Friday, May 21, 2010

Moving, Need sugestions about taking my cat?

I'm moving 5,000 from Alaska to Indiana and plan on taking my cat who can hardly stand to go to the vet. Is there something I can give him to keep him calm for 5 days? Getting rid of him is NOT an option! Please only suggestions that wouldn't be harmful to him. (He has Asthma)
Answers:
Yes, your vet can provide you with a mild sedative to give while traveling. I had to fly with my cat from S. Korea to Missouri and it was a 24 hour trip including layovers. She was going to be in the cargo hold for the majority of the trip and was already a very spastic, nervous cat. I got a mild sedative from the vet (just something to chill her out a bit) and kept her in a small cage where she would feel secure. She only had a little bit of water and no food per the vet's suggestion because needing to use the bathroom was even worse for her. Be sure to have a makeshift litter box she can use in the car as well.
put him in a large cage so he or she can move breathe and is with you. sorry that he has asthma
Talk to your vet about some harmless herbal tranquilizers. There's a holistic vet in Dallas who talks about them on TV all the time, and it might help the poor baby with traveling. Mine throw fits the minute I get them in the car - until they figure out they're not going to the vet. Sometimes it takes a while. We just moved 100 miles and they fussed at least the first 20 or so!
give him a lot of food on the way there and water and make sure that he gets attention or find a way to harmlessly make him sleep the whole way.
The vet will be ablt to determine if a tranquilizer or anti-anxiety pill would be right for him. If he has severe health problems, is quite old or malnourised then they will refuse but an otherwise healthy cat will not suffer by being given a little "calm down" during a stressful time. Good luck with the move.
You should go to your local Vet and get a prescription for some tranquilizers you can give to him before the trip and along the way. I have also moved my cat a fairly long distance before and he too doesn't enjoy riding in the car, but I put him in a large carrier (one that he can easily move around in, and if possible, big enough for a small litter box), and he did fairly well. Good luck!
i would call your vet and ask i would think there would be some kind of pill they can give them to make your cat relax. have a good move and good luck!!
look i do not now what to give him but chill relax
We just moved 600 miles with two cats. Before our move we took our cats to the vet for a check up and to see if tranquilizers could be given to them. The vet prescribed something to help them relax and sleep during the trip. Everything went fine.
I suggest you do the same. Contact a vet.
YOU CAN PURCHASE A CARRY ON CAGE FOR THE CAT FROM THE CO. YOU ARE FLYING WITH SO YOU CAN KEEP THE CAT WITH YOU--- AND A VET CAN GIVE YOU TRANQUILIZER'S-- IT WORKED FOR OUR CAT-- WE FLEW WITH AIR CANADA, FROM WINNIPEG TO TORONTO, BUT THAT WAS ONLY 6 HOURS --- RE- 5 DAYS ,THAT'S A LONG TIME-- TALK WITH A VET!
Bach Flower Rescue Remedy is safe to use on animals as well as humans. Put several drops in your cat's water or onto their tongue directly. It can be used indefinitely without any contraindications.

I always use it when I have to take any of my dogs into a stressful situation, it calms them down completely.
First of all, good for you that you arent willing to part with your cat. :)

Contrary to popular believe, a large cage is actually a BAD choice to move the cat in. Reason: if you are travelling and are in an accident, that cat can hurt itself when it is thrown. You need to get a carrier that the cat can turn around in, but not too much larger.

If you are driving, check with AAA to plan a route that will include cat friendly hotels. Ensure that your cat has a collar on with his name, your name and a number that is still working to contact you or other emergency person. (I live on a town on the TransCanada and every year at least 5 cats escape from their owners and are hard to track down to get the cat back to)

If your cat is tattooed or microchipped, update the information with a number and name to contact until you are settled. Bring current pictures of your cat as well with you. (Telling someone you lost your black cat is hard to track)

Vets can give tranquilizers, but that is something you will have to talk to your own vet about. I gave my cat pills for a 6 hour car ride and it was a nightmare. She meowed the whole way and her 3rd eyelids were partially covering her eyes..she wasnt completely relaxed and I didnt know if I could give her more to help her. (too much and you can kill a cat) Before anyone asks.there was no cell phone service where I was.

Whenever you leave the vehicle, ensure the cat is secure in his cage. Do NOT allow him to roam the vehicle. That is dangerous for you and him. Also, when you get out the cat may bolt. If you need to leave the vehicle ensure all doors are locked and it isnt too hot or cold. The best option is to not keep the cat in an enclosed vehicle.but sometimes that isnt possible.

Here is a list for you:

Microchip cat before leaving home
Bring several good, clear photos of your cat
Transport cat in seatbelt compatible carrier
Secure cat in carrier BEFORE opening vehicle door
Provide fresh water frequently
Carry shaker can of favourite treats, just in case!

Good luck. :)

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