Moving Kitties Across States - The Long Car Ride..

Hi, I'm looking for advice on how best to move my girls. They are 15 years old! They are in excellent health but I'm weary of sedating them because of their age. They have traveled before in long car rides and they absolutely hate it! Even short rides are very unpleasant for all of us! As soon as they get in the car it's puking, pooping, and crying all the way! They don't even like going in their carriers and put up a fight for that too because of they know carrier = car ride. How can I make this move as easy for them and me as possible? I'm relocating for work and it's a great improvement in my life and theirs... though getting them through it... I need your help!! It's going to be at least a four hour road trip and into Atlanta so I need as much and peace for me too! 

Have you tried feliway diffuser/spray or composure liquid?

Handsome Kitty said:

Have you tried feliway diffuser/spray or composure liquid?

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Great ideas :nod: Spirit Essences are also worth a try.

It might help if you got new carriers in a totally different shape, and retrained your girls to create a more positive association. Something like this might work well, as they could have it out all the time in 'bed' mode http://sleepypod.com/sleepypod

I know you don't want to sedate, but talking to your vet about meds to help with the nausea might help too.

When we moved to a different state, we actually bought a large dog crate and put all three cats in together so the could cuddle up and commiserate with each other.  They settled down once we got on the road.  I filled the bottom of the crate with lots of shredded newspaper in case of accidents, AND because it made it softer.  Then I tuned the radio to something soft vs rock and roll, and we were off.  At that time I wasn't aware of the spirit essences, but now I am, and I DO have luck with Rescue Remedy for Pets when they need calming, as we recently needed for renovations. 

Maybe there are some tips in this article that will help you out:  http://www.thecatsite.com/a/road-tripping-with-cats