My favorite cat that traveled so well in his crate disappeared and I rescued a cat at the shelter = less than one year old but not really a kitten. She hates the crate and howls I have seen some...
Our pets have always had a place they like to sleep when traveling. We have never used a kennel/crate as most were rescues that spent years and years having to live in one. They absolutely panic is even placed near one. Try to find what makes kitty comfortable. Obviously it is not comfortable or tolerable of prolonged confinement. Our RV is their home, so life continues as normal when we are on the road or parked.