Kings-of-the-Road Maine Coon Cats Enjoy Car Rides More Than Some Dogs

Cats rarely enjoy car rides—at least, none of mine have liked them. Instead, they tend to cry a lot and get very stressed, often having accidents in their crate. So, it’s difficult for me to imagine cats that actually enjoy going on adventures.

However, Maine Coons are not your typical felines. These water-loving and highly social kitties often behave more like dogs, and riding in the car is just another activity they can do as well as their canine counterparts.

Watch these well-traveled siblings handle the traffic like total road warriors in this video from June 15:

This is so impressive! I’ve never had a cat behave like this in the car. Even my Maine Coon, who was, without a doubt, the best-behaved of all, still wasn’t a fan of taking rides. However, Chelsea’s cats, Fig and Scout (@a.cat.named.fig), are total pros! While one sleeps in the backseat with the human sibling, the other rides on the armrest, taking in all the sights. These parents joked their cats understand, “The longer we’re in the car, the better the hotel will be, lol!” Ha! No wonder they seem so relaxed. These cautious parents also note that their kitties are harnessed and attached to seatbelts to ensure their safety when driving, which is safer for everyone, especially when it’s time to open the doors.

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Getting Cats Comfortable With Car Rides

Experts agree cats should be slowly introduced to the car, spending just a few minutes at a time inside with it parked. Then, they can be taken for short drives, increasing in time as they become more acclimated. The VCA Animal Hospital recommends not giving your cat a large meal before beginning the road trip, as this can help them feel more comfortable during the journey. However, they should be offered water and a place to do their business when the car stops. If your cat does experience anxiety, speak to your vet about potential medications to make any necessary travel easier.

These relaxed road warriors impressed people. One person shared, “First off, they are beautiful! Second, it must be nice! My cat Gladys loses her mind in the car…I've tried everything.” It's hard to free them of this fear once they have it. Viewer @rabidnole responded, “This is what you call the assistant front seat driver. Those paws can definitely handle the wheel if necessary.” That’s the truth!

If I saw these two beautiful Maine Coons on my next road trip, it would make my day. While most cats might not be this adventurous, seeing those who are is a real treat.