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On the Subject of Cats - 7/12/2007 3:08:16 AM

Quivver

Posts: 1953
Joined: 11/27/2004
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2 more weeks and I'm on the road for the long drive to the left coast.
I will be stopping nightly but all in all I assume the
trip will be at least 5 days.
my problem?

Spinky.... she picked me a few years ago to be her owner.
I know Cat's do NOT care for Car rides.
I'm struggling with taking her or attempting to find her a good home.
(not easily done with a cat)
Have any of you traveled with a Cat for an extended period of time?

There isnt going to be a lot of room in the truck. The back seat and any extra room will be filled with things I can not replace so her space will be regulated mostly to the passenger seat.

Tips? Suggestions? Stories?

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Post #: 1

RE: On the Subject of Cats - 7/12/2007 4:15:00 AM

SugarMyChurro

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Joined: 4/26/2007
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I know a cat that travels alright. We put him on the dash and he just sort of growls and talks along the way. Sometimes he makes a home on the floor and snuggles down kitty-croissant style.

You could board her somewhere. Some vets offer this service.

You could also pay someone of your trust to come feed and water her and do nothing at all different otherwise. You'll be gone, and then you'll be back. The cat will hardly notice this absence after you are back a couple of days and back into a routine with her.

Will you be back? This sorta sounds like you are moving for good. In which case, I'd take the cat in a small kennel with the other necessary supplies needed. Some hotels will take animals, but you should call and be sure. The cat will not die, but it may be unhappy for some days.

I think you should try to make that trip in less time, perhaps 3-4 days. Just be sure to get out and stretch and exercise vigorously every few hours. Get that blood flowing. If the cat is with you, it's less stressful on the animal because the time on the road has been reduced.

(in reply to Quivver)

Post #: 2

RE: On the Subject of Cats - 7/12/2007 4:35:42 AM

windchymes

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Definitely keep the cat in a carrier of some kind. She'll feel a little more secure that way, and you won't have the hassle of her climbing all over you if she does get frightened and have a tantrum.

Also, try asking your veterinarian if there is some kind of medication you can give her to sedate her for the trip. I know they have them for dogs. Of course, then you'll have the problem of getting the pills into the cat, but maybe there is one you can break up and put into her food.

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RE: On the Subject of Cats - 7/12/2007 4:50:37 AM

SugarMyChurro

Posts: 1912
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Pill taking: grab the animal by the back of the head, pull the head back, stuff the pill past the tongue and down the throat with your forefinger (the pill should be small or broken into two or more bits that will fit easily). The cat will forgive you - give it a treat and all is forgotten.

Easy.

(in reply to windchymes)

Post #: 4

RE: On the Subject of Cats - 7/12/2007 5:22:51 AM

nephandi

Posts: 4470
Joined: 9/23/2005
From: Cold and magickal Norway in a town near Bergen!
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Hi

we have to drug our Maude when traveling whit her or she go ballistic. But whit the right kind of pill a cat will sleep for 12 houers so you can bring the cat. Just remember not not let the cat out before it have passed two weeks, it takes two weeks for the cat to know the new place as home and if you let her out before, she can get lost.

You will need to plot a course that take you to motels that allow you to have animals in the room and dont let her out unthil you are home. i would talk whit the vetrinarian though about the safety of drugging a cat so many days. i would also chek if the animal can perhaps be sent by plane to where you are going, that will be alot faster and less stress on the cat. Remember one more thing, if a cat is drugged or unconsious make sure to keep them warm, their body temprature will drop alot when they are not moving. That is the reason cats like to sleep hot places.

It all boils down to how you cat acts in a car, if he or she is good and dont make a fuss it should be ok, if he or she is like Maude you might want to look for other solutions.

i wish you well.

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Post #: 5

RE: On the Subject of Cats - 7/12/2007 7:26:15 AM

SeeksOnlyOne

Posts: 2012
Joined: 5/14/2007
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has spinky ridden before? i had a cat back in the early 80's that made the trip from georgia to california......she sat in my lap or laid up in the back window, and had no problems at all......

id definately get the cat used to the crate before leaving though...but id try a few trips around the block and see how she does....she may be a natural rider like my kitty was...

