Moving, need advice quickly (well couple days) I have 3 cats to move 1300 miles

neontheblackcat · Aug 27, 2016

How many seat belts do you have in the car? The only reason (other then stopping roaming) that I've heard for putting your cats in a carrier is to keep them from going through the window if they crash. I had a theory that if you put a harness (not collar, an actual cat harness) on your cat and then put the seatbelt through it, then pull it until it doesn't stretch, it should keep your cat from going flying. This is probably a stupid theory, and might not work, but it's a thought you could research.

It would probably smarter to check out this video and see if it helps instead of listening to this "genius"

ramble on about seat belts.

They have a part were they're driving to and from hotels and the like if you wait and watch.

fastnoc · Aug 27, 2016

I'm remote right now but will watch when i arrive.

believe me, i'm paranoid and anal about security (which is why it literally shocks me I ever thought of putting them in the back). They will be strapped in with straps I use to tie down my motorcycle in my truck (well i DID do this when i was much younger).

Here's the bottom line. I don't care if my passenger has to hold one while i drive if I can strap them both in. we ARE moving and there isn't much choice now. i suppose in an emergency i could rent another vehicle but i just don't see that happening

IO'm very worried. I went to the location and they currently don't have the same sized truck. but i called penske and they assured me there's enough room for two to fit sideways on the bench and one on the floor since there's easily room for 3 and probably 4 on the bench.

jennyr · Aug 28, 2016

I would not be happy with any solution where the cats were semi free to move, I travelled 5 cats in a van across Europe - 2 12hour drives, in two dog crates that contained small litter trays and water dishes. They were fine. I put htem all in harnesses and leads to make stops easier, but they were absolutely fine, and had a certain amount of movement, but in locked cages.

SeventhHeaven · Aug 28, 2016

I agree with JennyR Large dog crate the whole process is very stressful for everyone it keeps them safe. *Some cats will Howl* Sometimes you can attach food water to door so it won't bother them lying down, if no room for litter box I would cover entire bottom with pellets-very inexpensive litter perfect for this just incase. You can buy tranquilizers from Vets that's not what they call them though, it's just a pill to help with motion sickness etc.to subdue them a bit. Leash harness at rest stops on the way.

Can also buy cheap travel collapsing bowls for pets at dollar store.

Used Crates all sizes great prices even free easy to find on facebook sites.

fastnoc · Aug 28, 2016

NeonTheBlackCat said:
How many seat belts do you have in the car? The only reason (other then stopping roaming) that I've heard for putting your cats in a carrier is to keep them from going through the window if they crash. I had a theory that if you put a harness (not collar, an actual cat harness) on your cat and then put the seatbelt through it, then pull it until it doesn't stretch, it should keep your cat from going flying. This is probably a stupid theory, and might not work, but it's a thought you could research.

It would probably smarter to check out this video and see if it helps instead of listening to this "genius"

ramble on about seat belts.

They have a part were they're driving to and from hotels and the like if you wait and watch.

That was fun. But it doesn't help where I'm worried, which is how they're going to do in the front of a truck.

here's the deal. Pickle and Tinker I'm not worried about. Wilbur on the other hand, is diabetic and epileptic. he MUST get a pill every 12 hours and a shot of insulin at the same time. This means he must eat exactly then too. This also means he pees a LOT and drinks a LOT of water.

there's nowhere near enough room in a carrier for a food and water dish, and since he pees all the time I don't know what to do.

The only thing I can think of is just be prepared to stop a LOT to let him out. But he's never been outside so I don't think it's going to be so simple to just let him out and go.

