stress-free traveling cat looks like!