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I will be moving to Oregon next week from Iowa, and I'm bringing my 2
cats with me. I am planning to drive as much as I can before stopping
for the night (12-14 hours). I'm worried about how the cats will fare
for such a long trip. One of my cats hates the car, and I do have a
sedative from the vet, but I'd like to avoid using it if possible. I'm
mostly concerned about how the cats will eat, drink, and use the litter
box. I will be driving alone so I must keep them confined to a carrier
(large enough for both cats), and they won't have access to a litter
box. I will stop every few hours and let them use one if they are
willing - is this reasonable?. Has anyone had experience driving
long-distance with cats? Any tips?

Thanks!
Liz


I have made numerous long trips with cats, and I have not had any problems.
None of my cats even wanted to eat or drink or use the litter box while we
were in the car, but they headed directly for food or the litter box as soon
as we settled in for the night. I would suggest -- both for your sake and
the cats' -- that you reduce the length of time you plan to spend on the
road each day. A 12-14 hour day is much too long; it would be preferable to
add an additional day of traveling, even though that means one more night in
a motel (and shifting everything from car to motel and back again). Do be
sure to *check in advance* for motels where you can take your cats inside;
offer to pay a security deposit, if necessary. I always kept a small litter
box behind the driver's seat for "emergencies," but it was never used. In
your case, I suggest that you simply keep the carrier closed at all times
when the cats are in the car. There are now some disposable litter boxes
available (complete with a small supply of litter). That could probably be
placed into the carrier once or twice during the day if you are concerned,
but you will probably find that it will not be used.

You already know that one cat hates the car. Therefore, I suggest that you
get a spray can of Feliway and spray some in the carrier about 30 minutes
before you place the cats in it in the morning. (Do *not* spray it while
the cats are actually in the carrier!) A sedative really should not be
necessary, and I would avoid it if at all possible. Your cats may cry for
30-45 minutes, but then will probably be quiet for most of the day. Be
*extremely* careful when opening the door in a motel room. Cats can become
frightened in unfamiliar surroundsing, and one could panic and run out an
open door faster than I can describe it.

Good luck with your move. I actually enjoyed traveling with my cats -- the
companionship was really pleasant.

MaryL