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My cat gets really nervous when we're in the car for any amount of time. He yowls the whole time, and often uses the bathroom on himself in the first 5-10 minutes. This, in turn, makes him even more stressed out!
I'm moving 13 hours (Texas to Georgia) in a few weeks, and wondered if anyone had stories or advice that they could give me. I'm considering visiting the vet for medication, but wonder if there is anything else I should try instead.
First of all.....be patient....and I wish you the best of luck. You only have one cat to worry about!! Last summer my husband and I moved with 24 cats (12 in each car), so I feel for you. Ours was only 8 hours though. Our vet recommended against using any medicines to calm - and I am glad now. I went to Walmart and bought six XL soft sided dog carrier (made of nylon, pop up design, with a zipper on it for easy access, runs about $25 dollars), sprayed liberally with Feliway spray and lay down a soft cushion of clean towels. I also added a disposable box in each carrier. On moving day - load your furchild(ren) into the carrier, secure in the back of vehicle, away you go. If he poops - there is a box. If he misses - you can easily wash the carrier and towels when you arrive. I would take extra clean towels with you in case you need to replenish them on the way - along with a large plastic bag for the dirty ones. Stop along the way and give him some attention (food and water not a good idea as it may upset his stomach). There are hotels that are pet friendly if you stop for the night - take him inside and let him relax a bit and get something to eat. I wish you the best of luck....
What they said. Best advice ever when moving with scared felines. I also emphasize, give the cat attention, when you stop for gas, when you get food, etc. It helps to calm them.
i usd bachs rescue remedy with my move (CT to TN) and the cats while not happy about the whole thing, were also not freeking out, keeping the crate covered helped too, use a large crate (as large as will fit) and offer him a litterbox in the crate, also put towels in the crate (nothing you dont want messed up) that SMELL LIKE HOME. (sleep with them in your bed, let him sleep on them ect before the trip.
ive heard good things about the feliway spray but never used it
but ive never had a cat that stressed as to potty on themselves. i would definatly chat with the vet and pick up a mild sedative that can be given IF NEEDED...that way if 1/4 the way through the trip hes still a terrified mess you have somehting to help if you need it.
If he's normally calm (as in not panting, thrashing, or screaming) other than the pooping, I wouldn't sedate him. Sedation can affect the cat's ability to regulate their body temp., and if he falls asleep and throws up he could choke.
You might want to do the prep outlined above, but start taking him on trips now. Put him in the car and just drive around town for a while. Have someone sit in the back with him and praise him and give him treats. Get him used to driving now so the trip won't be as stressful.
Another thing...be careful about cleaning the carrier or giving him attention while on the road. Never have the carrier open while the car doors are open...even just to reach in and pet him. Don't assume he'll be too scared to make a run for it. Many cats are lost this way.
Some may think this is mean...but when I took Beau on cross country airline trips....he went on a short "fast". Just water, and scant tablespoon or so of food...day before trip. Only water day of trip.
He could miss a meal or two. He did not die of starvation in two days.
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