When I put a harness on him he just flops over. I tried for weeks to get him used to one a couple years ago so I could walk him. he just wouldn't take to it. but i'm not sure if it's a good idea to keep him harnessed for 20 + hours.

thoughts?

micknsnicks2mom · Aug 28, 2016

when i moved with my two cats years ago, it was a 12 hour drive. i used puppy pee pads (disposable) in their carriers. that made it relatively easy for me, just change the pee pad when it got 'soiled'.

cats many times don't want to eat during these long distance moves. you might bring some tasty cat treats for them, which might entice them to eat a little. even a can of tuna in spring water might help entice them, to eat a little and drink something too (the tuna flavored spring water). you might feed your cats (and medicate them) and offer them some water, when you make a bathroom stop. could you hook up a guinea pig sized water bottle in your Wilbur's carrier? you might try to get him familiar with one before the trip, if you decide to try that.

some other things that were important were: make sure that each cat wears a collar with a tag that has your name and phone number on it (and in the case of your cat with medical issues, some sort of cat medic alert tag too); when you need to open a cat carrier in the truck, make absolutely sure that the truck doors are locked (it's just way too easy for another person you're traveling with to open the truck door at just the wrong moment, and a cat takes off. once outdoors and in a strange area, the cat can become even more scared. you might never find the cat again).

msserena · Aug 28, 2016

wow, I don't know where you're located but I'm here in the US, I've moved about 9 times my whole life, state to state & have never used meds or crates for my cats. I guess you have your mind made up of how you're going to do it though. poor kitties, they're going to be miserable!

fastnoc · Aug 28, 2016

mickNsnicks2mom said:
when i moved with my two cats years ago, it was a 12 hour drive. i used puppy pee pads (disposable) in their carriers. that made it relatively easy for me, just change the pee pad when it got 'soiled'.

cats many times don't want to eat during these long distance moves. you might bring some tasty cat treats for them, which might entice them to eat a little. even a can of tuna in spring water might help entice them, to eat a little and drink something too (the tuna flavored spring water). you might feed your cats (and medicate them) and offer them some water, when you make a bathroom stop. could you hook up a guinea pig sized water bottle in your Wilbur's carrier? you might try to get him familiar with one before the trip, if you decide to try that.

some other things that were important were: make sure that each cat wears a collar with a tag that has your name and phone number on it (and in the case of your cat with medical issues, some sort of cat medic alert tag too); when you need to open a cat carrier in the truck, make absolutely sure that the truck doors are locked (it's just way too easy for another person you're traveling with to open the truck door at just the wrong moment, and a cat takes off. once outdoors and in a strange area, the cat can become even more scared. you might never find the cat again).

Great advice. i'm counting on them being too drugged to want to move. i'm getting them tranquilizers from the vet. already talked to her about them. She's been their vet for 7 years so we should be good.

I am thinking i should put all 3 in a harness (with labels) and keep them in them the whole way. that way I can get them out for clean ups, and a stretch here and there. but I don't know if that's a good idea. i[m' not even sure if pickle will let me.

Wilbur is the one i'm so worried about. Tinker and Wilbur both already made this trip carriers. but they were both sick from the rescue facility so they dind't want to move. i got them in the car after being handed off several times ( i thought it was the people here that organized this) then drove 400 miles home. Tinker pooped on the back seat floor and it stunk so bad I ahd to pull off and hit a car wash. hehe

If they seem to be 'ok' i might consider leashes and let them sit one at a time in the cab. but ONLY with a leash on.

I do happened to have a box of puppy pads I bought years ago, i put one in front of one of the litter boxes because tinker poops outside the box. even though she has her own litter box. 3 cats, 3 boxes. that's a fantastic idea! thank you

fastnoc · Aug 28, 2016

it's a 20 hour drive and one of my cats HATES the other two.

jennyr · Aug 28, 2016

It won't matter if he flops over in a harness - worse if he goes crazy. I would keep them in leashes and harness all the way - and I would still somehow make room for a cage - i9t gives them room, you don't have to stop and open it, they have all they need for 12 hours and they are safe in it.

neontheblackcat · Aug 28, 2016

I agree with MickNsnicks2mom (sorry if I said that wrong) about the puppy pee pads especially. It will be VERY important to keep them hydrated, so if they're being fussy about drinking, try putting some catnip in a tea bag and soaking it in the water until the water smells good, it works for me. Also, since most cats refuse to eat while travelling, try mixing their favourite canned food (not very healthy, but it gets the job done when necessary) or TINY pieces of cooked, plain chicken breast without fat in with their kibble. Any problems with taking pills can be solved with greenies pill pocket treats, which are soft enough for old cats or cats with tooth problems to eat.

micknsnicks2mom · Aug 28, 2016

fastnoc said:
Great advice. i'm counting on them being too drugged to want to move. i'm getting them tranquilizers from the vet. already talked to her about them. She's been their vet for 7 years so we should be good.

