Anybody ever taken their cat on vacation?

[Sara]

We have a beach house and we are going for 3 weeks. It's only a few hours away by Ferry boat and SUV. It's a very comfortable trip. I hate leaving all 6 with the maid and I miss Vest allot when we go. I also wanted to experiment and see if his allergies act up there. There is less polution and the apartment is much bigger. He's very attatched to us, and sleeps with us at night. He loves his brothers too but I really want to take him. He's outgoing and I think he would enjoy it. It's also very quiet which he will enjoy. The neighbors here are doing reconstruction on an apartment which makes allot of noise. With his personality I think he would like it. Not all my cats would but I think he would. Any advice?

[Traci]

Personally, I wouldn't recommend it due to the stress factor. However, if you can 100% gaurantee his safety (i.e., safe cat carrier on the ferry, etc) and keep the stress reduced at all times, and ensure quality time is spent with him, it may be ok. I wouldn't recommend taking him with you to the beach, etc...too many hazards (water, insects, crabs with pinchers, strange people, etc)

[Sara]

Vest would stay in a large carrier inside the SUV at all times. He would only have to exit when we get to the apartment. The autos stay down below, the passengers go up to the passenger section. Of course he needs papers from the vet as it's a different country. We would take the Ferry a few hours and then drive one hour to the apartment which is very large and safe. Larger than our place here. Windows are all secure and we would have a maid with us so he would not be alone when we were out of the house. He would sleep with us and generally have the run of the house. I just wanted to give him a different environment, I thought it might be fun. Also, the no polution factor. I am sure he can smell us throughout the house as nobody else stays there. He seems to get bored sometimes here. I really don't know... I am sort of torn on what he would find more fun or less stressful. You know, maybe it's better for me more than him. I know he misses us when we are gone. He's Mommy and Daddy's boy for sure. He's the baby of the house and very attatched. I'll think about it. I will keep him inside if we go. There are lots of windows for him to look out of. It's a beautiful place. We are a bit crowded here with 6 (7) cats, he might enjoy the peace.

[Sara]

Vests derm. and vet suggested we leave him home. Just wanted to post an update.