I am traveling about 12 hrs by car and would like to take my kitten. I don't have a cat carrier and am wondering if it's neccesary. What do you do with the litter box? What is the best way to avoid messes? Any advice will be extremely helpful. THANKS!
2006-11-20 10:22:06 · 8 answers · asked by Molly K 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
I would suggest getting a large carrier or kennel. Then get a small dish to use as a litterbox. Depending on the size of the kitten... a low-sided tupperware or a pie plate would work fine. For a larger cat, even a 9x13 baking dish (really cheap at thrift stores) would work great.
We travelled (on a rescue mission) from Louisiana to Washington (4 days!) with 21 cats in the back of a truck! That's how we did it! I'd also suggest getting some cage-mounted dishes for food & water... then just put an inch or so of water in the bottom so it doesn't spill. The cage-type feeders can be found in the bird section. :)
2006-11-20 10:29:46 · answer #1 · answered by kittikatti69 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
In many places it is against the law to travel by car with an unrestrained animal. I live in PA, and even dogs need to be harnessed to the seat. This not only keeps the pet safe in the event of an accident, but keeps the pet from causing an accident by interferring with the driver.
At the very least, a cat carrier is necessary to make this trip. You can withhold food and water for twelve hours before the trip. Think about it. If your cat were having surgery, you would have to do the same thing, and the cat would not be fed until it had recovered from the anesthesia...usually twelve hours later. That should give you an adequate window of time to make your trip, with the least possibility of a potty accident happening. When you stop along the way, for your own needs, you could, with all the car doors closed, give your kitten a drink of water if she needs it.
If you put a big fluffy towel in the carrier, it will soak up any wet accidents and can be easily laundered at the other end of your journey. Have a nice trip.
2006-11-20 18:40:10 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Definately restrain the cat, if not they can wind around under the pedals and cause accidents. My kitten crawled through behind the dash board of the car, luckily we weren't driving anywhere and she got herself back out but could have been a disaster. Take breaks with your kitty so that they can go potty and stretch. Line the bottom of the cage/carton/box with newspaper and something familar from home, like a cushion cover or rug they sleep on at home. Feed and water containers that can't spill over, attached to sides (like bird cage feeders). And keep an eye on them, if you see them start scratching and sniffing, they might need to use a litter tray. When you have stopped for your own breaks (which you should do to avoid fatigue), let them loose in the car so that they can stretch and explore. When you get to your destination, make sure your cat is secure inside the house and let her hide out somewhere for a while to get used to the adjustment. Remember to take something that is familiar for your kitten to snuggle up to. My kitten has a work shirt that my husband used when rescuing her that is her security blankie. She snuggels with this when she's stressed or tired, very cute.
2006-11-20 20:24:53 · answer #3 · answered by Katie G 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I take my cat with me to PA whenever we visit my fiancees family and we live in VA. We have a cat carrier; however, my cat literally goes crazy. He eats the door, twists and turns upside down, reaches out his paws to grab onto anything he can. He is actually so wild, I am afraid he will seriously hurt himself. We sit the cage on the back seat and open the door. Once he realizes its open and he sniffs the seats a bit, he hops back in the cage and curls up for a nap. He is ok as long as the door is open.
I recently found that you can go to PetsMart and get these treats that you can give your pet 30 minutes prior to the trip and they help calm the cat. Sort of like camomile for a cat! I am traveling tomorrow and this will be the first time I've used it. Hope it works!!
2006-11-20 19:40:08 · answer #4 · answered by meowgal83 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would advise getting a cat carrier, you will need one in the future for vet visits and transportation and getting your kitten used to it will make it easier while she is young.
The suggestion of putting a small pan and some litter is good. Also, water and food.
Another suggestion is have a litter box in your car and take her out of the carrier from time to time and put her in the litter box.
She will need time out.
2006-11-20 18:55:22 · answer #5 · answered by Hedicat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just get a cat carrier ,get a lend of one or see if you can hire one it would be the safest way to transport your kitten
2006-11-21 02:42:40 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a roomy box. Put a towel on the bottom for kitty so it doesn't
slide everywhere. Cut out lots of round holes for plenty of air, but
to big so kitty will pop their head out ! haha not good. lol And
stop every hour to give it some water or milk and a little vittles.
If you have a lil collar and a leash, you can bring it out to go to the
bathroom along the way. And talk to it, reasure it. Music helps.
2006-11-20 18:37:41 · answer #7 · answered by CraZyCaT 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
well i took my cat to jacksonville with me once and i kept him roaming around in the car so he can use the bathroom when he felt like it and so he can feel a bit more comfortable
2006-11-20 18:25:35 · answer #8 · answered by FREE2BE 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