Question:
We're moving across the country in three weeks (husband is getting out of the military). We have two cats, and I'm really concerned about what the best way to move them is. We have to drive b/c we have to bring along all of our belongings. They were both abused strays before we adopted them, so they don't do very well with being packed into the carriers.

I was thinking about getting a 24" dog crate to set up in the back seat in the car so that they can both cuddle up together and still be safe, yet not feel like they're trapped in a box. They run about $45 US here.

A few weeks ago, our vet suggested a mild sedative to calm their nerves but after this week's vaccination reaction scare, I don't want to put anything in their little bodies that they don't absolutely need!

I should say, on our trip, we are staying the night at a relative's house, so they'll be given a room of their own there, but the next day, it's back in the car again!

Have any of you had to move far with cats? How did you do it? What worked and didn't work for you?

Answer:
IMO I would drive with a large crate where you can have their water, food, small litter box. If it's a very long trip and you need to stop let them out for a little while but make sure your windows and doors are closed.
My husband moved our cats and dog from BC to Quebec and everything was fine until the last leg where he forgot the head count and didn't put the cats away so the dog could go out for a break. Needless to say he arrived in Montreal minus one cat...It was very upsetting and still is to this day...please always have a headcount before you drive off or let the cats out.

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That is awful cpietra16, what a sad story. I know something like that would still trouble me deeply. I hope your kitty found a safe place.

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oh my gosh, that's terrible

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I went to Vancouver (by place from Montreal) with both cats , they were in a carrier and I did give them a sedative before we left. Everything went fine. Except that they left the carrier right in the middle of the airport in Vancouver and some kids were trying to pet them when we got to them. Anyone could have left with them

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cpietra16, that is so sad

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I have travelled across Canada many times with at least one cat. I found sedating was not a good idea, my cat was more stressed on meds than off. Did not like his reaction at all and stopped giving it to him after the first day.

We would put a small kitten litter box on the floor of the vehicle just in case they needed it, and gave them food and water when ever we stopped. I found bringing their usual food and water dishes encouraged them to eat and drink as cats have a tendancy to not eat when stressed.
Bring their favourite food to feed them, it is very important that they eat.

None of my cats would tavel well in a carrier while in the car, but did prefer to be in a carrier while being carted through the motel. If you can't get them in a carrier ensure you have a collar/harness with a leash attached and a secure hold on the leash as well as them while you carry them safely into the room. They panic.

Good Luck!

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Originally Posted by Frenchy
cpietra16, that is so sad

I like to believe things happen for a reason...at least thats how I deal with Misty's loss.

1- I found here
2- there was someone in North bay that needed Misty more than me. At least that's how I feel.
Now having said that, she has been lost since July 11, 2003 and I still look thru all the sites and email all the vets ( across canada and including the one in Alberta who had her tattoo put in) once a month...they all know me unfortunately, and they say they keep on looking out for her hoping someone may eventually bring her in.... a needle in the hey stack...but my needle

Answer:
Well, they'll be in the car about 14 hrs the first day (from here to the family's house). Then they will have their own big room there, with eachother, for two or three days. The second leg of our trip will be about 8 or 9 hours. Then they will be in our new home, and I'll put them in a quiet room for them to relax as we bring in our stuff.

I don't want to sedate them because of the history of odd reactions, and I don't want something to happen to them when we aren't in reach of a vet. I read something the other day saying that it's best to keep them in seperate crates so that they don't aggrivate eachother b/c of stress. So I'm not sure what to do. Put them in their own respective carriers but face them toward each other??

Answer:
Sedation depends so much on the cat and what it used and whether it works for them. Some cats are good travellers and need nothing and that is the best option. IF sedation is necessary at all and it can be dangerous of they smother accidentally on something - with toys et al or any little thing actually - there are some holistic products that work better than any of the ones one needs a script for. Cocculine is one recommended by some vets I know and Rescue remedy is recommended no so much by vets by people I know who have done this. NEVER use gravol or valarian - those are the most likely to have the opposite effect, even in human esp in human children! I have used both cocculine and RR for vet visits and it is less of a sedative than something that adds a calming effect.

I would drive - that is the best way. You could take a plane but you'd have to ensure you have all the arrangements made beforehand so your kitty is in the cabin with you and that takes some doing and can be worrisome when changing planes - tho I have done that too! Fortunately, my cats are all good travellers.

I have had a few probs driving and come to think of it, prob more driving than any but if you have someone with you, it would be helpful! I am so sorry ciepta!! That must have been horrible!!!!!!

One one scare was helping my sister bring her 5 cats when she was moving from to central NB and on the Trans Canada, we stopped for something and one of the kitties got out of his carrier and we looked everywhere - we spent time in the small town near there, finally had to leave after many hrs with signs, notices for the newspaper and plans to return but when we arrived in Fredericton, the cat had been in some hidey hole somewhere and poked his nose out. I was never so happy to see a cat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But the advantages of driving are that you can stop to let the cats out on a leash for a bit and then to let them eat something and just for a cuddle. I have Siamese and they do whine to be let out only when in heat!! (which they never have been - I only know of other Siamese.) I would get your meezer if s/he has some meezer in her - to the vet asap!! Some Siamese go into heat as early as 4 months!

Good luck!

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