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Post #: 6

RE: On the Subject of Cats - 7/12/2007 7:58:56 AM

LuckyAlbatross

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Joined: 10/25/2005
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I can't tell if you're just going on a trip or making a permanent move.

Some cats do ok in a car- do a short drive with her in the carrier and see how she does. If you can get her a big carrier that can sit comfortably and get in and out of the seat of your car to get as much space as possible, it might be ok. It might take her a few weeks to calm down from it, but that's ok, too. When you arrive at the new place, put her in a bathroom, mark it clearly to STAY OUT so that she won't have to deal with moving chaos and you won't have to worry about her during it.

If it's just a trip, getting a friend or pet sitter to come over every other day to check on food and water and clean litter works fine.

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RE: On the Subject of Cats - 7/12/2007 8:11:10 AM

Trampler

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Joined: 12/31/2006
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Some cats will cry for hours and hours. Sugar My Churro, I used to have a cat that would spit pills out the 2nd we were done putting it down his throat. He got quite good at spitting the pills clear across the room. Ping! lol.

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RE: On the Subject of Cats - 7/12/2007 8:18:48 AM

Rumtiger

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From: Vegas
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My cat does alright in car rides, once hes in he does the usual hide in the deepest darkest corner and remains absolutly still for the entire duration (gone from Vegas to CA numerous times with him). Eventually you can bring him out and he'll be used to it to the point he'll stand on your lap and look out the window like a dog.

Sometimes you gotta have them just do it.

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Post #: 9

RE: On the Subject of Cats - 7/12/2007 8:49:03 AM

soultoshare

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The best way to transport any cat is to get a carrier that is big enough for them to be comfortable in, put a harness on the cat, use a small dog harness...the ones for cats are way to easy for them to slip out of...voice of experience here, trust me on this! Leaving the cat free in the car is just an invitation for trouble....he'll either crawl under the pedals, under the seat or someplace you can't get to him, and if you open the door, he'll probably try to make a run for it....I almost lost one of mine at a rest stop doing that.

Check with your vet for a tranquilizer. I got some that didn't knock them out cold, but just took the edge off....the little envelope I got from the vet is marked ACE 25.....I do know I had a smaller dosage for the younger guys, it's based on their weight. I put the carrier up high enough so they could see out the window. I only drugged them the first day, once they got used to the noise of the vehicle and the motion, they were fine.....I drove 3 days from NY to Phoenix, AZ without any problems. But I wouldn't feed kitty before the trip starts....feed at night when you stop. that way, you con't have to worry so much about litter.....I have never had a cat go potty when I took them out to stretch their legs, they usually are too busy checking things out. And I even had a little litter box for them. Motel 6 allows pets, I know that much.

If you try taking the kitty out in the carrier for a ride prior to the road trip, just keep in mind one thing....once he associates the carrier with a negative experience, getting him in it will be tougher the second time. In order to get mine used to the carrier without having to resort to brute force, I just left the top and door open, and let them get used to seeing it around.....his normal curiousity will tempt him into the box. This may work for the first day, but on the second, you may have a problem. As for getting the pills in him, well, there's either the method already described, or you can try hiding it in a small bit of food. I usually do the grab and stuff.....just make sure to hold the cat's mouth closed, massage the throat to get him to swallow, and watch him when you release him...they can be sneaky when it comes to pills! I've also had cats that would settle into the back window and ride, you'll just have to try a trip around the neighborhood to see which type you have. But I can't stress this enough....make sure you use a harness and leash, and have it attached before you open the car door, and in your hand. I even left the leashes on mine while they were inside the carriers.

Good luck with the road trip.....it will be okay once kitty gets his road legs!

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RE: On the Subject of Cats - 7/12/2007 9:45:55 AM

Mercnbeth

Posts: 11766
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In July of 2002 I took a cat from NJ to LA in a 19 foot U-Haul along with the rest of my worldly possessions. The cat wasn't too enthusiastic about the trip at the start but adapted. She got out with me at rest stops and wondered around at the end of a light long tether leach, attached to a harness. The difficult part was getting her into the harness.

Once acclimated to the trip she enjoyed it and sat on the back of my seat back, similar to what she would do while watching TV.