I am thinking i should put all 3 in a harness (with labels) and keep them in them the whole way. that way I can get them out for clean ups, and a stretch here and there. but I don't know if that's a good idea. i[m' not even sure if pickle will let me.

Wilbur is the one i'm so worried about. Tinker and Wilbur both already made this trip carriers. but they were both sick from the rescue facility so they dind't want to move. i got them in the car after being handed off several times ( i thought it was the people here that organized this) then drove 400 miles home. Tinker pooped on the back seat floor and it stunk so bad I ahd to pull off and hit a car wash. hehe

If they seem to be 'ok' i might consider leashes and let them sit one at a time in the cab. but ONLY with a leash on.

I do happened to have a box of puppy pads I bought years ago, i put one in front of one of the litter boxes because tinker poops outside the box. even though she has her own litter box. 3 cats, 3 boxes. that's a fantastic idea! thank you

i agree with @JennyR, i'd keep your cats in their harnesses the whole trip. it would just be much easier, and should the need arise to put one or more cats in a harness during the trip that could be quite hard to do.

could you (gently, carefully) put your cats in their harnesses after you've given them their medication for the trip (and the calming of the medication starts to take effect), and last thing you do before putting them in their carriers? my thought would be for this to be the last thing you do before you and your cats leave in the truck. i think it might be less stressful for both your cats and you, to put the harnesses on when they're starting to feel calmed by the medication.

i think it's possible that your cats might react differently to being in harnesses while they're medicated for the trip.

yes, i'd be most concerned about Wilbur too. i'd suggest checking on him frequently during the drive.

be very careful with a cat either loose or on a leash in the truck cab. one of the dangers is that the cat might decide to try to go under the cab bench/seat, and end up where the driver's feet are. this could cause an accident.

whatsonemore · Aug 28, 2016

I'm sure all cats are different as travelers, but when my bf had to bring his grandmother's cat to my house after she passed, it was an 11 hour trip. He had a large cat carrier and started out with that, but she howled and meowed loudly and incessantly. After about an hour, he stopped and just let her out. He doesn't recommend that though, because of course she wanted to lay under his feet on the floor board. She was content though and did sleep a lot, so maybe the harness idea would work if your cats are unhappy travelers.

As for your cat needing to eat at a specific time, you might try sardines. I know you can get the water based ones for around a dollar at walmart. None of my six cats ever refuse it when I have to give them any sort of medication.

fastnoc · Aug 28, 2016

mickNsnicks2mom said:
fastnoc said:

Great advice. i'm counting on them being too drugged to want to move. i'm getting them tranquilizers from the vet. already talked to her about them. She's been their vet for 7 years so we should be good.

I am thinking i should put all 3 in a harness (with labels) and keep them in them the whole way. that way I can get them out for clean ups, and a stretch here and there. but I don't know if that's a good idea. i[m' not even sure if pickle will let me.

Wilbur is the one i'm so worried about. Tinker and Wilbur both already made this trip carriers. but they were both sick from the rescue facility so they dind't want to move. i got them in the car after being handed off several times ( i thought it was the people here that organized this) then drove 400 miles home. Tinker pooped on the back seat floor and it stunk so bad I ahd to pull off and hit a car wash. hehe

If they seem to be 'ok' i might consider leashes and let them sit one at a time in the cab. but ONLY with a leash on.

