Results 1 to 20 of 20

Thread: Roadtripping With a Cat

  1. #1
    Yekhefah
    Guest

    Default Roadtripping With a Cat

    K's on his way to Oregon now, and I'm planning to join him soon. I'll be bringing the cat up there. It's about a 10-hour drive from here and I intend to do it all in one day. What do I need to know? I've never travelled that far with a cat before.

    He's not the most active cat in the world; he's elderly and sleeps a lot, but he is an attention whore. I was thinking of setting up the litterbox on the floor behind the driver's seat, and letting him have the backseat to himself. Usually I put him in a crate for car rides, but with one this long I wonder if I shouldn't just let him relax. He's not the type to go running off if I open the door or anything - he's really lazy and never runs anywhere. So would that work?

    And any other tips?

  2. #2
    God/dess sxybrat07's Avatar
    Joined
    Jan 2006
    Location
    in yer bum
    Posts
    3,827
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 12 Times in 11 Posts

    Default Re: Roadtripping With a Cat

    You can get a disposable litter box if you don't want to have your regular one in your car with you. Other than that, let him wander as long as he doesn't freak out. Mine once wedged himself under the passengers seat and I couldn't get him out.
    I believe you Dottie and you have my support

  3. #3
    God/dess
    Joined
    Sep 2002
    Posts
    8,031
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 143 Times in 42 Posts

    Default Re: Roadtripping With a Cat

    10 hours isn't that bad. When we moved out here I had my cat in the car for something like 40 hours on the road, and I swear she meowed nonstop. She was in a carrier, too, and suffered no ill effects.

    I really, really, really don't recommend letting the cat travel outside the carrier -- there are just a lot of opportunities for something bad to happen -- you stop short, cat gets thrown, cat gets under brake or gas pedals, freaks out under the new circumstances and does try to bolt from the car, etc., so keep kitty in the carrier except for food/water/bathroom breaks. If he seeks your attention while you are driving, that could also be very dangerous.

    So. Box for the cat, disposable litter box from the store, food and water. you should be covered.

  4. #4
    God/dess PookaShell's Avatar
    Joined
    Jul 2006
    Location
    The middle of a field in the south texas countryside...
    Posts
    4,186
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 13 Times in 8 Posts

    Default Re: Roadtripping With a Cat

    I road tripped for 6 hours with Gabby the day I got her. I felt bad keeping her in a carrier the whole time as well, but it really is best for their safety, and yours. I just stopped every few hours at a rest stop and let her walk around a bit, use the litter box, drink some water and stretch. Then back in the carrier for the road. Also for her safety if I were to get in a wreck or anything, I put her carrier in the backseat and leaned the passenger seat in front of it all the way back so that it was held in place without covering the airholes or anything. It also helped her not get jolted around over bumps. Bring some kitty treats!

  5. #5
    God/dess NinaDaisy's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2003
    Location
    Manhattan
    Posts
    3,432
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: Roadtripping With a Cat

    Keep the cat in the carrier. Maybe consider sedating it right before the trip.

    Susan listed plenty of good reasons for keeping the cat in the carrier. You don't want to risk getting into an accident and hurting yourself, the cat and other people because of any of the reasons Susan mentioned.
    "She has written so well, and marvellously well, that I was completely ashamed of myself as a writer...But this girl, who is to my knowledge very unpleasant and we might even say a high-grade bitch, can write rings around all of us who consider ourselves as writers"

    Ernest Hemingway on writer, aviation pioneer and horse trainer Beryl Markham


  6. #6
    BrunetteGoddess
    Guest

    Default Re: Roadtripping With a Cat

    Wanted to mention about the disposable litterbox- if your cat likes to sit on the edge of his regular litterbox to go to the bathrrom, he will NOT like the disposable one. I got one for mine going from Tucson to Fresno (12 hours) and took it out for him in the hotel room. As soon as he figured out he couldn't sit on the edge he was pissed. We woke up the next morning to find he had pissed on the bed!

  7. #7
    Veteran Member jessica_rabbit's Avatar
    Joined
    Feb 2005
    Location
    Va
    Posts
    522
    Thanks
    13
    Thanked 20 Times in 13 Posts

    Default Re: Roadtripping With a Cat

    My oldest cat, Cory, was my travelling buddy for a long time when I was in school. I never put him in a carrier because he would howl the whole time. But when I let him out him would just curl up in the backseat and sleep. I realize most people are against this, but it really worked better for him. I just put the litter behind the passenger seat, and he used it when he needed.
    My other cats I put in a carrier when we travel, and they are much happier that way. I guess it just depends on your cat.

