Brooklyn_Bomber

Allow me to combine message threads and suggest that you listen to the Nuge' on your trip.

http://www.cannedchaos.com/cat_scratch.html

kkj

I've taken my two 18 pound cats on two car trips by myself that were over 1800 miles. It can be done if you keep your sense of humor. I put them in one large carrier and rigged up a litter box to the side. Do not let them roam around the car. There is no telling what they can get into. The trip took several days and they started out meowing every morning. After about a half an hour there little voices stopped complaining. I have the idea of having pets fly. There are way too many accidents that can happen to them. You'll do fine.

JSRX2

Wow - I had no idea I'd get so many responses to this!

I have a large dog carrier for the 2 cats. They are brothers so they are extremely compatible and have traveled together before.

I never put a blanket over the cage - we always thought it'd be better if they could see us. I will try that though, because I'm sure the rest of the surroundings are pretty freaky to them!

Thanks a lot for all the ideas. Has anyone had success with the kitties using a litter box in this situation? Do they usually eat/drink on the road or do they pretty much save all that for the hotel room?

traveljune

Regarding your last question about the litter box, I always wait until I get to the hotel. Somehow they managed to hold it while they're in the car.

As soon as you get in the room, set up their litter box, food and water. They will probably explore the room, then use the facilities and drink some water.

My cats always try to hide under the bed...which is impossible in a hotel since they always have those blocks under the bed.

CarolB

Although my cat hated the car and could be pretty irrational about it, she used the litter box very successfully. I just kept it on the floor of the back seat. Of course, you have to let them out of the crate at the right times, and it could take a while for them to stop zooming around and focus on that important task!

Kate2

I would imagine any trip over 6-8 hours would require a kitty litter stop! If you feed them, you run the risk of car sickness so perhaps no food but a tiny bit of water?

Birdie

Individual animals react differently to tranquilizers. If you had a bad reaction in the past, I wouldn't try it again. Acepromazine is usually the one prescribed. The problem is that since it is taken orally you don't know how much will be absorbed or when. Often, some animals panic because they don't like the feeling of not being totally aware. Others, mellow out and just go with the flow. You can talk to your vet about trying some benadryl. Sometimes that will take the edge off without making them feel too woozy. Cats are desert animals and will often go without food, water, and elimination. You should have food, water, and litter available, though, unless you do tranquilize. You don't want kitty falling asleep in his water dish.