Taking Cat on roadtrip
Discussion
You don't know his cat.
Plus he's already said it's an indoor cat.
OP talk to your vet about a sedative or not. Also, I've done Cornwall to Northern Ireland (and back) with a cat. She was fine both ways.
I also have a current cat that you can't keep out of the car. Loves it.
Give her plenty of room, generally they don't like to crap where they sleep so make sure she's not right on top of her litter tray. She will get stressed at that.
Consider something to play soothing music or something on the ferry. The unusual banging and clashing will unsettle her. A distraction would be good.
Basically, plan for every eventually and give her a few 'practice' runs.
Plus he's already said it's an indoor cat.
OP talk to your vet about a sedative or not. Also, I've done Cornwall to Northern Ireland (and back) with a cat. She was fine both ways.
I also have a current cat that you can't keep out of the car. Loves it.
Give her plenty of room, generally they don't like to crap where they sleep so make sure she's not right on top of her litter tray. She will get stressed at that.
Consider something to play soothing music or something on the ferry. The unusual banging and clashing will unsettle her. A distraction would be good.
Basically, plan for every eventually and give her a few 'practice' runs.
I appreciate that your cat wasn't happy in a cattery, but I don't think your plans will make it any happier, quite the reverse. And it's also a burden to you throughout your holiday. I really think the cat will be less miserable and stressed in a cattery than being stuck in a box for a whole day, then four weeks in a strange house, then another day in a box.
shirt said:
Simpo Two said:
Cats generally hate going in cars. The idea of taking one on a 'road trip' seems more like a YouTube gimmick to me. They don't 'get used' to it and are often terrified. They're not dogs.
If you have good neighbours who can feed it and check on it each day then I would leave it at home. Second best option is a cattery. Stuffing it in a noisy vibrating box for 24 hours or whatever, twice, is a non-starter in my book, sorry.
And if you get it to the destination, how will you stop it escaping, never to be seen again? You'll need to keep it in, have a litter tray... it makes no sense whatsoever. The cat certainly won't be having a holiday; why are you even considering it?
What he said. If you have good neighbours who can feed it and check on it each day then I would leave it at home. Second best option is a cattery. Stuffing it in a noisy vibrating box for 24 hours or whatever, twice, is a non-starter in my book, sorry.
And if you get it to the destination, how will you stop it escaping, never to be seen again? You'll need to keep it in, have a litter tray... it makes no sense whatsoever. The cat certainly won't be having a holiday; why are you even considering it?
Edited by Simpo Two on Monday 19th February 16:29
You might get the odd cat who is different but in general they hate cars. I’m lucky if I can get mine to the vet without it soiling itself and frothing at the mouth from stress.
Once you arrive you’ll have to keep it inside for the duration to prevent it going awol. It won’t have a clue about its new surroundings, adding more stress.
Unless it’s something like a fairly well trained bengal I wouldn’t bother, get a sitter.
It’s a house cat
Jordie Barretts sock said:
You don't know his cat.
Plus he's already said it's an indoor cat.
OP talk to your vet about a sedative or not. Also, I've done Cornwall to Northern Ireland (and back) with a cat. She was fine both ways.
I also have a current cat that you can't keep out of the car. Loves it.
Give her plenty of room, generally they don't like to crap where they sleep so make sure she's not right on top of her litter tray. She will get stressed at that.
Consider something to play soothing music or something on the ferry. The unusual banging and clashing will unsettle her. A distraction would be good.
Basically, plan for every eventually and give her a few 'practice' runs.
Thanks that’s really helpfulPlus he's already said it's an indoor cat.
OP talk to your vet about a sedative or not. Also, I've done Cornwall to Northern Ireland (and back) with a cat. She was fine both ways.
I also have a current cat that you can't keep out of the car. Loves it.
Give her plenty of room, generally they don't like to crap where they sleep so make sure she's not right on top of her litter tray. She will get stressed at that.
Consider something to play soothing music or something on the ferry. The unusual banging and clashing will unsettle her. A distraction would be good.