  8. #8
    Alaska
    Guest

    Default Re: Roadtripping With a Cat

    You know, I was always a "cat's rights advocate" and did everything proper about crates, but me and Cinco drove for 3 days from ABQ to NJ, and back again awhile later.....he was excellent in the car, chill, sweet, no need for a sedative. I felt really bad for keeping him in a miserable crate for such a long time, so I chose that over accident risk....kept getting in all these scenarios where like, the car rolls and we die, but Cinco magically flies out the window and lives! Prob would, too.

    I brought the crate of course, put him in it as we strolled thru Niagara falls, it was awesome.

    It's weird....I noticed he only needed to go #2 about every 3 days? Never paid that close att. before, but I was so paranoid as we traveled...but he's healthy as always so it must be normal for him.


    Good luck! I wouldn't give him a sedative, unless he is a real freaker outer. You said he's elderly anyways. My cat is a young thug and he was just fine.

  9. #9
    Moderator Optimist's Avatar
    Joined
    Feb 2004
    Location
    House of Aion
    Posts
    8,074
    Thanks
    7,881
    Thanked 5,705 Times in 2,127 Posts
    My Mood
    In Love

    Default Re: Roadtripping With a Cat

    Yeah, a carrier is best especially because he's a yakker! There's nothing like the funky smell of cat yak to jack up your carpet!
    “What a caterpillar calls the end of the world we call a butterfly.” - ECKHART TOLLE

  10. #10
    Yekhefah
    Guest

    Default Re: Roadtripping With a Cat

    Ooh, good point, Optimist. I hadn't considered the yak.

    Okay, I'll keep him in the carrier, I guess... although I'm not really worried about him getting into any tight spots since he's a 20-pound cat. He is a big dude. Whether in the carrier or out of it, I expect he'll yell at me for an hour or so and then sleep the rest of the way. I like that idea about using the passenger seat to hold the carrier still, thanks! I'll do that.

    How often do I need to let him out to use the litterbox and drink a little water?

  11. #11
    God/dess PookaShell's Avatar
    Joined
    Jul 2006
    Location
    The middle of a field in the south texas countryside...
    Posts
    4,186
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 13 Times in 8 Posts

    Default Re: Roadtripping With a Cat

    Quote Originally Posted by Yekhefah View Post
    I like that idea about using the passenger seat to hold the carrier still, thanks! I'll do that.

    How often do I need to let him out to use the litterbox and drink a little water?

    Your welcome! I learned that trick after a few long lectures from Gabby about her crate bumping and grinding all over the backseat on rocky roads. Haha. After trial and error and a failed seat belt attempt, the passenger seat worked like a charm, and kept the sun out of her eyes.

    With Gab I just kept an eye on her and she was sleeping most of the time, when she'd wake up, usually after 3-4 hours shed want some water and a cat treat and to go pee. For ten hours he'll probably be fine stopping twice to make sure he's hydrated and isn't holding his potty. But you know him better - watch him at home and see about how often he goes to the litter box and to his food and water bowl, and then decide how often he'll need a rest from that, while keeping an eye on him now and then in the car to make sure he isn't getting dehydrated and stuff.

  12. #12
    God/dess Lena's Avatar
    Joined
    Jun 2002
    Location
    On a sweet muddy river.
    Posts
    6,399
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 78 Times in 43 Posts

    Default Re: Roadtripping With a Cat

    If you do let him travel loose, be sure to ut in in the crate when you're getting in and out with stuff...



  13. #13
    Yekhefah
    Guest

    Default Re: Roadtripping With a Cat

    Thank you!

  14. #14
    Kaylinn
    Guest

    Default Re: Roadtripping With a Cat

    My 20 lb cat, Chloe LOVED to go for car rides. Justlike a dog, she would stick her head out the window or sit in the back window. She also enjoyed going through drive throughs like Mc DOnalds. I got quite a few funny looks hen people atthe stop light next to me saw a huge cat with her head stickin out the window.
    Yeah...not entirely safe, but short trips around town, she loved it.

    I would think for a 10 hour drive, he would startto feel pretty cooped up in a carrier. If he's a good boy that won't crawl under the pedals, I don't see why you couldn't let him out to stretch out in the back seat for a bit...just as long as he was secure in the carrier before you opened the car door.

    But with him being a puker...I think you might want to concider sedating him....unless you know he doesn't get car sick or nervous.

    My Peanut has a very nervous stomach..she gets the runs every time she goes to the vet. Which is once or twice a month.
    If I had to take her on a long trip, I woudl sedate her.

    She is also very fearful of the sounds cars make...the loudness of the road, the sounds of big trucks passing, horns honking....
    Your boy is old, so he may not be so nervous...

    But then again, you have to concider that cats getvery attached to their surroundings. He might get nervous or unsettled justfrom the moving.

    thinking out loud...

