I'm about to embark on the journey from hell, carrying a suitcase, laptop and bag full of presents, along with my kitten from London to Bristol. I have an 'over the shoulder' pet carrier thing, and plan to get a taxi to the station then a 1.45h train journey. He's a very bold cat and not timid at all, but i'm nervous he's going to poo/wee en route. What do i do if he does? Any tips?? And what do i do if he freaks out?
2006-12-19 02:47:41 · 17 answers · asked by pinkyminx 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
I took my cat on a fourteen hour car trip without issue, then three days later went twelve MORE hours.
He won't poo/wee unless he's simply too frightened to control it. Some cats hate the vibration. Wear a soft T-Shirt to bed the night before (so it'll smell like you) then put it in the carrier. It'll soothe your cat. Be ready for lots of maowing if he's sensitive to the vibration, and he may even get sick (though mine had no problems, he's not a sensitive one) so take some cleaner with you to fix up any messes he might make, just in case.
Or, if you want to make things really easy, ask the vet for a sleeping medication for him.
Either way, I wouldn't worry too much, he'll be fine. Two hours isn't so bad.
2006-12-19 03:10:39 · answer #1 · answered by goddessdawnie 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are pet calming aids available in most pet stores - the one I use, if I'm not mistaken, contains tryptophen (excuse what is likely a horribly mispelling - the stuff in turkey that makes people tired :)). I mash it up VERY fine and put it in my girl's favorite canned cat food (it must not taste good - if I don't have it mushed up and mixed in well, she will eat AROUND the pieces of the pill) when she needs to go on a trip. If you'd prefer to avoid medication, another trick I've used is bringing a brush when we go to the vet - she loves it - the brushing is calming, keeps you in contact with your boy, etc. As far as the first part of the question - maybe bring with one or two of those puppy pads used when housetraining puppies? I don't know if there are any small enough or if they would still be effective if cut to fit the carrier, but it would make a nice kitty carrier diaper :) Then just have a plastic bag along in case - I doubt you'll have any issues with that though as most cats are so very finicky about where they go...the big thing would be to have a litter box ready to introduce to him whenever you get where you're going.
2006-12-19 11:28:27 · answer #2 · answered by Bettiemaboo 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to the vets and get a tablet that will make your cat drowsy, this will stop your cat from freaking out and calm the whole situation down for your cat more than anything else.
I travelled for 7 hours with a cat and kitten and i used the tablets from the vets, i had no problems with them, they were completely calm and they never had any accidents (wee/poo) for the whole 7 hour journey!!!
2006-12-19 11:04:48 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your kitty should be ok for a couple of hours "on the road." Keep some food or treats handy in case he gets restless.
Be sure to put him in the litter box right before you leave. Also put a "throwaway" towel on the bottom of the cat carrier. If he has to go, the towel will absorb the mess and you can just trash it when you get to your destination.
I have 6 kitties and they all travel very well. Most likely your boy will love the adventure and be just fine. Have a great trip and holiday!
2006-12-19 11:04:08 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go to a pet shop and buy some cat sleeping pills. This is what I do! They knock your cat out for 12 hours and they sleep like a baby, just be sure to pad the carrier so he doesn't get bumped around much.
Also they taste like crap (don't ask me how I know that) so don't bother putting them in the food. Best way I have found (which a vet showed me) is to hold cats mouth open, and 'throw' the pill in to back of throat, the cat has no option but to gulp the pill down in one. Then give it some milk to wash it in properly.
This is best and I think the kindest way of transporting your kitten around as they don't get scared. Just make sure when it wakes up it has familiar smelling things around it cos it'll be dead groggy.
Also, it's fun watching them fall asleep! they wobble around trying to stay awake. Hee hee hee, x
2006-12-19 10:56:19 · answer #5 · answered by Bijoukitten26 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Get a cat carrier and talk to him throughout the trip,but put a soft blanket in there with him.If he has the erge to piddle ,he won't want to lie in it,so you might be ok there.On the other hand he could freak out and have a heart attack.Can't you get anyone to look after him?
2006-12-19 11:01:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
london to bristol is not that far it should be ok if it poos or wees just save its blushes and tell whoever is sitting next to you that you have a tummy bug
2006-12-19 11:02:31 · answer #7 · answered by JOHN jen 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think you should take a bunch of drugs and then when you embark on your journey from hell you'll have a much better perspective on things.
2006-12-19 10:56:04 · answer #8 · answered by Bunny 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
cats are quite smart and unlikely to poo/pee on a long journey. i took mine from greenock to dundee (just over 2hr drive) and it was fine. i just had to put up with her constant miaws!
2006-12-19 10:59:19 · answer #9 · answered by Barson 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Poor cat.....do you have to take him/her with you ?
Isnt there someone to care for the little mite while you are away.Not sure if I couldist put my cats through that.
Good luck whatever you decide
Merry Christmas
2006-12-19 10:55:03 · answer #10 · answered by Byte 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