How do I get my cat to travel 21 hours in a car?

Question

How do I get my cat (She does not like to travel 10 miles to the vet) to travel 21 hours in a car, with a dog she hates?
I'm also on a kinda short budget
Thanks so much in advance!

She has a carrier and the dog doesnt go in a carrier. I think the dog will be fine.....but the cat goes balistic and goes to the bathroom everytime! How would I put a litter pan in a small cage?

Answer 1

In addition to visiting the vet for a sedative, I would go to Walmart and see if you can pick up one of those soft cat carriers that have a lot of ventalation. I think they sell them for relatively inexpensive.

I also liked the idea of putting an old t-shirt you have worn in with her so she can feel more at home.

Bring along a dish for food and water, and when you have to let the dog go potty, give the cat a small amount of food and water. You don't want to give her a lot of food orwater unless you want potty issues!

I would recommend also grabbing a large amount of paper towels, and a garbage bag in case of an accident. You may want a change of cage liner as well!

Hopefully the sedative will let her sleep most of the way so it is an uneventful journey!

Have a safe trip!

Answer 2

I would put the cat in a "cat-carrier" if you have one. If you don't, and don't have the money, you can make one out of a cardboard box or something. I would make sure it is VERY secure, has air holes, a little water, and a small conatiner of litter, along with a blanket or something to sleep on. Some food too. Then you can just put the dog in the back seat next to it. Make sure the box is well ventilated, but also make sure the cat can't see the dog. OR, put the dog in a carrier and let the cat roam around (more dangerous though if the cat wants to explore the foot pedals). It may be uncomfortable all cooped up like that, but it's only temporary and he/she will get over it.

Besides, you'll be cooped up in a box for 21 hours that barely fits you (aka your car) so why can't your cat suffer along with it's owner?

Answer 3

Talk to your vet and have him or her prescribe a good sedative. Make sure both animals are in cages or crates that have excellent ventilation. If possible do not have their crates facing each other.

Some people would tell you to buy an anti-anxiety supplement at the pet store, but since it's apparently going to be very traumatic, I say go for the sedative. Besides, most supplements cost as much if not more than sedatives. Vets will usually prescribe a sedative for long trips without qualms.

Please do not just lock her in a cage or crate without sedation. If you do she will be totally hysterical when you release her and will run wild. You could actually lose her when she goes "wild" in new surroundings.

Good luck.

Answer 4

In my experiences with cats, they only freak out for about 10 or 15 minutes. After that they calm down and it's no big deal.

My cats hate being in a carrier. They like to be free in the car. I just answered a question that I had 2 cats and a dog and we drove 24 hours straight. One cat and the dog hated each other, but they were fine on the trip. They knew that they had to tolerate each other.

I've driven cross country with my cats many times and after they chill out and calm down everything is fine.

Sometimes the short drives are worse than the long ones.

Answer 5

I recently traveled 5 hours with my cat, then back a couple days later. She was not in a cage and roamed the car. Mostly she laid on the back seat. She got sick and threw up ALL OVER the back seat. That was a bummer.

I'd recommend:
- bring something for the cat to sleep on - one of your t-shirts, a sweater - something that smells like you.
- bring plenty of paper towels in case she gets sick
- if you're traveling with someone, they must be prepared to hold and comfort the cat until it gets less freaked out.
- bring moist cat food - that's where the cat gets water from

On the second 5-hour trip (back to home), the cat was MUCH better than the first time around. The more you drive, the more the cat will get used to it. Good luck!

Answer 6

Before you go on your trip, take her to the vet and let them know you are taking a long car ride and see if there is anything they can give you to keep them calm. Separate the two animals, each one in their own carriers and make them very comfortable. Good Luck.

Answer 7

She needs her own crate (if you can't afford a new one, try looking on craigslist for one) with a bed and water to make her comfortable. Then put her in a different area of the car than where the dog will be.

Answer 8

Sedation... and a little cozy "tent" for him to hide under. See your vet for sedatives. Otherwise you might have a screaming cat going crazy for 21 hours.