Basically, plan for every eventually and give her a few 'practice' runs.
Simpo Two said:
I appreciate that your cat wasn't happy in a cattery, but I don't think your plans will make it any happier, quite the reverse. And it's also a burden to you throughout your holiday. I really think the cat will be less miserable and stressed in a cattery than being stuck in a box for a whole day, then four weeks in a strange house, then another day in a box.
It’s no burden having here there. Will be better for us than worrying how she’s doing in the Cattery. She’s a very needy cat who thrives on our company. Appreciate your opinion, but we’ll just have to see what happens. If it’s not a success then won’t do it again!
On the way to Norn Iron, Jambo decided to do the smelliest, biggest pile in her litter tray just as we were about to board the ferry.
There was just time to get the litter shovel active and bung it in the poo bag.
Tip: buy supermarket own brand scented nappy bags. Much cheaper than bespoke poo bags. Plus they smell better! Let's face it the cat won't care, but you will!
There was just time to get the litter shovel active and bung it in the poo bag.
Tip: buy supermarket own brand scented nappy bags. Much cheaper than bespoke poo bags. Plus they smell better! Let's face it the cat won't care, but you will!
Jordie Barretts sock said:
On the way to Norn Iron, Jambo decided to do the smelliest, biggest pile in her litter tray just as we were about to board the ferry.
There was just time to get the litter shovel active and bung it in the poo bag.
Tip: buy supermarket own brand scented nappy bags. Much cheaper than bespoke poo bags. Plus they smell better! Let's face it the cat won't care, but you will!
Good idea, thanks!There was just time to get the litter shovel active and bung it in the poo bag.
Tip: buy supermarket own brand scented nappy bags. Much cheaper than bespoke poo bags. Plus they smell better! Let's face it the cat won't care, but you will!
shirt said:
Simpo Two said:
Cats generally hate going in cars. The idea of taking one on a 'road trip' seems more like a YouTube gimmick to me. They don't 'get used' to it and are often terrified. They're not dogs.
If you have good neighbours who can feed it and check on it each day then I would leave it at home. Second best option is a cattery. Stuffing it in a noisy vibrating box for 24 hours or whatever, twice, is a non-starter in my book, sorry.
And if you get it to the destination, how will you stop it escaping, never to be seen again? You'll need to keep it in, have a litter tray... it makes no sense whatsoever. The cat certainly won't be having a holiday; why are you even considering it?
What he said. If you have good neighbours who can feed it and check on it each day then I would leave it at home. Second best option is a cattery. Stuffing it in a noisy vibrating box for 24 hours or whatever, twice, is a non-starter in my book, sorry.
And if you get it to the destination, how will you stop it escaping, never to be seen again? You'll need to keep it in, have a litter tray... it makes no sense whatsoever. The cat certainly won't be having a holiday; why are you even considering it?
Edited by Simpo Two on Monday 19th February 16:29
You might get the odd cat who is different but in general they hate cars. I’m lucky if I can get mine to the vet without it soiling itself and frothing at the mouth from stress.
Once you arrive you’ll have to keep it inside for the duration to prevent it going awol. It won’t have a clue about its new surroundings, adding more stress.
Unless it’s something like a fairly well trained bengal I wouldn’t bother, get a sitter.
It’s a house cat
My parents have a cat that is fine with car travel, after many that hated it. He grew up going on regular trips to our 2nd home, which is a 2-3 hour trip, and they take him away on weekends away to motels, as it is easier than arranging someone to feed him and regardless he is going to be pissed off when they get back.
Unlike all the rest of our previous cats, who did not want to go into their travel boxes, the current cat will walk in when the door is open and sit down, and have a nap. He doesn't really meow much, if it all, but if he can't hold it in on a long trip he gets noisy and they have to pull over so he can have do his business.
They have a boat, and they make it a 2 day drive to get to the coast as they don't have the mental endurance to do it in a day, and again the cat comes along. Apparently he loves the boat, when docked at least, all the different levels he can climb around, places to explore, watches the world go by, plot to kill different birds than at home.
