Definitely get the gabapentin if he spooks easily.

I bring squeeze-up treats for my cats on road trips. Churu or Delectable Lickables. It is both moisture and distraction.

I also bring a good-sized Rubbermaid tub of litter with a lid. If we need to stop for some reason, we'll let our cat out of the carrier and let them explore the car and see if they want the box.

6 hours isn’t that long for a cat he’ll be fine.

If he is very anxious, give him 100 mg gabapentin 1 hour prior to travel. Get it from your vet. It is a controlled substance in VA, so do not be surprised if they require an office visit for it.

That's cruel to make him hold it for your convenience. Pee breaks or pads so he's ok doing it.

Thanks from OP. I will have extra towels and wet wipes just in case. He did pee his carrier on one very long air travel day (EU-US with two layovers). Don't blame him, but he was too scared to use the travel box. Hoping he can hold it for six hours!

Having moved with a cat, be prepared for him to potentially pee in the carrier. Put down some pads have extra plastic barriers and have some things ready to clean both him and the carrier if need be. Definitely give him opportunities to pee to try to avoid it happening but also just set up so if it does happen your car's interior isn't soaked with cat pee.

Taking a 6-hour road trip to stay with family while my house has some construction done this summer.

I have a 9yo cat who is fairly easygoing but spooks easily by outdoor noises. He’s been in his carrier and on planes before (have moved internationally), but never been on a long car trip. Looking for tips to make the experience smoother.

Plan to leave at 5AM to beat some traffic so I am hopeful he just falls asleep. Should I pull food and water at midnight hoping he’ll do a pee in the morning then won’t need to go during the time in the car?

He’ll be in his carrier buckled in with an AC vent on low blowing towards him. I plan to make super short bathroom stops but obviously no long lunch stop or anything.

He is not the kind of cat who would want to be out of his carrier, and he doesn’t go on a leash or outdoors so he won’t try to get out. And although I’ll have his litter box in the trunk, there is no way he will use it if I pull over (BTDT with air travel, a travel litter box, and a private lounge bathroom — he is just too scared). I also do not medicate him — he is not anxious to the point of needing it and I just don’t want him on anything. I do have pheromone spray I will use in the carrier.

Will offer some crunchy food or treats and water during the trip but guessing he will say no.

Any other tips? Mostly I’m wondering about the food/water — having him do a little fast overnight so he won’t need to do a big poop mid-drive.