Travelling with my cat

[srpturtle512]

Hello everyone. I am new to this board, but I need some help. I have two gorgeous girls, Mikita and Lily. Mikita is about 5 years old, and she does NOT like to travel. The problem is that I am in law school, and I live an hour and 1/2 from my parents, and when I come home for extended visits my girls have to come with me. Mikita gets very nervous when she travels, she cries and usually throws up and goes to the bathroom in her carrier. I tried buying some pet calming tablets at PetsMart and she won't take them. They are too big to just put in her mouth without her chewing them. I asked the vet and she said to give her Benadryl. The problem is that she won't take it, the smell and/or taste must turn her off. Does anyone have any ideas? I have found a calming/non-sedating liquid for sale and maybe I could put it on her food if it didn't have a taste. I really hate making her travel and I want to be able to help her. I would really appreciate any suggestions anyone may have. Thanks!!

[jason]

just to be complete, i want to mention driving slowly (observing bumps), stopping every once in a while to allow some fluid intake, making sure not alot of food or water was taken just prior to leaving, etc.

my opinion but, sedation for travel should be considered as a last resort only and not something that was not prescribed by your vet. sedatives (obviously) lower blood pressure and can make your kitty cold (groggy) and since cars a/c vents are so close to the seats, this can give a double wammy on their temperature. this effects will play out differently in all cats.

i would do what you can to eleviate stress and bowel uncomforts before resorting to some form of sedative, but again...seek the counsel of a vet for this and use what they recommend only.

[davet]

just another opinion but i never found that sedation did much good with cats...most, and of course not all, seemed to do well in a carrier that was covered.jave rea;;y never seen advers effect in traveling in a covered container, the owners were nerc=voust vut the cat did welll.....als it has been found, by whom, i know not, that cats that could look out the window remembered the basis of the travel and w=could walk home from miles and miles...but try a test run with a covered container...you may have done that and i didn;t read it so if so i missed it

[Sara]

I have flown my cats a few times and have always been told it's best not to sedate them. I have never had any problems. Are your carries large enough? I think the airline websites usually state what the best types of carriers are like and the measurements. They also give tips on travelling. I know you are not flying but the tips might be the same. Ask your vet and take a look at the airline specs. Try United Airlines or American Airlines.

[Mona]

Well I have used Rescue Remedy with good results for my 5 year old. Whenever she has a vet appointment I give her a few drops before she goes. It is herbs and you can either rub it on the gums or give in water or with a dropper.

It can also be used for us humans and I myself have taken it.

There are no side affects, and it is available in health food and fine pet stores.


http://www.organix.net/organix/bachinfo.htm

Mona, Honeybun and Chloe