Travelling with Kitty

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rosie - 24 Dec 2005 15:06 GMT

Hi, I need some advice.

Marcel is my first cat. He's 3 years old and I've had him for a year. I
adopted him from a shelter for homeless cats.
The issue I am having with Marcel concerns travel. I am leaving tomorrow on
a long road trip and hope you can give me some advice to make it as
comfortable and safe as possible for Marcel.

In the past when I've traveled with Marcel, he meows the whole way to the
destination. More like laments! He whines and cries and has even managed
to break out of the soft-sided cage I have for him (probably my fault for
not securing the velcro enough.) In any case, he once meowed for the entire
2.5 hour ride. Tomorrow's ride is 5 to 6 hours long!! (lucky me).
I am thinking he would be better outside of his cage so he could lay down or
walk around, but it is unsafe (illegal too?) In any case, I am thinking of
putting on his harness and leash and tying the leash to the seatbelt in the
back, so at least he could move around a bit and not interfere with my
driving.

Any suggestions, thoughts or comments? Please respond quickly as I am
leaving tomorrow morning!!

Thanks
Rosie

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NMR - 24 Dec 2005 16:41 GMT

NO DON'T DO THAT WITH THE LEASH THINK ABOUT IT IF YOU SLAM ON THE BRAKES YOU
JUST MADE A HANGMAN'S NOOSE FOR THE CAT

They make seatbelt harness for cats and dogs but you don't have time for
your cat to get used to it. I believe you will have one pissed of kitty or
scared out of it mind kitty by doing that.

Depends on your state but is very dangerous for you to allow him to do it
specially if he gets under foot.

Unfortunately there is not enough time to do any real help but for future
reference use a hard cage that you can belt in for short trips and a large
dog cage that there is room to move and put a little box in for long runs.
Before any really long run you need to get the cat ready for it one you
leave the cage out for a few days before for them to get used to you even
feed them in it to get them used to the idea of the cage. After that a few
short drive around for short periods for them to get used to the car. and
kitty will be the happier kitty

You can also try putting a cover over the cage; most cats are scared by the
motion flying by where he can see only you or friendly face. Carry some cat
treats and be ready for some loving words of encouragement for him. make
sure you put a blanket or towel down inside the carry so they can curl up.
I always use a towel with my scent on it for comfort plus if they have an
accident you can clean up with easy

Good luck and safe journey on your trip hope this tidbit of information
helped

Matthew

> Hi, I need some advice.
>
[quoted text clipped - 20 lines]
> Thanks
> Rosie

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DW - 24 Dec 2005 19:57 GMT

> They make seatbelt harness for cats and dogs but you don't have time for
> your cat to get used to it. I believe you will have one pissed of kitty or
> scared out of it mind kitty by doing that.

And around here the Registry says they are illegal. The drivers
manual specificly
states the pet must be in a pet carrier and the carrier must be
secured.

> Unfortunately there is not enough time to do any real help but for future
> reference use a hard cage that you can belt in for short trips and a large
> dog cage that there is room to move and put a little box in for long runs.

Actually there is time. Around here the stores close in several
hours, enough
time to go to Petco/Petsmart/etc. to get a pet carrier.

I generally don't travel with my cats. Rather they stay home and
I have a pet sitter look in on them. They are at home in a familiar
environment
and the pet sitter is looking after the house and the cats.

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DW - 24 Dec 2005 19:50 GMT

> Marcel is my first cat. He's 3 years old and I've had him for a year. I
> adopted him from a shelter for homeless cats.
> The issue I am having with Marcel concerns travel. I am leaving tomorrow on
> a long road trip and hope you can give me some advice to make it as
> comfortable and safe as possible for Marcel.

It may be too late being Christmas eve but your cat may need a sedative
for
travel As always consult a vet. (May not be possible for Christmas
eve.)

> In the past when I've traveled with Marcel, he meows the whole way to the
> destination. More like laments! He whines and cries and has even managed
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> back, so at least he could move around a bit and not interfere with my
> driving.

Around here state law requires pets to be secured properly. Meaning
if you're stopped by a police officer you may be cited for not having
the cat in a cat carrier and have the cat carrier secured.

(The idea being if the car filps over you don't want the cat
carrier/the
cat to become a flying missle.)

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5cats - 25 Dec 2005 13:37 GMT

> Hi, I need some advice.
>
[quoted text clipped - 20 lines]
> Thanks
> Rosie

I've only done very short rides, but my cats are calmer when they are in
the carrier and the carrier is covered with a towel so they can't see
what's going on.

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