How do Dogs and Cats adjust to Charleston?

[Charlestonbound]

Hello, Fellow Pet Lovers,
We moved from NE Ohio to the Grand Strand 2-1/2 years ago with four cats. It was an 11 hour trip. Each cat was put in a carrier with a familiar blanket. We played quiet, classical music on the CD player as we frequently do at home. We took turns driving so that we could make the trip in one day. Our vet gave us low dose tranquilizers to give each cat. They were completely awake, but a little more relaxed. It all went very well. It sounds a little harsh, but our vet also suggested that we withhold food for 6 hours before leaving and to give just small drinks of water. He said that many cats get car sick, and they get upset if they throw up in their crate. It's kind of like the routine before they have surgery. We put the crates in the master bedroom, set up a litter pan-food-water and shut the door. The cats came out of their hide-aways on their own terms, and we were able to carry in stuff from the car without worrying about somebody getting loose! After an hour we opened the bedroom door and they came out to explore. Hope some of these ideas help--I was so nervous about moving my babies!

[emilybh]

Originally Posted by Charlestonbound

Hello, Fellow Pet Lovers,
We moved from NE Ohio to the Grand Strand 2-1/2 years ago with four cats. It was an 11 hour trip. Each cat was put in a carrier with a familiar blanket. We played quiet, classical music on the CD player as we frequently do at home. We took turns driving so that we could make the trip in one day. Our vet gave us low dose tranquilizers to give each cat. They were completely awake, but a little more relaxed. It all went very well. It sounds a little harsh, but our vet also suggested that we withhold food for 6 hours before leaving and to give just small drinks of water. He said that many cats get car sick, and they get upset if they throw up in their crate. It's kind of like the routine before they have surgery. We put the crates in the master bedroom, set up a litter pan-food-water and shut the door. The cats came out of their hide-aways on their own terms, and we were able to carry in stuff from the car without worrying about somebody getting loose! After an hour we opened the bedroom door and they came out to explore. Hope some of these ideas help--I was so nervous about moving my babies!

Withholding food doesn't sound harsh. Fasting once in a while is healthful. It gives the digestive tract a chance to rest and rejuvenate.

[pcamps]

Can't wait to see the "5 things Cats and dogs hate about Charleston" thread

[wildwoodflower]

we came down with our two dogs and three cats...and everyone is adjusting fine. i am curious how the dogs will do in heat, but luckily the house is central a/c. seems like most things down here are. but most people seem to have pets here also...definatly a pet friendly area i would say.

[cape_fisherman]

Without reading this entire thread (only read the title)...I'll say this:

They are animals...they'll be fine.

[snake hater]

what about snakes and letting dogs run off leash in charleston?