Is there any way to find out how a kitten will handle car rides before I adopt one?
You should get a carrier. You don’t want the cat running around in the car while you drive. The kitten would probably whine a little, but it’s normal. If it’s in a carrier, it will be fine. Just put an old towel in the bottom in case it pees and put a toy in there. Most cats miaow or whine while in a car and it’s not to be worried about.
