Taking Spice On A Two Hour Journey

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Clifford - 16 May 2005 17:46 GMT

My Mother died recently and Spice, who has lived with her for sixteen
years, is going to move in with us. First we need to move Spice the hundred
or so miles from my Mother's house to ours. Which will involve a journey of
almost two hours in the car.

Does anyone have any advice about what sort of 'basket' we should put her
in? What should go in the basket with her? Whether we should attempt to
feed her along the way, or provide her with an opportunity to use her
'tray'?

I have never taken her on a journey of more than ten minutes duration
before, and I am finding the prospect of this one quite daunting. So any
suggestions will be appreciated.

Thank you.

Clifford

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~*Connie*~ - 16 May 2005 18:31 GMT

for a two hour ride I wouldn't worry about food or litter. Most cats can
easily go with out both for that long... and probably would on their own
due to the stress of moving anyway.

Take her on a short ride and see how she does. If she is "calm" I would
just put her in the car and go, but if she is horribly stressed by the whole
thing, you can consider medications to help. Her vet can talk to you about
those. Don't forget to bring her some familiar items from the old house to
the new.

Good luck!!

> My Mother died recently and Spice, who has lived with her for sixteen
> years, is going to move in with us. First we need to move Spice the
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
>
> Clifford

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Wayne Boatwright - 16 May 2005 18:55 GMT

> My Mother died recently and Spice, who has lived with her for sixteen
> years, is going to move in with us. First we need to move Spice the
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
>
> Clifford

Clifford,

I've very sorry for the loss of your mother. Spice is lucky to have you
to come to.

If it were me, I would use a carrier rather than just a basket. It's
better to confine Spice and not risk her moving about the car, possibly
getting under your feet while driving.

Don't bother with food, water, or litter for that short of a trip.
Provide it as soon as you arrive home.

I always put a nice soft towel in the bottom of the carrier, along with
several favorite toys.

Best of luck!

Signature

Wayne Boatwright *¿*
____________________________________________

Give me a smart idiot over a stupid genius any day.
Sam Goldwyn, 1882-1974

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Clifford - 16 May 2005 20:11 GMT

Thank you. These suggestions are really useful.

I will try taking Spice for a short journey in a carrier, and see how she
reacts. Last time we did this she meowed a lot, while the car was in
motion, but seemed fine when we took her out at the destination. I will put
a soft towel or similar in the bottom for her.

We thought that we would bring her 'tray', food/water bowls and favourite
pillow and toys with her. Moving the airing cupboard, which is where she
spends a lot of her time, is not really practical. But I will show her
where ours is. And, hopefully, my lap will be familiar, as she has been
used to sitting on it since she was a kitten.

A further question, to add to the originals. She actually has two existing
carriers; a wickerwork one and a plastic one. Both of them seem quite small
and restrictive to myself, although she is a small cat. Should I purchase a
larger one, for a journey of this length? And, if I should, where would be
a good place to shop for one?

Regards (again)

Clifford

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Wayne Boatwright - 16 May 2005 21:58 GMT

> Thank you. These suggestions are really useful.
>
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> show her where ours is. And, hopefully, my lap will be familiar, as she
> has been used to sitting on it since she was a kitten.

Yes, definitely take along things of Spice's that are familiar. What is an
"airing cupboard"? Are you in the UK? I've not heard that term in the US.

I'm sure she will be quite comfortable on your lap. She will remember.

> A further question, to add to the originals. She actually has two
> existing carriers; a wickerwork one and a plastic one. Both of them seem
> quite small and restrictive to myself, although she is a small cat.
> Should I purchase a larger one, for a journey of this length? And, if I
> should, where would be a good place to shop for one?

Size isn't that critical, especially for a relatively short trip. Most
likely, once you've been on the road for a bit she will quiet down and
sleep most of the rest of the journey.

Signature

Wayne Boatwright *¿*
____________________________________________

Give me a smart idiot over a stupid genius any day.
Sam Goldwyn, 1882-1974

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Rhonda - 17 May 2005 04:37 GMT

I would use the plastic carrier, it would be more sturdy if she starts
clawing, etc. She might actually like the fact that they are small, she
may feel like she's hiding.

Good luck. I'm sure she'll be fine. To be safe, make sure she has a
collar with an ID tag, and never open the car door if she is not locked
in the carrier. Cats react differently to travel.

Rhonda

> A further question, to add to the originals. She actually has two existing
> carriers; a wickerwork one and a plastic one. Both of them seem quite small
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
>
> Clifford

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jacquie0 - 19 May 2005 16:05 GMT

> I would use the plastic carrier, it would be more sturdy if she starts
> clawing, etc. She might actually like the fact that they are small, she
[quoted text clipped - 19 lines]
>>
>> Clifford

I am very sorry to hear about your mothers passing. I can't imagine how
difficult it must be to lose ones mother. I dread the day that my mother
crosses over.
Either carrier should be fine. She will probably cry at first but
should settle down. I too think that you should bring something of your
late mothers so that she has something "familiar" with her when she
reaches her final destination. This should also help in the transition.
I wish you the best of luck with the transporting of the cat, as well as
living without your beloved mother.
Please let us know how things went.

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Dave - 17 May 2005 01:33 GMT

I'm very sorry about your mother I lost mine last year. See if you can
find a quilt or bedspread that your mother used and Spice has used it
will help when she gets to your house.

> My Mother died recently and Spice, who has lived with her for sixteen
> years, is going to move in with us. First we need to move Spice the hundred
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
>
> Clifford

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