She had a pet travel cage she could use for a bed, but she did most of her normal 20 hours a day of routine cat sleep on the seat back or my lap. The only problem was one time her butt hung over the litter box and for the last 1000 miles no amount of air freshener or cheap after shave covered that smell. In hindsight I should have gotten one of the domed type boxes. I feel sorry for whoever rented the truck after me.

(in reply to soultoshare)

Post #: 11

RE: On the Subject of Cats - 7/12/2007 12:10:26 PM

DomKen

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From: Chicago, IL
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I made several two day drives with Tigress before she passed on. At first she hated it and yowled and cried like the world was ending. Since she already associated the carrier with the vet, which she hated with a fiery white hot passion, getting her into the carrier involved risking life and limb so eventually it was easier to put her in a sturdy harness and let her prowl about and sleep on that little ledge in the rear window.

A leash was a important any time we stopped as she would sometimes try and go exploring. After a while though she liked going for rides as much as the average dog. Getting the harness out and saying 'want to go for a ride' would bring her running bright eyed and bushy tailed.

I miss that cat.

(in reply to Mercnbeth)

Post #: 12

RE: On the Subject of Cats - 7/12/2007 12:30:26 PM

popeye1250

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Joined: 1/27/2006
From: New Hampshire
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When I moved here from New Hampshire 3 years ago Bubba rode in my truck with me.
He stood on his hind legs on the center console and looked out of the sun roof at the passing scenery for hours.
I had his litter box on one side of the back floor and food and water on the other side.
He hid for the first day here at the new condo but fit right in after a few days.

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RE: On the Subject of Cats - 7/12/2007 12:53:53 PM

girl4you2

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i've traveled to the west coast and back with two cats who weren't used to carriers, but it worked out fine. it's a good idea to use the seat belt around the carrier as extra precaution. provide food and water, and placing the door so that they can see you and you can slip in a finger to pet them is good, too. letting them out is asking for problems.

if you can get the cat used to a leash, then you can think about letting them out at rest areas, but be sure that the leash is secure and they can't get off of it. better is just to wait until you stop for the night, as then you can be more reasonably sure there won't be fleas, ticks, spiders, and the like that could harm the cat out of doors. make sure you hang the "don't disturb or open the door" sign on the hotel room door. provide litter box and food/water as usual. when you reach your destination, again, don't let kitty have free roam. start in a small space until the cat is used to the new smells. also do not let kitty outside. there are a lot of wild animals out west that eat kitties. i've successfully taken indoor/outdoor cats and made them into indoor only cats. they fare quite well despite their initial fuss.

best of luck with your journey to and in the west.

edited to add that it's usually less traumatic on the cat to go back and forth with you (even with all of the traveling) than it is to remain behind for a long period of time.

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RE: On the Subject of Cats - 7/12/2007 1:01:06 PM

Zensee

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You can start acclimatising your cat by taking them for short rides to nice places - a park or to see a friend they like - make sure there is a treat at the destination and at home when you return. Most cats only see the inside of the car when they go to the vet so they make that negative association. If the car becomes a magical ride to funville, they travel better. Still, having the carrier handy is always a good idea.

Z.

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RE: On the Subject of Cats - 7/12/2007 3:22:27 PM

windchymes

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quote:

ORIGINAL: SugarMyChurro

Pill taking: grab the animal by the back of the head, pull the head back, stuff the pill past the tongue and down the throat with your forefinger (the pill should be small or broken into two or more bits that will fit easily). The cat will forgive you - give it a treat and all is forgotten.

Easy.

Assuming the cat is declawed. If the cat has claws, I can guarantee you forgiveness isn't going to be unconditional.

If you have help, or if the cat is fairly well-behaved, you can try wrapping it tightly in a large, thick towel, but it has to be TIGHT. Another thing you can try (and this works well for dogs, too) is putting a dab of peanut butter on the end of a pencil eraser (use a new, long pencil) and stick the pill to the peanut butter. If all goes well and the cat is restrained and you can manage to get the mouth open (use thumb and index finger coming from behind or over the top of the cat's head), you can stick the pencil with the pill stuck to it down it's throat. Shoving a pill down a cat's throat with your finger is a great way to get bitten with a sharp fang. Try to forgive it.

