I am moving 5-6 hours away and i need to take my cat. Any suggestions on how to do this?

Question

example...how to do it without traumatizing him, food, bathroom etc?

Answer 1

hi! I did this last month. We moved from Colorado to North Carolina with two cats. It wasn't too bad either. If your cats don't do well in the car (i have one) then go to your vet. They can prescribe a mild sedative that you give in the morning before you leave. It didn't knock her out but it did make her sleepy so she hardly cried. The other cat was fine he just curled up in his carrier. As for food, I took their food and water up the night before. This way there was nothing in their systems so they didn't have to use the litter box. I did supply them with fresh water when I'd stop but they didn't drink any. Since our move took three days, I'd give them food, water, litter box immediately when we got to the hotel. They didn't eat a lot though but the vet said it's normal. We did spend extra time with them-playing and petting them. Most cats will get used to the car after the first thirty but again, if you feel like your cat could cry a lot it's best to see the vet. It helped us out a LOT-saved our sanity!

Answer 2

Buy a pet crate at WalMart or any other Pet store, line it with either shredded paper or a warm blanket - whatever you think your pet would enjoy most. You can add food and water to the crate but for that short of a distance your cat should be fine. Altho it would be nice to have the food and water there just in case. Put the crate somewhere in the car where the cat can see and/or hear you and you can keep an eye on the cat. Get a product called Rescue Remedy at your local health food store and give your cat a few drops before you set out and it will help calm the cat a bit. Most cats don't enjoy the feeling of the motion of the car and yowl a bit, then they'll settle down. Others will howl the entire time Some of them don't care at all and actually seem to enjoy car rides. I try to make it a practice to take my cats with me for short rides and then longer ones as kittens so that they don't think that cars are cat eating monsters

Lots of people seem to feel that cats don't travel well or that they don't take to moves but think of the many cats who go to all those cat shows! They spend nights in strange hotel/motels and ride in airplanes and cars and taxis - your cat can do this!! It's a breeze!! Good luck and I hope you enjoy your move and your new place!!

Answer 3

In a carrier and if possible fasten the carrier do a seatbelt. For just 5 or 6 hours, I'd forgo the food and bathroom. You could ask your vet for a tranquilizer, but I'm betting it won't be necessary. My daughter moved her cat from PA to NC and that was a 12 hour drive and no problems. The cat was never out of the carrier.

Answer 4

well if youre driving, i suggest you get a medium size dog cage, and place it in the back seat (try to put the seat down so it doesnt tip over, or back compartment if you have a truck. here you can fit a small cat litter box, and tack it to the floor with some sort of no slide grip. you can also get a deep water/food bowl set and tack it to the floor with something, and only fill it halfway because the car will be moving. if that isnt for you, you can get a calming product at petsmart and such. you just pour a few drops in the water and the cat is supposed to be calmed down. but before you move, try it one day where you can watch her so you know if she has any problems with it. you can throw a small blanket of yours inside the cage or crate if you choose instead, and she will recognize your scent. carry a few plastic bags and a lot of papertowels should she have an accident on the way.

Answer 5

I moved from Georgia to Baltimore with my cat and I crated her. She was still stressed for the first hour but safe and she finally calmed down and napped. Your vet can also give you sedatives that will make things easier. I didn't do this though because I was afraid since my cat is very small though full grown.

Whatever you do please keep you cat from running loose in the car while you are driving. Safety is the obvious reason but it is so easy for the cat to run out when you open the door.

Answer 6

If it is only 5 or 6 hours, your cat should be fine food and bathroom wise. To minimize stress use a pet crate and put a towel over it so your cat can't see out. Sounds bad, but that is the common rule for minimizing stress in animals. Good Luck!

Answer 7

Well, my cats are used to the car, they have been riding in it since they were babies. I moved for the East side of Kansas clear to Northern Colorado with my cat. She did fine. She was very curious. I put the litter box on the floor, and then food and water on the floor too. She slept part of the way. It won't be near as bad as you think! Good Luck!

Answer 8

If your cats get nervous in the car or they sometimes leak when scared you may want to try DryFur Cushions they are disposable and LOck the wetness away. Also they are rigid and cushioned in the center so they stay flat and under your cat. Will keep them comfortable and if they have an accident you will not even have to change it till you get to your destination since they dry INstantly.

Answer 9

Just put the cat in the car and drive the cat to your new residence. Two years ago we rented an SUV and drove from Washington state to Minnesota with all three of our cats. No trauma. The cats are fine. Don't obsess about this - just do it.
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Answer 10

I drove from New Jersey to Los Angeles with my cat. (4 days, over 40 hours of driving) Driving will work fine.