Anyone traveled across country with cats?

flnursemichelle · Jul 10, 2010

Hello there, I too travel with 2 cats and I drive them wherever we go. Although I haven't traveled more than 2 days with them, I don't give them a chance to not go with me, they are my babies! :) I put them in cages that are big enough to hold a small litter container (I use disposable cake pans so I can throw them out when done) and they have a food/water dispenser. Here are my tricks...

About 2 hours before I start the drive, I put them in their cages, that way they are in them but without the movement of the car to scare them. One scary thing at a time.

I use "treats" to get them in the cage. I have a pounce container that is plastic that I put their treats into and when I shake it they come running. I put their treast into the carrier when they aren't traveling too so they are used to it.

After they are settled into the car, I make sure the doors are all closed on the car before I put the water in.

I cover the opening with a small pillowcase. I read online that cats don't like the movement of cars and can get car sick. They are much better when I cover the carrier. I also put a bathmat rug on the bottom of the carrier. It has a rubber backing so they don't slide and they love rugs so they are on something soft.

I read online that if you drive them around the block everyday, a little longer each day they get used to it but I haven't tried it yet.

If all of these things don't work, you can actually get something to drug them if you need to. I did that with my last pet and it was a 2 day drive. She got the pill the first day but the 2nd day she was fine without it. It made her very sleepy but that is all it did.

If they don't do well even with these tips, as a last resort I would fly with them but that seems even worse to me. I also don't have anyone else to help me by flying so they have to go with me. :) If you have a good relationship with your vet, when you do their pre-leaving checkup, ask for tips. Good luck and I hope it goes well.

Bijou-Spice · Jul 10, 2010

Thank you for some good ideas! I like the pillowcase idea. So you actually give them water in the car? No spilling as you drive? By everything you've written you are obviously a wonderful pet parent.

curlygirl8 · Jul 12, 2010

I'm going thru the same thing right now. I'm on the east coast & planning to fly to CA in the next few weeks with my cat. He hates, hates, hates driving. He pees, poops, & throws up in the carrier just during a 30 minute drive to the vets. Ugh. I feel terrible about putting him thru this but I won't go across country without him. Talked to my vet who gave me a sample of oral medication that helps with motion sickness & induces mild sleepiness. It worked very well & lasted a long time, up to about 6 or 7 hours overall. I now feel more comfortable about taking kitty in the airplane cabin with me. I read up on flying with cats by searching google. Lots of info. I'm planning on bringing some disposable gloves, extra carrier pads, and a plastic bag in case he has an accident on the flight. Of course, I'm nervous as all get out. I don't want to put kitty (or me) under tons of stress. But I figure, it's just one day. And it'll be worth having him with me during my first travel assignments across country.

Lots of luck. Let us know if you learn of any other tricks!

Bijou-Spice · Jul 12, 2010

Have a safe and happy flight curlygirl8!! I hope you don't have any delays. Let me know how you two make out. Good luck with your assignment also!