Last updated on August 6th, 2025 at 04:46 am
Car ride? More like cat meltdown. Let’s talk solutions.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
-
Cats with travel anxiety may meow a lot, pace, pant, drool, hide, or act defensive.
-
Bonqat is a new medicine made just for cats that helps with anxiety without knocking them out.
-
Many cat parents say their cats are quieter, calmer, and more willing to stay in the carrier after using Bonqat.
-
Some side effects can happen, like sleepiness, upset stomach, or confusion — always check with your vet first.
-
Give Bonqat about 45–60 minutes before the trip, and try to make the ride more comfy with things like a soft blanket, calming sprays, and short practice drives.
If your cat turns into a screaming, wide-eyed mess the second you pull out the carrier, you’re not alone.
Travel anxiety in cats is real — and for a long time, there just weren’t many good options to help. Most medications either sedated them too much or didn’t do much at all. But that’s finally changed.
Bonqat is the first FDA-approved medication made specifically to help cats feel less anxious during travel — without knocking them out. It’s a big step forward for cat parents and vets alike.
In this post, we’ll break down what Bonqat is, how it works, what side effects to watch for, and how to use it safely so your next trip doesn’t end in a hissy fit (literally).
Affiliate Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase something through our links. This helps support our website and allows us to continue providing valuable content. See our full disclosure here.
Understanding Feline Travel Anxiety
Cats love routine and familiar spaces — so when you take them out of their comfort zone, like in a car or to the vet, it can really stress them out. What feels like a quick ride to us can feel like the end of the world to them.
Signs your cat might be feeling anxious during travel include:
- Loud or constant meowing
- Pacing or restlessness in the carrier
- Panting (yep, cats can pant when they’re stressed)
- Drooling or even vomiting
- Hiding, hissing, or trying to scratch
When this anxiety goes untreated, it’s not just tough for you — it can be pretty scary for your cat too. That’s where Bonqat comes in. It’s made to help calm your cat during travel, so the trip is less stressful for both of you.
What Is Bonqat?
Bonqatis the first FDA-approved medication made just for cats to help with travel anxiety. Instead of knocking your cat out like a sedative, Bonqat works by calming the brain’s stress response — so your cat feels more at ease without being overly sleepy.
It’s designed to reduce anxiety-related behaviors like crying, drooling, or trying to escape, especially during car rides or vet visits.
How Does Bonqat Work?
Bonqat (pregabalin oral solution) targets the parts of your cat’s brain that control stress and anxiety. It helps balance certain brain chemicals so your cat can stay calm during situations that normally trigger panic — like motion, loud sounds, or being in a carrier.
The goal isn’t to sedate your cat — it’s to help them feel safe.
Unlike some older meds that just make cats groggy, Bonqat lets your cat stay alert but more relaxed.
And because it’s made specifically for cats, it’s less likely to cause side effects compared to human medications sometimes used off-label.
How Do You Give Bonqat to Your Cat?
Bonqat is given by mouth — either as a liquid or a pill — and it’s pretty easy to use. Most cats get it about 45 minutes to 1 hour before travel, so it has time to start working.
Talk to your vet first to get the right dose based on your cat’s weight, age, and health.
Here are a few tips to make giving Bonqat easier:
- Time it right. Give it at least 45–60 minutes before you leave.
- With or without food. Some cats do better with a small snack, but always check with your vet first.
- Watch for other meds. Let your vet know about any other medications your cat is taking to avoid interactions.
Bonqat is made to be simple — but your vet is your best guide for making sure it’s used safely and effectively.
Does Bonqat Really Work for Cat Travel Anxiety?
Before Bonqat was approved, studies showed that it helped reduce signs of stress in many cats during travel — and pet owners and vets have seen the same results in real life.
Pet owners and vets have noticed that Bonqat really does make a difference. Cats that usually meowed nonstop during car rides were much quieter.
Many showed calmer behavior overall, with less pacing, restlessness, or frantic attempts to escape. Some cats even seemed more comfortable staying in their carriers, even on longer trips.
Of course, every cat is different — but overall, Bonqat has proven to be a safe and helpful option for managing travel anxiety in cats.
Are There Any Side Effects with Bonqat?
Like any medication, Bonqat can cause side effects, although most are mild and don’t last long. Some cats may feel a bit sleepy or drowsy after taking it.
Others might have a mild upset stomach, like nausea or occasional vomiting. A few cats may act slightly disoriented or agitated.
If these symptoms don’t go away or seem to get worse, it’s best to talk to your vet. They may adjust the dose or suggest a different option if Bonqat isn’t the right fit for your cat.
Tips for Using Bonqat Successfully
To help your cat get the most out of Bonqat and make travel a smoother experience, there are a few things you can do. Start by making the carrier feel safe and familiar — add a cozy blanket your cat loves, a favorite toy, or use a calming pheromone spray inside.
If your cat isn’t used to traveling, try taking a few short practice drives to help them adjust slowly. During the trip, stay calm and relaxed yourself — cats are great at picking up on our moods.
And once the ride is over, reward your cat with treats or extra love to reinforce the positive experience.
Are There Alternatives to Bonqat?
Bonqat is a great option for many cats, but it’s not the only way to help reduce travel anxiety. If it’s not quite the right fit, here are a few other options that might help:
CBD Calming Chews for Cats ***SOLD OUT as of August 5th, 2025 ***These are my favorite!
Products like Holistapet’s CBD Calming Chews for Cats may help ease anxiety in some cats. These chews are made with broad-spectrum CBD and other calming ingredients like L-theanine and chamomile — and they’re made just for felines.
FELIWAY® Classic Cat Calming Spray
This popular pheromone spray mimics the calming scent cats naturally produce and can help reduce stress when sprayed inside the carrier or car.
Made from a natural milk protein, Zylkene is a gentle supplement that promotes relaxation without sedation.
Bonqat is a game-changer for cat parents dealing with travel anxiety. If your cat panics during car rides, vet visits, or trips away from home, this new medication could make a big difference — helping them stay calm without heavy sedation.
As always, talk to your vet first. They’ll help you decide if Bonqat is the right fit for your cat, figure out the proper dose, and make sure it won’t interfere with any other meds or health issues.
With the right plan in place, traveling with your cat doesn’t have to be stressful — for either of you.
Leave feedback about this