i live in australia.
i have a 3 month old kitten.
i plan to drive 4 hours away to visit family for christmas and i am taking my kitten with me.
is there anything i can do for her to make her travel more enjoyable?
she does not like going in the car, and cries alot.
is there a travel tablet available for animals to calm them?
2006-12-19 06:40:22 · 8 answers · asked by He moonwalked on my <3 4 in Pets ➔ Cats
Some cats are very sensitive to the motion of a car, and can be very stressed-out or even ill.
Don't feed her before leaving, or while travelling. She won't starve in a few hours. Let her have water before you leave, but not while travelling except at rest stops.
Your vet should be able to give her an inexpensive sedative to keep her calm if it's necessary.
Or, you might "travel-train" her. I did this with my cat. I took him on short trips (around town) frequently for a few weeks. He got lots of praise and treats whenever we went in the car. Now he'll often jump into the car of his own accord when he wants to go with me! Our longest trip was when I moved across country, and took a fourteen-hour car trip, a few days rest, then twelve hours further. He loved it! Instead of a litterbox in the car (which I've seen recommended and might work beautifully), I trained mine to allow a harness and leash (he hates it, but tolerates it) and took him outside during rest stops like you might a dog. He did fine.
Keep in mind that a kitten can only hold their pee/poo for about 45 minutes per month of age. So, she'll almost certainly need at least one or two potty breaks, whether in litter or however you decide to do it. I'd suggest these be at a rest stop, even if you're using the litterbox, because she'll be far more comfortable doing her business if the car is stopped.
2006-12-19 06:57:16 · answer #1 · answered by goddessdawnie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes most vets (at least here in US) have sedation for animals. My cat stressed out so bad when we took him home for the holidays, we had to sedate him. If you tell your vet how long the trip is they can figure the dose for your cat (along with his current weight) I would ask for a trial dose just to see how your cat reacts. My vet prescribed 2 meds (Ace and Diazepem) to give my cat at the same time. My cat ahd a reaction to the Diazepem (he became very aggressive and hungry) so I just gave him the Ace and he does fine on that. I changed what I gave him becuase I knew what he was reacting to (because I am a vet tech), so if your cat has a reaction ask your vet before changing any meds. Also testing the meds before the trip allows you to see how long the medication effects your cat, to see if the dose prescribed will last the whole trip. I know they work very well. Good luck and Happy Holidays.
2006-12-19 07:00:10 · answer #2 · answered by Ryne's proud mommy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check with your vet about any medications. You should keep her in spacious carriers inside your car with water available at all times. Icecubes in a dish can provide a constant supply of cold water that doesn't spill easily. Keep the carrier on the seat or floor near you, so you can be aware of her condition, and make sure the sun and air conditioner is not a problem for her. Provide a cat box in the carrier, using shredded paper if sand spillage is a problem. Do not let her outside at rest stops, she may run away in the confusion.
2006-12-19 06:58:28 · answer #3 · answered by eilishaa 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take away her food and water about 6 hours before the trip so she dosen't get carsick. If you can, put the carrier high enough so she can see the horizon- it helps if she does get carsick. I convinced my kitten to start sleeping in her carrier with the door open a few weeks before the trip with her favorite pillow and toy- she was perfectly comfortable with it once she'd gotten used to it. Vets can perscrible motionsickness meds, or you can get a general tranquilizer for her so she'll sleep the whole time. Cats are like people, too- they like to stretch out. Try stopping halfway and letting her wander around the car for a bit. Good luck!
2006-12-19 06:51:33 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
properly attempt to love provide the kittens slightly time to get to understand the relatives and you. and then placed them in a cage with the mummy and you will commute then. If she has kittens previously the holiday however. and each hour if the kittens are born previously the holiday, take them out and purely get a field and placed them in and enable them to comfortable. stable success!!!!!!!!!! i'm hoping this permits.
2016-10-18 12:08:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Vets have sedatives and motion-sickness medicines for animals.
Happy Christmas, and happy trails.
2006-12-19 06:51:58 · answer #6 · answered by Anne E 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can give dramamine (motion sickness medicine-sorry about the spelling), but call your vet to determine how much you can give based on her weight. You can make her very sick if you over medicate, so don't just try this without FIRST calling your vet.
2006-12-19 06:44:44 · answer #7 · answered by Yoyo 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Travell at night. The time she goes to sleep so she can sleep the complete way.......I have tried this & it really worked...
2006-12-19 07:02:17 · answer #8 · answered by Snowball 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