I do happened to have a box of puppy pads I bought years ago, i put one in front of one of the litter boxes because tinker poops outside the box. even though she has her own litter box. 3 cats, 3 boxes. that's a fantastic idea! thank you

Click to expand...

i agree with @JennyR, i'd keep your cats in their harnesses the whole trip. it would just be much easier, and should the need arise to put one or more cats in a harness during the trip that could be quite hard to do.

could you (gently, carefully) put your cats in their harnesses after you've given them their medication for the trip (and the calming of the medication starts to take effect), and last thing you do before putting them in their carriers? my thought would be for this to be the last thing you do before you and your cats leave in the truck. i think it might be less stressful for both your cats and you, to put the harnesses on when they're starting to feel calmed by the medication.

i think it's possible that your cats might react differently to being in harnesses while they're medicated for the trip.

yes, i'd be most concerned about Wilbur too. i'd suggest checking on him frequently during the drive.

be very careful with a cat either loose or on a leash in the truck cab. one of the dangers is that the cat might decide to try to go under the cab bench/seat, and end up where the driver's feet are. this could cause an accident.

For sure. I figured I could test it in the truck with it stopped to see how he does. I just don't know. Honestly it's wilbur I'd want to take out. he needs to drink much more. I will make a stop every 4 hours for the others. but wilbur might need to replace 'pads' every hour or two. he goes that much.

I fuss over them so much I'm quite sure they'll be fine. it'll probably be harder on me than them.

Next week I test treats to see what they freak out with the most. that result gets the tranqs. wilbur hates tuna but i think tinker will love it. Pickle will be fine with tuna juice I think. she won't 'eat' a lot of meat so i think liquid would be better.

I should try a 1/4 dose next week to just to see how they react.

fastnoc · Aug 28, 2016

Does anyone have a recommendation for a very small carrier? pickle is TINY (7 lbs) so i can make up a little room with hers. I think a soft side would be ok for her and tinker. Wilbur will get the new, hard shell i have

fastnoc · Aug 28, 2016

Disregard, I orderd two.

I had an idea. THe back of this truck is going to be empty. the truck is much larger than i need, but the seat is bigger.

If I pack everything as close to the front as I can there would be PLENTY of room to put the litterboxes in the back, then stop at rest areas, and take the cats back there, close the door so they can't escape, and they can roam in that little area with food/water./litter

This is suddenly sounding possible.

and no I don't mean closing them in it, I mean being in there WITH them, not while driving

micknsnicks2mom · Aug 28, 2016

this is the carrier i bought for my two about 8 1/2 lb girls, one carrier for each of them -- https://www.chewy.com/petmate-vari-ultra-pet-kennel-medium/dp/101581 i have a larger one, same brand and model, for my boy (about 12 lbs).

handsome kitty · Aug 28, 2016

It will still be hot back there. Can you get a large crate to put the litter and food in so you can leave the large door open to let cool air in? Stuff may also shift while you're driving.

fastnoc · Aug 28, 2016

Handsome Kitty said:
It will still be hot back there. Can you get a large crate to put the litter and food in so you can leave the large door open to let cool air in? Stuff may also shift while you're driving.

That's close, i got the xsmall ones. they'll be here tuesday and that's plenty of time to test. I have to get small because of my limits. if these are too small I can return them (same price)

ZEDIT: wups quoted the wrong person.

it'll be hot I'm sure, but if it's that bad i won't do it. It was just a thought as a way to take them out of the carriers but still be safely held. there will be a very large open area at the back, and I'm jsut talking about letting each one out to eat drink and go to the bathroom.

i honestly don't feel comfortable doing it outside. two of the three cats have never been outside. one was a stray i adopted. i just don't know if that's a good idea. but if its too hot of course.

jennyr · Aug 29, 2016

Do you not have air conditioning in the truck? All the trucks/vans I have hired to move cats (and we used to move 20 at a time, rescued cats from Bosnia to Germany) had A/C.

I would never take them outside the truck on the journey. There are far too many variants and things you can't control. It is good that you have a largish area for them. I am not sure why you are putting them in very small carriers - For air and comfort I would put them in the biggest containers you can - they will be far happier for longer.

Do a dry run if you can. I did that several times, a bit longer each time, until the last one was over an hour. It gave me a very good idea of which cats were likely to cry, if any were going to be sick and how safe they were.

In many countries it is illegal to have unsecured animals in a vehicle. Have you checked with all the places you are going through?

Moving, need advice quickly (well couple days) I have 3 cats to move 1300 miles

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