Brutus is an 11-year-old male all American shorthair. He's very large - 21 lbs. - but not very fat. He's a really great cat except if we have to take him out of the house. A visit to the Vet is traumatic for him (and us as well). He howls, poops, pees, and sometimes vomits in the carrier and the whole trip takes no more than ten minutes in each direction. The problem is, we may be moving from New York to Florida and want to go down for a few weeks and want to take Brutus with us. Is it a good idea to confine him to a carrier for 2 days (stopping at night)? He is so big that even the large carrier we have is not very roomy for him. What about a litterbox? We have a full-size car (not a van) so we can't just put his litterbox on the floor. Also, is it ever a good idea to sedate a cat for a trip like this? Any help you can offer is greatly appreciated. I love knowing there is always someone out there who I can contact with a question. Keep up the great work!!!Bad Traveler
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Carol Teitler
- Posts: 19
- Joined: Wed Jul 16, 2003 12:37 pm
- Location: New York City
Bad Traveler
Brutus is an 11-year-old male all American shorthair. He's very large - 21 lbs. - but not very fat. He's a really great cat except if we have to take him out of the house. A visit to the Vet is traumatic for him (and us as well). He howls, poops, pees, and sometimes vomits in the carrier and the whole trip takes no more than ten minutes in each direction. The problem is, we may be moving from New York to Florida and want to go down for a few weeks and want to take Brutus with us. Is it a good idea to confine him to a carrier for 2 days (stopping at night)? He is so big that even the large carrier we have is not very roomy for him. What about a litterbox? We have a full-size car (not a van) so we can't just put his litterbox on the floor. Also, is it ever a good idea to sedate a cat for a trip like this? Any help you can offer is greatly appreciated. I love knowing there is always someone out there who I can contact with a question. Keep up the great work!!!
Re: Bad Traveler
You could spend some time currently, getting him used to his carrier, by keeping it out in the open, door open, with a comfortable blanket and favorite toy (or article of your clothing) inside, make it comfortable for him so he can associate the carrier with comfort and ease, rather than fear. Every day that he gets closer to the carrier (and investigates it inside) is a day closer to his accepting it. Praise him with special attention or a treat when he enters the carrier.
As for travelling, please search this forum for like posts, there are several that contain extensive tips for travelling with cats. (use search terms, travelling, relocation, moving)
Sedation is rarely necessary, but if you're concerned, ask your vet. Sedation medication needs to be prescribed in low doses and judiciously, your vet can discuss the options with you.
I'd strongly recommend a larger carrier for him if you plan to travel. He needs to have room to move about inside, perhaps a dog crate would be better, so that he can view all sides, etc, just make sure you have a comforable blanket inside for him.
When travelling, provide food and water at least every 4 hours of travelling time. NEVER open car windows or doors without kitty being safely secure inside his carrier. For litterbox duty, every 6 hours or so should suffice in which you could stop, provide a small amount of litter (or paper towels) in his box and encourage him to use it (again, keep kitty secure in the car with doors and windows closed).
Call ahead of time with hotels who accept pets, a deposit may be required.
If you are staying with family or friends, be sure to keep stress reduced to a minimum for kitty, and instruct family/friends to respect his needs, keep him safely indoors, etc.
In the event you feel apprehensive about kitty travelling with you, perhaps it would be better to get a competent, caring, responsible caretaker for him at home while you're away,....leave special instructions, your vet's number, an emergency vet number, and instruct your caretaker to check on kitty twice a day, to spend quality time with him, etc. If you have an answering machine, you can call your home and "talk" to your kitty, he will probably appreciate your voice. Most important, is to instruct your caretaker to monitor your kitty carefully for any signs of stress, seperation anxiety, depression, changes in behavior or habits, etc, as stressed kitties can oftentimes develop hidden illnesses and would require a vet visit (in which you would be prepared in advance with your permission, etc).
On another note, about the weight issue. When was his last vet checkup, and did your vet suggest a weight management plan?
As for travelling, please search this forum for like posts, there are several that contain extensive tips for travelling with cats. (use search terms, travelling, relocation, moving)
Sedation is rarely necessary, but if you're concerned, ask your vet. Sedation medication needs to be prescribed in low doses and judiciously, your vet can discuss the options with you.
I'd strongly recommend a larger carrier for him if you plan to travel. He needs to have room to move about inside, perhaps a dog crate would be better, so that he can view all sides, etc, just make sure you have a comforable blanket inside for him.
When travelling, provide food and water at least every 4 hours of travelling time. NEVER open car windows or doors without kitty being safely secure inside his carrier. For litterbox duty, every 6 hours or so should suffice in which you could stop, provide a small amount of litter (or paper towels) in his box and encourage him to use it (again, keep kitty secure in the car with doors and windows closed).
Call ahead of time with hotels who accept pets, a deposit may be required.
If you are staying with family or friends, be sure to keep stress reduced to a minimum for kitty, and instruct family/friends to respect his needs, keep him safely indoors, etc.
In the event you feel apprehensive about kitty travelling with you, perhaps it would be better to get a competent, caring, responsible caretaker for him at home while you're away,....leave special instructions, your vet's number, an emergency vet number, and instruct your caretaker to check on kitty twice a day, to spend quality time with him, etc. If you have an answering machine, you can call your home and "talk" to your kitty, he will probably appreciate your voice. Most important, is to instruct your caretaker to monitor your kitty carefully for any signs of stress, seperation anxiety, depression, changes in behavior or habits, etc, as stressed kitties can oftentimes develop hidden illnesses and would require a vet visit (in which you would be prepared in advance with your permission, etc).
On another note, about the weight issue. When was his last vet checkup, and did your vet suggest a weight management plan?
..........Traci