Moving with cat - car or plane? (meows, blankets, female)

[memsaab]

We are moving out of state in 2 weeks. Me and my son are going by plane, and husband drives the truck with our things. I can't decide whether to take our cat (9 y.o. female) with us on the plane, or have her ride with husband. It's 2 hour flight or 10 hours drive. Of course with going to and from airports it will be about 4-5 hours, and we will have to go from place to place, whether in truck she might just settle and sleep all way, or I am hoping she would.

She is extremely scared of cars, and pretty much everything. When we would take her to the vet in the carrier (5 minutes walk) she would cry all the way until we get back home. The vet gave me some pills for her, saying that it would calm her.

Will appreciate any suggestions.

[pushkinswife]

I would go with the car. I think a plane ride would be even more stressful. Cover kittys carrier with a blanket or sheet-of course leave some room for air-or try to keep her from seeing outside-they get dizzy from the passing cars and feel out of control. Also, give her the pills the vet gave you. Good luck.

[Whitewave262]

I have done both ->

My 1 yo cat HATES the car... she cries until she wears herself out.

However, she rather enjoyed the plane... as odd as it sounds, the noise seemed to calm her. She meowed a bit during take off, but she slept through the entire flight AND touch down. She also seemed to enjoy the extra attention from all the other passengers (never out of the carrier) and tuna treats.

She was able to "hold it" for the entire time, but I just wrapped the bottom of her carrier with a "diaper pad" (absorbant sheet... available at pet stores) and blankets (washable... just in case).

Family members of mine had a similar experience with a VERY hyper puppy... the plane had a calming affect and put him to sleep.

Either one I'm sure stresses the cat out, but it definitely sounds like you'll do whatever you can to make your little guy comfortable whether in the car or plane

[ShelbyGirl1]

I too vote for the plane.....IF you can place her under your seat. I absolutely hate them traveling in cargo. Some Rescue Remedy or the pills the vet gave you...should calm her down and being in a carrier...with the noise to lull her to sleep (and drown out her Meows) might just be better than that loooooooooog car ride. (And you might save your husband's sanity as well!)