Moving with cat question. .

Hi everyone. At the end of the month I'll be moving to Calgary & im concerned with taking Quila with me for the 14 hour drive. Im worried about her having to use the litter box & where i should keep her. I'll be renting a u-haul, im sure it will be way too hot for her in the back of the trailer, so im guessing keeping her up front with me is the only option. . .SHould i keep her in her carrier? I though i read that someone mentioned lining the carrier with diapers? If anyone has driven long distance & can gimme some info i'd appreciate it. . im out the door now so ill check up on this thread tonight.!

Thank a bunch!!!!

I've got a cross country drive at the end of this month as well. The vet is going to give me a tranquilizer for each day that we will be traveling. Of course keep them in the car with you and I would think you wouldnt want to let them out of the crate. A 14 hour drive seems really long, but they can probably hold it. Just make sure that you dont feed them before you leave. Plus, you wouldnt want them to accidentally get away if you stopped. Plus, when you are driving, that will be a major distraction, as cats dont really listen. I would just line the crate with an old towel. I really dont think you will need the diapers. You can bring a small litterbox with you and a small bag of litter just in case. Have you ever driven your cats around before? Do they get car sick? It can help to take a few small trips before your big trip just to get them used to the car. Plus, take a blanket to lay over the crate, that can help keep them calm.

I actually went through a similiar thing with my kitties once. We moved from Texas to California by Uhaul. The best thing I can suggest is what we did...as we had three kitties...all three with very different personalities.

My kitty, Keykat, was a VERY laid back, relaxed cat, and she rode outside the carrier, just loose in the cabin of the Uhaul with me. She just slept on the seat, and went down to the passenger floorboard to her litterbox when she needed. We also had food and water out with her when she needed them. Now, this is a rare thing for a cat to be comfortable with, and I would ONLY suggest trying it after a bit of driving, and ONLY if your kitty didn't panick in the least about being in the car to begin with.

Our other two were as most cats are...and weren't the type that would have handled that well at all. We basically kept them in their carriers up in the cabin with us, and would pull over and let them out of their carriers in the car every couple hours to use the litter box and eat & drink if they needed. Another thought: slip in some food with them every now and then, and slip in a small water dish every half-hour just to be sure they're getting enough water & food.

Yes, you should definitely line the carrier with something in case there's an accident. You could do so with cheap towels, t-shirts, cheap blankets, etc. (something soft and absorbant). Be sure to have plenty on-hand just in case you need to change them out.

Other than that, I would search around online and see what articles you can find.

According to homestore.com,
* Do not feed your pet for at least three hours before leaving on a trip.
* During stops, provide fresh drinking water for your cat. You may also reward it with a snack for being a good traveler.
* If the drive is eight hours or longer, give your cat the opportunity to use a litter pan and offer it fresh drinking water.
* Feed your pet shortly after you arrive at your destination or when you have stopped for the day.

Here's what to put in your pet travel kit: food, water, dishes, can opener (if needed), leash, a few treats, favorite toy and some type of bedding. Don't forget a scooper and plastic bags for cleanup!

There ya go! That's my best advice! Hope it helps!!

Not advice for your my friend...
Just only good wishes to you !
Good luck!

Have a great trip!!

Excellent! Thanks alot everyone.
She seems quite comfortale when i've taken her places before, so im guessing if use some old blankets to line the carrier that should be sufficient. When i have to stop i'll just play it by ear & give her some water & a few treats. Im sure she'll be alright. Im kinda afraid to let her out at the truck stops, so i guess i'll just test her bladder & if she makes a mess i'll just deal with it.


Cheers!! Im excited about leaving!!

Originally Posted by SenorValeTudo

Excellent! Thanks alot everyone.

She seems quite comfortale when i've taken her places before, so im guessing if use some old blankets to line the carrier that should be sufficient. When i have to stop i'll just play it by ear & give her some water & a few treats. Im sure she'll be alright. Im kinda afraid to let her out at the truck stops, so i guess i'll just test her bladder & if she makes a mess i'll just deal with it.

Cheers!! Im excited about leaving!!

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Good luck with your move! Let us know how it turns out, ok?