Unlike all the rest of our previous cats, who did not want to go into their travel boxes, the current cat will walk in when the door is open and sit down, and have a nap. He doesn't really meow much, if it all, but if he can't hold it in on a long trip he gets noisy and they have to pull over so he can have do his business.
They have a boat, and they make it a 2 day drive to get to the coast as they don't have the mental endurance to do it in a day, and again the cat comes along. Apparently he loves the boat, when docked at least, all the different levels he can climb around, places to explore, watches the world go by, plot to kill different birds than at home.
elise2000 said:
As I’ve said, I can’t get a sitter for security reasons.
It’s a house cat
I’ve never met my sitter, she stayed here for 3 weeks the last time I was gone. 3 cars in the drive all the keys here etc. you can mitigate security should you wish to, a sitter doesn’t have to mean some random off fb. It’s a house cat
Your choice, but a needy cat that thrives on company sounds to me like a cat that will stress TF whilst traveling.
smack said:
My parents have a cat that is fine with car travel, after many that hated it. He grew up going on regular trips to our 2nd home, which is a 2-3 hour trip, and they take him away on weekends away to motels, as it is easier than arranging someone to feed him and regardless he is going to be pissed off when they get back.
Unlike all the rest of our previous cats, who did not want to go into their travel boxes, the current cat will walk in when the door is open and sit down, and have a nap. He doesn't really meow much, if it all, but if he can't hold it in on a long trip he gets noisy and they have to pull over so he can have do his business.
They have a boat, and they make it a 2 day drive to get to the coast as they don't have the mental endurance to do it in a day, and again the cat comes along. Apparently he loves the boat, when docked at least, all the different levels he can climb around, places to explore, watches the world go by, plot to kill different birds than at home.
Sounds good- hope ours tolerates it as well!Unlike all the rest of our previous cats, who did not want to go into their travel boxes, the current cat will walk in when the door is open and sit down, and have a nap. He doesn't really meow much, if it all, but if he can't hold it in on a long trip he gets noisy and they have to pull over so he can have do his business.
They have a boat, and they make it a 2 day drive to get to the coast as they don't have the mental endurance to do it in a day, and again the cat comes along. Apparently he loves the boat, when docked at least, all the different levels he can climb around, places to explore, watches the world go by, plot to kill different birds than at home.
shirt said:
elise2000 said:
As I’ve said, I can’t get a sitter for security reasons.
It’s a house cat
I’ve never met my sitter, she stayed here for 3 weeks the last time I was gone. 3 cars in the drive all the keys here etc. you can mitigate security should you wish to, a sitter doesn’t have to mean some random off fb. It’s a house cat
Your choice, but a needy cat that thrives on company sounds to me like a cat that will stress TF whilst traveling.
I had a cat that would have a dump if you dared to try to drive her anywhere in the catbox. Let out to wander around the moving car she was fine, but in the box, the smell would mean you had to stop.
But, a Cat wandering about is not really safe, especially if it decides your ankles make a great chew toy.
But, a Cat wandering about is not really safe, especially if it decides your ankles make a great chew toy.
Gary C said:
I had a cat that would have a dump if you dared to try to drive her anywhere in the catbox. Let out to wander around the moving car she was fine, but in the box, the smell would mean you had to stop.
But, a Cat wandering about is not really safe, especially if it decides your ankles make a great chew toy.
Ours has been fine on short journeys, so we shall see what happens!But, a Cat wandering about is not really safe, especially if it decides your ankles make a great chew toy.
elise2000 said:
Simpo Two said:
I appreciate that your cat wasn't happy in a cattery, but I don't think your plans will make it any happier, quite the reverse. And it's also a burden to you throughout your holiday. I really think the cat will be less miserable and stressed in a cattery than being stuck in a box for a whole day, then four weeks in a strange house, then another day in a box.
It’s no burden having here there. Will be better for us than worrying how she’s doing in the Cattery. She’s a very needy cat who thrives on our company. Appreciate your opinion, but we’ll just have to see what happens. If it’s not a success then won’t do it again!
I hope it works out.
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