I know quite a bit about the feline species. However, I have never actually travelled a long distance with a cat--only dogs.
I have taken him on short rides here and there in the van, and he seems to really enjoy himself. He isn't scared at all. He is 6 months. This ride home for the holiday is a 4 hour drive.
I was thinking about not giving him any food or water after a certain time so he wouldnt "go" in the car.
Any tips?
2006-12-22 04:30:10 · 13 answers · asked by Casey B 4 in Pets ➔ Cats
I've travelled with 2 cats and 2 large breed dogs in a small SUV from CO to IL, and they did really well...They weren't in carriers, i had food and water available as well as a litterbox. They have also been on multiple trips to my parents house which is 4 hrs away and did well without carriers. If you dont want to put a litterbox in your car, i'd suggest no food or water, it wont hurt him for a few hours.
2006-12-22 13:28:43 · answer #1 · answered by Mindy 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Everyone has had great answers. I want to tell you that traveling with a cat is not all that fun. Like a few before me I wonder if you REALLY need to bring the cat with you. However. A full body harness is the best for a cat. The carrier is really a good idea to bring with b/c cats tend to find the worst spots to try and sleep. However - if you can't bring the carrier - then bring a few blankets, etc. to make into a small den so he can sleep and feel safe. Be aware this cat if like most will probably meow a lot. Bring water - most definitely - b/c they do get dehydrated. however, bring either a water bottle or some small bowl you can force his mouth into (b/c sometimes they won't drink and will try to dehydrate themselves) food is ok. most likely he won't eat until you've stopped for the night. (Make sure you have his food and bring treats (if he likes those) and bring wet catfood (as a treat) for when you stop for the night. Cat litter is a must - however do not expect him to use it while you are traveling. Make sure however that when you do stop that he has full access. I had the litter in full access for Abby (my cat) the entire trip (in the backseat on the floor) only when I stopped for longer than an hour did she use it. Be sure if you only bring the harness that you make sure she is connected to the leash when you open the door. While Abby didn't run out, she did try to get out the window once to be close to me. Other than that. good luck.
2016-05-23 15:54:09 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I moved from Philadelphia to Phoenix and drove with my cat in the car with me for 4 days. LIke some other folks have said, I put her in a large cat crate and used a disposable roasting pan for a littler box which was small enough to put inside the large crate with the cat. I had a little clip on bowl that came with the crate which I could use for water and some dry food.
There was no way I was going to drive with her loose in the car. Not safe!! What if she got out when I opened a door? What if she decided to pee in the car? She didn't mind the crate at all and I thought she'd cry and whatnot but she just slept in it for the most part. She didn't even eat or use the litter box until we stopped for the night and I let her out of the crate in the motel rooms.
I had taken her to the vet prior to the trip and got some tranquilizers just in case she was a freak in the car, but I didn't have to use them. If your cat doesn't barf on short trips, she probably will be just fine on the longer one. Have a great trip
2006-12-22 05:08:52 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes that would be good not to give your pet any water or food before your trip. If he does well in small trips that is wonderful. Maybe for this long trip put your cat in a kennel in the vehicle. That is only if your cat bothers you when you drive. I wish you luck. I think that is the best tip that you are already going to do and that is no water or food before the trip.
2006-12-22 04:35:15 · answer #4 · answered by November 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well it depends on the cat. My calico is a great car rider, she just curls up and sleeps, while my male cat freaks out and has to be sedated to go anywhere. If you feed him the night before you are leaving, he should be ok but I wouldnt recommend feeding him right before the trip. Also if you are worried about how he might act you could talk to your vet about sedating him for the trip. It is well worth it with my male, because he vomits and has diarrhea and just completely stresses out in the car, and the meds relax him and he can go for hours and not be phased. Your vet can give you any travel meds you need for your cat. Good luck and if you have any more questions feel free to email me.
2006-12-22 05:05:23 · answer #5 · answered by Ryne's proud mommy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I lived in S. California and moved to the Bay area this June. I had to move all my stuff by car including my kitty, this by the way is an 8 hour drive. I used a cat carrier and put food and water in with her. If she had an accident than all I had to do was clean the carrier. I got mine from pets mart for about $15-16 including tax.
http://www.petsmart.com/global/search/search_results.jsp
2006-12-22 04:38:20 · answer #6 · answered by petitepapillions 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I took my cat and 2 dogs when I moved from the east coast to CO. I put my cat in a LARGE CRATE with a litter box in it, or connected to it. When we moved the other way I put her in her carrier and duck taped a cardboard box to the door filled with litter so she could go if she had to. I gave her water when I stoped, but no food. We tried to take a trip with my husband's cat NOT in a carrier and it was terrible, especially since we were always woried about finding her before we opened the door so she wouldn't escape when we stoped for food or gas!
2006-12-22 04:36:22 · answer #7 · answered by Erica S 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think you will be fine as long as you continue to take him on trips with you. Cats don't seem to have a very long memory so if you do not make it a continues event it will forget and when it gets older it might be frightened. Bathroom problem just be sure to stop and let it out like you would a dog every so often they have leashes you can get for cats might want to try one on him.
2006-12-22 04:40:34 · answer #8 · answered by miztycal mist 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are right on target, don't feed your kitty just before you leave or give him any food or water while you are on the road. Cats tend to relieve themselves about 20-30 min after they eat. So if you feed your kitty about an hour before you leave and make sure he has had a chance to relieve himself, he will be fine until you get to your destination.
2006-12-22 04:41:35 · answer #9 · answered by ttswismis 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
NO water or food 4 hrs before the trip.
2006-12-22 04:47:39 · answer #10 · answered by Snowball 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