    And WTF is up with SW suddenly posting my message while I'm stil typing?? grrfuck. I mustbe hittin a button or smethign....

  15. #15
    Featured Member iambonbon05's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Dear God plz send money to Oregon K luv you bye
    Posts
    1,621
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 24 Times in 13 Posts

    Default Re: Roadtripping With a Cat

    Keep him in the carrier and prepare to hear a lot of meowing. If you have time, it might be a good idea to get him used to the carrier and the car beforehand. If you think he might get sick don't feed him in the morning although if you're on the freeway I doubt it'll be a problem. I've driven with a cat from Mendocino county (so reaaally long curvy roads) to NW Oregon and it's not really a problem. Just a lot of meowing.

    And make sure when you get to your new location that he doesn't have an opportunity to get away. He'll probably be a bit freaked out.
    Order Avon through my website!


    Quote Originally Posted by madmaxine View Post
    (Being Catholic never truly leaves you. It's a lifelong disease.)
    Quote Originally Posted by Lysondra View Post
    Hey, lapdances cost at LEAST 5 chickens. If you be offering them for one chicken, you be lowballin' girl.

  16. #16
    God/dess Lena's Avatar
    Joined
    Jun 2002
    Location
    On a sweet muddy river.
    Posts
    6,399
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 78 Times in 43 Posts

    Default Re: Roadtripping With a Cat

    For the car sickness... Ginger.



  17. #17
    Featured Member mina loy's Avatar
    Joined
    Jul 2006
    Location
    san francisco
    Posts
    970
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts

    Default Re: Roadtripping With a Cat

    i've made the trip from oakland, california, to salem, oregon with a cat in the car. we kept her in her carrier for most of the time and let her out when we stopped to rest and put the litter box behind the driver's seat. once we let her loose while the car was in motion but once she managed to get up to the rear window we put her back inside the carrier, deeming that it wasn't safe for her if we stopped suddenly and she got thrown forward.

    i also suggest putting the seat belt around the carrier as an added precaution.
    [sigpic][/sigpic]
    ......just to feel.....the half-blood prince...

  18. #18
    Yekhefah
    Guest

    Default Re: Roadtripping With a Cat

    Thanks. I don't anticipate carsickness; he's never gotten sick in the car before (driving across town to vet and groomer and such). His throwing up is usually hairballs or occasionally when he eats too much. If I were to give him ginger, though, how would I administer it? Put ginger tea in his water or what?

    I'm glad to hear this won't be the huge ordeal I thought it would be!

  19. #19
    God/dess MrChristopher's Avatar
    Joined
    Jul 2004
    Location
    philadelphia suburbs (delaware, actually)
    Posts
    4,857
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts

    Default Re: Roadtripping With a Cat

    Our old man cat doesn't like to be in a carrier on long trips, he'll pee out of spite. If I let him out, though, he's totally chill and sleeps right next to me. The younger two I keep in the carriers. I let them out at regular intervals, pretty much as outlined already. One thing though, keep an eye on him. I had a cat freak out about a carrier once and after about 30 minutes of frantic "OMG YOURE KILLING ME" meowing, he crapped all over the carrier and himself. NOT pleasant. I've moved from Philly To Florida and back with 3 cats, frogs, snakes, birds and even fish on one occasion. You'll be fine.

    Would he deal with a harness? We have one for old man cat and at rest stops and such we'd let him walk around and sniff stuff for awhile while we ate. He seemed to enjoy that.
    waffles are just pancakes with little squares on them.

  20. #20
    Featured Member mina loy's Avatar
    Joined
    Jul 2006
    Location
    san francisco
    Posts
    970
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts

    Default Re: Roadtripping With a Cat

    Quote Originally Posted by MrChristopher View Post

    Would he deal with a harness? We have one for old man cat and at rest stops and such we'd let him walk around and sniff stuff for awhile while we ate. He seemed to enjoy that.
    be careful with the harness. when i did a cross-country road trip with my orange tabby he got loose because his harness (made for a small dog) was too big for him. fortunately, we caught him and dragged him back to the car. as long as the harness is escape-proof, the cat should enjoy being allowed to walk around and sniff stuff.
    [sigpic][/sigpic]
    ......just to feel.....the half-blood prince...

Similar Threads

  1. Replies: 3
    Last Post: 07-10-2008, 09:47 AM
  2. Cat help?
    By Darcy Foxx in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 06-30-2007, 07:22 PM
  3. Mama cat hatin baby cat...??
    By Xiomara in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 22
    Last Post: 01-06-2007, 07:25 PM
  4. My cat.
    By Mare in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 18
    Last Post: 10-29-2006, 05:05 PM
  5. My cat. :D
    By Lysondra in forum Picture Post
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 05-16-2006, 11:59 AM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •