Relocating from SC to CT, taking two cats in the car. Any suggestions to make their travel easier?

Question

We have two female cats, one for sure gets car sick. I would love to avoid that and also any tips that may help while traveling would be appreciated.

Answer 1

I recommend sedation, your vet can give you something. Make sure somebody is in charge of watching them.

Offer them water throughout the day, but don't be alarmed if they refuse.

Don't drive the trip straight through. Stop and get a hotel/motel that will allow your kitties. This gives them a chance to eat, drink, stretch and use the litter box.

A kennel that they both fit in would be nice if they get along. They will be comforted by each other.

Without sedation, you risk a traumatic trip for both the kitties and the humans. They are likely to howl the entire time!

Keep paper towels and cleaning supplies handy to clean up vomit.

If you get stopped for speeding, blame it on the cats. Tell them the cat has diarrhea and is about to be sick. This excuse has gotten me out of several tickets. I'm not being sarcastic or gross, it's true. The cop will not want to deal with what you are claiming is about to happen. Just say you are trying to make it to a rest area before the cat eliminates.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Yeah. Pull over and turn around and head back to SC.

The taxes are SKY HIGH here and Governor Rell is increasing them. There are no good jobs.

My town taxes are going up 12 percent if the budget passes.

Don't say you weren't warned!

As for the cats I would highly recommend buying a nice roomy cage. Such cages are not cheap but they are worth it for you peace of mind. Beg or borrow or steal one if you can.

You don't want a situation where one of the cats escapes at a rest stop. I know that would break you heart to drive away and leave one of your babies behind.

Bite the bullet and get a cage big enough for a litter box. Yes they will whine for a while but they will adjust. Don't let them roam in the car. They will distract your driving.

I am also thinking that maybe you can rent one from one of those truck rental places. Just an idea. I don't think its necessary to put them in separate cages.

Answer 3

As someone who just lost her cat after a stressful move, don't make the stupid mistake of letting your cat outside before it is completely comfortable in your new place, however long that may take. Even then, a harness may be a good idea for the first few outings. I am kicking myself for my stupidity and have been crying everyday and walking miles everyday in search of him. I wanted to pass this advice to you so that you don't have to go through the same thing I am right now.

Answer 4

Moving to a new home can be just as stressful on your pet as it is on you. Following are some tips to help you help your pet through this change of address.

Talk to your veterinarian at least three weeks before the move to determine if your pet will need medication for nervousness or car sickness.
Gather the supplies your pet will need during the move - food, water, medications, medical records, bedding and toys. It also helps to bring along some of your dirty laundry because the familiar scent of these belongings is comforting to your pet.
Keep your pet away from the moving-day activity by confining him to a room where he feels safe, otherwise, your pet could become frightened and bolt out the door unnoticed. It's difficult to pack, move furniture, and keep an eye on your pet at the same time. Maybe you have a friendly place where your pet can stay during the packing and moving, like a neighbor, friend or boarding kennel. As much as possible, try not to disrupt his daily routine.
Be sure your dog or cat has a tag with your new phone number or the number of a friend so there will be someone to contact if your pet gets lost during the move.
Move small animals, like birds and hamsters, in their cages, covered with a lightweight fabric. Remove water and any other objects that might loosen and injure them. You must keep the temperature constant for these small friends to survive.
Unpack and settle in a bit before turning your pet loose in the house. Keep the doors to your extra rooms closed and slowly give your pet access to them as they become accustomed to their new home.
Orient your dog or cat to the new surroundings. If possible, try to place their favorite resting place (dog bed, chair or cushion) in the same position or area, as it was in your old home. Put their food and water bowls and toys in familiar places as well.
If you have a dog, walk him around the house, yard and block. If you have a cat, sit quietly and pet her, preferably while sitting in a familiar chair. Provide a place for your cat to hide (she'll do this anyway). Make sure she's eating, drinking and using her litter box.
Be patient, loving and reassuring with your pet, and they'll adjust quickly to their new home.

Answer 5

My mother had a cat that suffered from motion sickness, even with the short trips from the house to the vet's office. Her vet always provided her with a pill to give him to eliminate the sickness. Check with your vet about some medication for that and possibly to keep them at least partially sedated for the trip. It's a long one (I come from the tri-state area and moved TO SC 16 years ago) and you can't take them out to exercise them or stretch their legs unless you do it on a harness. Much harder and more stressful on cats.

Good luck.

Answer 6

If your cats get sick while traveling DONOT sedate them. Sedation will make it easier for the cat to choke on it's own vomit. Put them in separate cat crates and don't travel with the stereo blasting.

Answer 7

It's best to get some kitty tranquilizers from your vet. We have made many long distance moves and it is way less stressful for the cats. We tried one move without and it was a disaster.

Answer 8

put them in cat carriers and bring water and food for them and if its not too cold out open a window by them so they can have fresh air they may cry a little at first but thats a long drive and they will most likely sleep most of the time.