Questions about moving

I have a previously feral cat named Tom that I will soon be moving with. Tom has become pretty relaxed around my husband and I and comes in to spend the night in our house every evening. However, at dawn he always goes to the door to be let out. He spends his days outside, only coming in for lunch.

Pretty soon I will be moving to another state and am a bit worried about how Tom will adjust. He totally freaked in the cat carrier the time I took him for a short ride tot he vet. While moving I will need to keep him in the car for many hours. I just don't know how he will handle it. I thought of trying to tranquilize him for the car ride. He is very picky regarding what he will eat, so I don't know if I can get him to actually eat a tranquilizer.

Once we arrive at our new home, I know Tom will freak out. He is extremely sensitive to change. I am worried about having to keep him in the house 24/7 for 3-4 weeks as well. I just don't know how I can keep him happy doing that, but I understand that he will not stay around the new place if I do not. Does anyone have advice on trying to keep him from going bonkers during this time? 

Also, does anyone have advice on how to get a cat to accept a collar? I tried putting a collar and tag on Tom, but he always gets the break-away ones off. 

Thanks for any advice.

I have friends whose vet tranquilizes their cats for the drive to Florida every year. Apparently, they work with a vet down there for the drugs for the trip home. Ask your vet if there's something they can give Tom. Even if it is something that just calms him down, that will help.

Is there a way you can transport him in a crate? He can have a potty in there with him. I would cover the crate or carrier for the trip, too, to help him keep calm.

When you get to the new house, give him his own room for a few weeks. It will be easier for him to adjust to one new room than a whole new house. Once he's comfortable in his room, he can be introduced to the rest of the house.

And having his own room will enable you to keep him out from underfoot when the inevitable new home adjustments are being made.

Good luck!