moving cats

[Aristi]

Does anyone have any suggestions about moving cats? I am moving from Missouri to Arizona in about a month. I have moved them before and used some medication but I think it made them worse--it made them disoriented and grouchy. Flying them out is really not an option. So, I'm left with the back of my pickup (in a large kennel, under a camper shell, and air conditioned of course). Has anyone used any great tricks that you could share with me?

Thanks

 

[LeedsDevil]

How long of a drive is it?

I had to move Joe's Mom's cats (aprox age 7ish) over 125 miles last summer. I used a tranquilizer and it helped keep them quiet for the 4 hour drive (of course the U-Haul broke down! :mad: ). I only wish it had improved their dispositions permantly They are only just now beginning to trust me.

I recamend stopping frequently (every 1-2 hours) to check on them. Also feed them the night before and NOT the morning of the move so if they do get motion sickness they will not be stting in it. :( The other thing is if you have a large enough carrier keep them together. I moved my 4 cats from my old apartment to our new house (15 min drive) and wouldn't you know it that 1 got terribly sick....all over his brother! :eek: The 2 that had the long drive did fine with no problems :rolleyes: go figure The only other thing i could suggest is that you keep them in the front with you so that you can talk to them and reassure them that you are not sending them to the dog pound :p that is if you can stand the howling if they are like my guys :rolleyes:

Good luck on the move! I am sure that once they are in the new place they will dissapear for a few hours then reapear after an inspection tour like they had lived there all their lives


Jennifer

 

[cascel]

Well, I'm doing the same thing next week - only my drive is alot shorter - only 350 miles - and my 2 ride ok w/the occassional yell at me to let me know they are NOT happy!

I have no advice for you - cats generally do not like riding in cars, and I think just stopping often and reassuring them you are NOT torturing them will be good

GOOD LUCK!

 

[Aristi]

moving

Two summers ago, I moved them from Albuquerque to Kirksville, MO. They were NOT happy during the ride at all. Now, I'm moving an even further distance. However, I'm stopping twice at family member's houses where they can at least have a room for themselves outside the kennel. Cats are so different than dogs. My kitties do not like other cats in their home (I actually have a friend with a cat that goes on play dates with other kitties). They also hate riding in cars. Poor babies.

 

[cascel]

They will be mad at you for a few days but they'll adjust! Good luck!

 

[otto-matic]

I had to make a move from California to Kansas with my cat. I took her to the vet and he subscribed her some valium. It really helped her to keep calm during the drive. I also invested in a body harness that I could attach a leash to.....this made taking stretches outside of the truck much easier for both of us.

As far as moving into a new house, I have heard of a trick, but never tried it out myself. If you are worried about your cat running away once in the new place, I was instructed to put butter on his paws. YES BUTTER. I was told this causes the cat to clean its feet meticulously, and by the time it is done, it has had a chance to get familiar with its surroundings and isn't so afraid. Now I am not advocating this, since I have never tried it myself.....it may be someones cruel joke so they could laugh. But it might work hehe.

Anyways, good luck on the move.

 

[Aristi]

I've heard of that trick before. But, my kitties are indoor guys. I think they'll be okay--just angry with me for a bit. But, they'll have lots of exploring to do once I move in. I plan on building them a cat tree in front of a window. That should be fun for them.

 

[Boxerpal1]

Several years ago, I moved with two cats from Southern California to Northern California (about an 8 hour drive). After yowling for about an hour, the cats settled in. We had rented a U-haul which had 2 small rear passenger seats with cargo netting to separate them from the front passenger seats. We laid a board across the rear seats, placed the litterbox on top, and let the cats wander the back area. The cats didn't require medication.