The Army is going to assign my Husband a new duty station and we're going to take our cat with us. The problem is he doesn't handle long car rides well. Is there any sort of over the counter product that I can give him to make him sleep the whole way? Or anything I could do to make him more comfortable?
2006-08-03 17:29:20 · 14 answers · asked by rockerlassie 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
Well, as a much moving mom in the past, with only two cats at the time it can be pretty easy. Take him on a long ride before you go, at least 1/2 hour. If he doesn't settle down, then you many need to medicate him. Your vet could give you some travel medicine, or some large pet stores have some over the counter aids. I have been lucky and never had to use either. My two ran free in the car and we went from L.A. to San Antonio, round trip, twice. When I worked for a vet he always suggested that owners not use the meds until after the first 100 miles, because they usually calm down by then.
If you have to stop for the night DO NOT let him out unless it is in the bathroom. Put a small litter box and food and water in with him. If you are traveling with children make sure they understand NOT to let him out.
I'm sure you will be fine, just remember you need to be very aware of his safety.
Good luck and have a safe trip.
2006-08-03 17:44:24 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go to your vet and ask about Ace for your cat. My friend in Maine asked me if I would adopt her cat. I live in Connecticut, and it's about a 5 hour drive. The ace really took the edge off of her, she rested comfortably for the entire trip and it helped her to settle in to my place rather quickly.
There isn't really a product that will make your cat sleep the entire way; you wouldn't want that anyway, as your pet wouldn't be able to self-regulate it's heat very well. Do not try any home remedies.
2006-08-03 17:41:29 · answer #2 · answered by ctwitch24 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask your vet for a trainquilizer. My pets (3 dogs and 2 cats) had to be moved from NY to KY and that's what we did. Every so often take him out and pet him. Make sure to have a towel on you because some cats will pee when they are scared. If you don't want to take him out (scratching reasons), talk to him/let him smell your hand and put one of your old shirts in their cage. Cats and dogs are less stressed if they have something that has your scent on it to lay down on but the day before you move, wear that old shirt that you don't care what happens to. That way the scent will be fresh and the day of the move, put your cat in the cage with the shirt.
2006-08-03 17:39:50 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The doctor can give you a tranquilizer for your cat it will clam him and help him till you get where you need to be. I would take with your vet and let them recommend one! I have a cat that doesn't do well in cars and I will be doing the same thing so she won't freak out on a 4 hour drive.
2006-08-03 17:39:20 · answer #4 · answered by Ashley 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know of OTC pet meds, but I do know that your veterinarian can provide you with appropriate tranquilizers. We moved five cats 2000 miles, from Texas to New Mexico, with "kitty-tranqs" that our vet gave us, and everyone arrived quite happy. Also, we had to keep the carriers (PC for 'cages') in the shade, even in the car. It gets real hot in there with the sun shining on it. Have a nice trip!
2006-08-03 17:41:40 · answer #5 · answered by MaqAtak 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well assuming that a supersonic jet plane ticket is a little excessive for a house pet, ask your vet this question. If he cannot recommend something safe, it may be necessary to put the cat up for adoption in the area, or give him/her/it to a neighbor. Do not take any home 'remedy' for this, it is your pet - a member of your family! What do you do when you want to safely drug a member of your family? You seek medical advice from professionals! Ask Your Vet!
2006-08-03 17:34:04 · answer #6 · answered by TwilightWalker97 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Use a carrier in your car to transport your cat. Cats like small enclosed places; they feel safer in them. If you don't have a carrier, Pet Smart or PetCo sells inexpensive soft sided carriers; ours is made by Samsonite and I think it was $25. Leave the carrier open in your house before the trip and let your cat get used to it. Put something the cat likes in the carrier, like his favorite blanket or toy. I put a sweatshirt that I have worn in my cat's carrier; it's soft and smells like me, so that make him feel better too.
Good luck in your new duty station.
2006-08-03 17:41:26 · answer #7 · answered by JP 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could order a catalog from Doctors Foster and Smith.They sell a few Stress Control products that may help.You could also check them out on-line,here are a few products to look at:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/NavResults.cfm?N=2002+113757
Good Luck on your move!
Jenna
2006-08-03 18:18:16 · answer #8 · answered by Jenna 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can get meds from a vet but mom did that and it really scared her how totally out of it the cat was, limp and slobbering for hours. we took our cats all over the place, eglin to indiana, indiana to myrtle beach, myrtle beach to grissom , grissom to a farm house, from there to indy, from indy to atlanta, and then back to indiana, two of them lived to be 21 and had at least ten moves. they might not love it, but they will survive it, however when you reach your new station dont let the cat out for quite a while, then need to acclimate to a new home for a while.
2006-08-03 18:14:17 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
We moved our cat from NY to Fla.
We had to show our cat that the car is not going to hurt him. By taking him with us everywhere. He finally started to love the car.
He would jump in the car with us to go. So just start now by bring him everywhere you go.
Good luck to you!
2006-08-03 17:53:36 · answer #10 · answered by Mary M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