traveling cat?!?!?

Question

I live at both my ganrdma's and mom's house. I was wondering if I could take my cat back and forth to both houses? Would it do something to the cat?

Answer 1

Cats are adaptable, and while most will complain about a short car trip it doesn't hurt them. After a few days of being on the road, most cats will get used to the care completely (take it from someone who has moved cross-country with three). Just make sure to keep the cat in a cat-carrier so s/he is safe in case there is an accident, and also to prevent them from getting under the gas/brake petals -- which they will try to do if scared. If your kitty has a favorite toy or sleeping bed/mat/etc then bring that back and forth for them so s/he feels comfortable. The cat will probably come to see this arrangement as doubling its territory and be quite pleased in the long run.

Answer 2

To answer to both your questions: Yes you can take your cat to both houses. And No, it won't do anything to your cat especially when you prepare
a place for it and make some subtle changes at first. Also I recommend just sitting your cat down quietly and telling it what you want it to understand.
The first question I would ask you to clarify your question is your cat used to travelling in a car?
If not, you can train your cat to relax during a car ride by taking short 5 minute car rides a couple times a week that end pleasantly (ie. you don't end up at the vet's or some unfamiliar place).
Use a pet carrier lined with a soft familiar blankie or pad and put in a favorite toy or object. Don't play the car radio if your pet is not used to it in the house. Sing or talk periodically while driving. It is best that your cat can see you at all times during the ride. If your cat yowls or whines, comforting words can sometimes help, or just putting your finger into the carrier can too. Keep your eyes on the road and slow down. Ensure that at each home you stay at, your cat has it's very own safe quiet out-of-the-way place to rest. It's litter box has to be easily accessible (but not in the same room as it's bed), private, and away from traffic.
Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Most cats don't deal with new situations unless they've been acclimated to that kind of constant change from babyhood. Mine don't even like being a car (or anything moving). You can probably eventually get it used to being in both houses, going from one to the other but it is going to be a long, trying adjustment for all of you. Your cat is going to be stressed at the new place, stressed in transit too. It'll take a while for it to get used to the new place--but with time and familiarity, it will see that this new place is also home and it will be just fine. But while it is figuring this out, it might not want to use the litter box, might go into deep hiding, might run away if it gets outside, might hiss and scratch at you and everyone else and might develop some other stress-related side effects. If you intend to spend long periods of time at each house (not just going to your grand's on weekends but like spending a month at one place and the next month at the other, etc.), you might be able to do it if you (and everyone else) is REAL tolerant and patient and you spend extra time with your kitty letting it know that you are there and are still taking care of it, etc. Be prepared for not normal behavior (even a kitty who had perfect habits will often get messed up when scared). If you're only spending Sat & Sun at one house but the rest of the week at the other, I'd just leave the kitty at the "rest of the week" house where it will feel most comfortable.

Answer 4

There is a product called Feliway that is especially helpful when transporting cats, although somewhat expensive. Spray a little of it (like perfume) inside a cat carrier 30 minutes before you put the cat in and it will make a noticable difference in their temperament. If you make regular trips, the cat will eventually become used to the two locations. Just watch for signs of stress such as hair loss and urinating behavior changes/problems. If the cat shows signs of stress, moving just might not be its cup of tea.
Also, dont ever try to transport a cat without a cat carrier. Their fear will either cause them to seek high ground, clawing their way to the top of your head, or low ground, behind the brake and gas pedals. Both are very bad situations for a driver.

Answer 5

It would probably be okay. Although at first it might be a little stressful for the cat. Try having some familiar objects (blankets, toys, etc) for the cat in both places and make sure everything always stays consistent as far as where it eats and goes to the bathroom. That should make the transitions a little easier. Maybe your vet could also recommend something. I know that there are certain pheremone sprays that can help calm a cat in a new situation. They are kind of pricey but you could try them.

Oh yes, and I have to agree with someone who replied earlier and said that the 'house rules' should be consistent in both places. I think that is very very important.

Answer 6

I say why not, give it a try.

I take my two kitties (6 months and 9 months old) back and forth from my apartment to my parents' house about every 2 weeks. We leave on Friday night and return on Sunday night. At first the younger one cried during the one hour ride and the other one was fine. The younger one has gotten used to the ride and doesn't say a word.

I would suggest that you take your kitty in a carrier and to make sure that there is a familiar blanket, rug or shirt in the carrier. Don't forget to also bring something familiar for your kitty to sleep on or play with wherever you are.

For the first time that you take your kitty to the new place, I would keep the kitty in the bathroom or confined to a room overnight or for the first day. Give your kitty time to adjust to the new place just like you did when you first brought your kitty home with you for the first time.

Good luck to you and your kitty.

Answer 7

how often do u go? how long do u stay? if u stay at both houses for a while, then your cat should get used to both houses i think... and how long is the trip? becuase to my cat, it gets car sick and its having a hard time to breath and once, it even threw up! ur cat might feel a little strange moving back and forth though..but i think after a while, it should get used to it...but just remember that sometimes its really hard for some animals to get used to 2 homes.. so give it some time if its not used to the house :)

Answer 8

It depends on the nature and age of your particular cat. Some cats simply abhor car travel - others don't mind it...Older cats don't like change that much. If your cat doesn't fit into these two categories, he/she should be OK as long as you make certain there are the same types of 'cat places/amenities' he/she enjoys at both places...and preferably in the same or similar locations.

Answer 9

it will make the cat withdrawn we had a fire but she never seen it of smelled it i found the fire first, and i got her out and she would hide in the house we live in now but after about 3 weeks she came out she still is afraid when we open and close doors i have now clue why, but with u moving Ur cat around a lot she will be afraid our vet said our cat was afraid as a direct result of us moving into a new house and she didn't know what was going to happen.

Answer 10

Depends on how often you move between the two homes. Some cats could adjust and some may not be able to. Different breeds react differently to things. The cat must adjust and accept both homes but it could be hard, think about divorced parents......it is hard for children to adjust at times.