Taking the bus with my cat, suggestions please!!?

Question

I live in San Francisco and don't have my car with me. I'm planning on going to the East Bay this weekend, and I want to bring my cat with me. He's about 8 months old, and isn't used to going on trips at all. I plan on getting some kind of carrier for him, so he'll have somewhere to be, and not be bothered. But my main question is, is there a way to ensure that this trip (consisting of a 30 minute bus ride and hour long bart train ride) goes smoothly? Also, would it bother you if someone had a meowing cat on a train with you?

Answer 1

Good luck. I'd suggest to have the carrier sitting in such a way that he can see you. This will probably be a scary event for him. Talk to him a lot in a soothing voice. My wife and I moved from Scotland down to her native England. We brought both of our cats. The older one did cry some. We had the carriers facing each other so they knew they were still together. I talked to him a lot. It was over four hours. Nobody seemed to mind. I think most people will be ok with a cat meowing.

Answer 2

I've traveled by train & airplane with cats. Get a good carrier, and if he's nervous, a thin but dark cloth to go over it, chances are he may be calmer when he can't see all the stuff going on around him. I would not medicate him unless you know for a fact he'll be very nervous! I've never medicated my cats, often it works but sometimes they'll get adverse reactions to it and become even more nervous or something. Don't worry about him needing to go; it's a pretty short trip. Just in case put an old towel in the carrier that you can toss if he soils it; some cats soil the carrier not because they have to go so badly but because they're nervous. An old, worn sweater or tshirt will be good too, especially if you wear it before so it'll smell familiar! Might seem gross to us but cats looooooove our dirty laundry. :)

Don't worry too much about the meowing. You can experiment a little with covering/uncovering the carrier but other than that, oh well, it's not like it's gonna take all day to get there. Animals & little children will sometimes make noise, you can't always prevent that and people who don't understand, well that's just too bad!

Answer 3

No as I've been the person with the meowing cats.

I've had to take my cats on trains and buses also. I put them in the carrier. Everyone loved them, kept coming to look and try and pet them.
Make sure you have one of those bowls that clip to the door, so you can give it water so it doesnt get dehydrated. MAke sure you empty the bowl before getting on the bus or train. Also keep a bottle of water with you for the cat. Dont feed your cat that morning, that way hopefully they wont crap while your on the train or bus. Keep a plastic bag and spare blanket just in case. So you can put soiled blanket/mattress in the plastic bag.
Other than that, just keep talking to your cat calmly and soothingly. Put your fingers through the bars, so they can smell you and rub against your fingers. My cats were fine, a little scared but didnt make much noise.
Oh a few days before you leave leave the carrier on the floor- open for a few days to get your cat used to it. Then lock it in there for like 5 min. Then a few hours later do it again for 10min. Just so they arent so scared of it.

Answer 4

The meowing wouldn't bother me; what would bother me is that I'm really really allergic to cats and if I sat next to a cat on a bus or a train for even half an hour I would get sick for days. So just be aware that there are people with severe allergies and maybe ask the people you're sitting by if they have problems like that so you can move if they do.

Answer 5

Oh, your poor cat. Definately get a carrier. Ask your vet to prescribe a mild sedative for the trip to calm kitties nerves. I had to take my cat for a 4 hour car ride when I moved once, and she drove me nuts. So, I'm sure your meowing cat would annoy others like a crying baby would. You know cats can spend a weekend alone provided they have enough food and water left out, and access to the litter box.

Answer 6

Get him used to the carrier before the trip. Put treats in there and even take him out for a walk or something in it . Talk to him to soothe and explain what is happening. He will learn that all will be ok. I wouldn't mind my self cause iam an animal lover. Don't forget his supplies like his cat box and litter and food. Maybe a favorite toy and blankie something else familar from home.

Answer 7

Honestly if it was going to be for 30 min or longer yes That would get annoying for a cat to be meowing the whole time... You could only hope that he quiets down and gets used to the ride.. Another thing... where is he going to go to use the bathroom?

Answer 8

I have a kitty too, and my cat hates moving vehicles, no matter what.. My friend who is a vet said that they have mild sedatives for pets that are completely safe..might be worth a try. Also a leach might be a good idea, so your kitty can go for a little walk without he fear of it running away.. And yes,, you will drive everyone on the bus nuts if that kitty meows the whole way,, good luck

Answer 9

I have taken my cat on a 15 hour ride before but that was in my own car. As others have said make sure you take food and water and since your destination is only an hour and half, make sure that you get the cat to the litter pan as soon as you can. Its not good on the cats kidneys if he/she has to hold everything in. Good luck and have fun!!!

Answer 10

Yes get a carrier and get her use to it a few times and get a cover for her and so she will not be frightened when she see strange things but not to cover fully so she can see a bit of things outside and if she is afraid she can choose not to look outside. And perhaps get her to face you and you can talk to her all the time and assure her, maybe touch her on the way..
don't worry she can hold her bladder until you reach your destination.
When you arrive make sure she is comfortable and happy and allow her out at her pace.
Good luck