I will be moving in January from Michigan to California and will be bringing my two cats with me. Does anyone have any good suggestions for the long road trip they have ahead. They have traveled in the car before, but only short trips...
2006-08-23 08:37:36 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
should I get 2 crates or 1 bigger one, for them both to sit in? They are sisters and are ALWAYS together.... I just dont know if it would be safer to have them separate or not...
2006-08-24 07:45:35 · update #1
Hi there...here's a way to help your two cats adjust for long-distance road travelling.
If you have a week to a few weeks before your trip the best solution is to begin a treat reward inside the travel crate before you place it into the car so begin feeding your cats now until you leave for your trip inside the crate fulltime. If kitties will not go into the crate begin by feeding them in front/around of the crate then gradually move the food dish into the crate...eventually when kitties are okay with eating in the crate gently close the door, but open it immediately while kitties are eating to help them acclimate to this. After kitties appears to be okay with eating inside the crate (sometimes it will happen within a couple days) you can begin with the next step...
First take the kitties in the car (with crate and food dish) and sit quietly with them and the crate door opened and offer them delicious treats inside the crate, which rewards them for accepting the new environment. Do this several times throughout the day and when they are showing signs of being more comfortable then you can move onto the next step. The idea here is to help the cats learn to find the crates a secure and comfortable space since they will need to be secured there for lengths at time.
Since you said the cats seem to do well on short trips, this next step may not be necessary, but if you are not certain you can practice it to be sure.
Just start the car (no driving) and offer rewarding treats again in the crate/bed still with door opened and also closed. After a few times then start the car and move it back and forth in that little area again offer treats in the crate with door opened and closed (by the way, chicken baby food is usually is an excellent treat just make sure this is Gerbers "2nd" NOT 3rd as the ingredients Onion and Garlic are toxic to kitty). Again, when kitties shows sign of comfort then try a drive around the block once then several times gradually with the crate door closed this time.
Make sure they can see you when you travel as they find comfort with their owner's familiar face and can easily hear your voice as well. If you don't have anyone traveling with you then place the crates on the front passenger seat and on the passenger floor or in the back seat facing one another if they are very bonded to one another to help minimize stress. Make it easy enough so that you safely drive and by being able to occasionally put your fingers through the holes to comfort both kitties with your touch too.
Just remember to stop often enough to allow the cats to come out of the crates for a nice stretch and to use the litter box as most cats find it difficult to go while in a moving car. It's safer to keep the cats resting in their travel crates rather than free roam your vehicle. The reason is that there has been several people who have had seriously dangerous accidents because the cats decided to hide under the foot petals.
Keep in mind the above method is the healthiest so that you don't need to tranquilize the cats, which should be reserved as a last resort if the cats appear anxious in the final stages of the training. The method I described above is how zoo trainers teach their animals to be managed without sedation.
I hope all three of you will have a safe and happy long journey.
2006-08-23 14:26:15 · answer #1 · answered by ♪ Seattle ♫ 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Make sure to have a leash that you put on them if you take them out of the car during a rest stop. If you have them loose in the car and need to get out, they could escape. Crating them in a carrier is good. Put a blanket or towel in it. Have water and little bits of food. And of course a portable litter box.
Maybe practice by taking them on slightly longer rides in the car for awhile before you move to see how they react.
2006-08-23 08:51:15 · answer #2 · answered by 60s Chick 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I traveled with my cats about 500 miles. I just let them free in the car and kept a litter pan available on the back seat floor. They enjoyed alternating between looking out the windows and sitting on my lap while I drove. There were no problems.
I'd probably have a carrier for them while you stop overnight. You don't want to leave them in the car when it's hot.
2006-08-23 08:46:51 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
i just moved from Michigan to Kansas and had this same dilema with my cat. i talked to the vet and they gave me sedation pills in case i needed them. i put the cat in his carrier and thankfully did not need to medicate him. he slept most of the way, a 14 hour trip. i bought a cheap mixing bowl and put a small amount of liter in it at rest stops, trying to get him to go to the bathroom, which he would not. the vet also suggested to fast the cat of water, for the trip, and that it may take a while for the cat to get used to the new environment. as for problems with constipation from them holding it for a long period, they suggested treats for hairball problems, because they have a natural lubrication in them to help keep things moving. you should also talk to your vet for some advice, just give them a call or go in to see them.
Good Luck
2006-08-23 08:49:02 · answer #4 · answered by ricki_lain 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
mild sedatives - get them from your vet.
also if you can keep their carriers covered, put a couple toys, and snacks in there as well. If you can manage to face the carriers so that they can keep an eye on you - that might be a good idea as well.
I myself have moved cats from texas to washington state...they'll be fine.
make sure you have paper towels handy in the event that someone gets carsick.
good luck!
2006-08-23 13:02:51 · answer #5 · answered by jtxn170 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OMG don't mail them. Try a pet carrier if they will use that. Keep a treat in their and reassure them with plenty of chit chat and rubs.
They could get out of the car if they are loose.
2006-08-23 08:43:38 · answer #6 · answered by Eeyore 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would make a few stops just to let them stretch their legs. Also, talk to them every once in a while to calm them down. Best thing is to get it over with and make them as comfortable as possible. Make sure they have plenty of food, water and definitely cat nip!
2006-08-23 08:39:42 · answer #7 · answered by jessigirl00781 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
go to the vet and get a sedative for them.....I did that and it was a lifesaver! They made it over 600 miles and were good as new by the time we arrived at our destination! Good luck!
2006-08-23 08:40:50 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
A long as you have them in a pet carrier and they have plenty of water and please keep the air conditioner on all the time then they will be just fine.
2006-08-23 08:43:21 · answer #9 · answered by mageta8 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i'd suggest a carrier for them. take them out every 4 hours to strech and water as needed.
2006-08-23 08:40:14 · answer #10 · answered by C J 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