Pilling a cat is almost always a 2-person process, unfortunately. They just aren't as cooperative as dogs try to be.

< Message edited by windchymes -- 7/12/2007 3:28:04 PM >

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You know it's going to be a GOOD blow job when she puts a Breathe Right strip on first.

Pick-up artists and garbage men should trade names.

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RE: On the Subject of Cats - 7/12/2007 3:32:37 PM

Zensee

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quote:

ORIGINAL: windchymes

Assuming the cat is declawed. If the cat has claws, I can guarantee you forgiveness isn't going to be unconditional.

Exactly. According to the Feline Code of Conduct - "When my revenge is complete forgiveness will be considered."

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Post #: 17

RE: On the Subject of Cats - 7/12/2007 4:09:50 PM

windchymes

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Instructions for Giving your Cat a Pill

Pick cat up and cradle it in the crook of your left arm as if holding a baby. Position right forefinger and thumb on either side of cat's mouth and gently apply pressure to cheeks while holding pill in right hand. As cat opens mouth, pop pill into mouth. Allow cat to close mouth and swallow.
Retrieve pill from floor and cat from behind sofa. Cradle cat in left arm and repeat process.
Retrieve cat from bedroom, and throw soggy pill away.
Take new pill from foil wrap, cradle cat in left arm holding rear paws tightly with left hand. Force jaws open and push pill to back of mouth with right forefinger. Hold mouth shut for a count of 10.
Retrieve pill from goldfish bowl and cat from top of wardrobe. Call spouse from garden.
Kneel on floor with cat wedged firmly between knees, holding front and rear paws. Ignore low growls emitted by cat. Get spouse to hold cats head firmly with one hand while forcing wooden ruler into mouth. Drop pill down ruler and rub cat's throat vigorously.
Retrieve cat from curtain rail, get another pill from foil wrap. Make note to buy new ruler and repair curtains. Carefully sweep shattered figurines from hearth and set to one side for gluing later.
Wrap cat in large towel and get spouse to lie on cat with its head just visible from below spouse's armpit. Put pill in end of drinking straw, force cat's mouth open with pencil and blow down drinking straw.
Check label to make sure pill not harmful to humans, drink glass of water to take taste away. Apply band-aid to spouse's forearm and remove blood from carpet with cold water and soap.
Retrieve cat from neighbor's shed. Get another pill. Place cat in cupboard and close door onto neck to leave head showing. Force mouth open with dessert spoon. Flick pill down throat with elastic band.
Fetch screwdriver from garage and put door back on hinges. Apply cold compress to cheek and check records for date of last tetnus shot. Throw T-shirt away and fetch new one from bedroom.
Ring fire brigade to retrieve cat from tree across the road. Apologize to neighbor who crashed into fence while swerving to avoid cat. Take last pill from foil wrap.
Tie cat's front paws to rear paws with garden twine and bind tightly to leg of dining table. Find heavy duty pruning gloves from shed. Force cat's mouth open with small spanner. Push pill into mouth followed by large piece of fillet steak. Hold head vertically and pour 1/2 pint of water down throat to wash pill down.
Get spouse to drive you to emergency room; sit quietly while doctor stitches fingers and forearm and removes pill remnants from right eye. Stop by furniture shop on way home to order new table.

_____________________________

You know it's going to be a GOOD blow job when she puts a Breathe Right strip on first.

Pick-up artists and garbage men should trade names.

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Post #: 18

RE: On the Subject of Cats - 7/17/2007 11:03:23 AM

soultoshare

Posts: 519
Joined: 8/24/2006
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OMG!!!! You knew Annie!!!

That is just tooooooooo funny!!!!!!!

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This is where I should say something witty.....well, "SOMETHING WITTY!"

**********************************************

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...

It's about learning to dance in the rain.

(in reply to windchymes)

Post #: 19

RE: On the Subject of Cats - 7/17/2007 1:09:31 PM

Sinergy

Posts: 9383
Joined: 4/26/2004
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How can duct tape solve this problem?

Sinergy

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Post #: 20

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