How can I make a long distance move with my cats less stressful?

Congratulations on your move! Many times cats do quite well in the car. Depending on how long the trip is, it may be advisable to buy a large crate to put in the backseat so they can have a small portable litter box and a bed. This will also keep them from jumping around the car, keeping them (and you) safer. If your cats have a history of car sickness or nausea, I would reach out to your veterinarian to discuss a prescription (cerenia) that may help with it. Finally, some cats have a strong aversion to the car. If your cats have a history of stress or anxiety in ththe car, you could also reach out to your veterinarian to discuss a sedative, if needed. Good luck!

I sympathize with you. I just moved across the country with my 2 cats last year. There are a number of over the counter options, but none of them are as reliable as prescription medications. So, it really depends on how anxious your cats are as to which would be a better option for them. You could try calming treats such as Composure ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetri-science-composure-feline-bite-sized-chews ) for an herbal option. We used to recommend tranquilizers for traveling which would sedate an animal, but we now recommend milder anti-anxiety medications that do not cause excessive sedation. I used the prescription medication Gabapentin for my cats for a 3 day drive across the country, and they did great. I would recommend asking your veterinarian for their recommendation and try a few products before you actually move. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Here is a great article regarding traveling with cats: https://www.petcoach.co/article/safe-summer-traveling-tips-for-cats/ You should also get the cats use to the crates so have the crates out for at least a week in advance. You may also try feeding the cats in the crate to create a positive association. If the cats become stressed out easily, you may discuss getting sedatives for them from your veterinarian. Make sure the cats are up to date on vaccines, have a record of their vaccines, you may also want a health certificate just to be safe and you may also want to microchip them (if this is not already done) just in case they escape. Please feel free to post any additional questions.

Moving can be a stressful time for both cats and people. Some cats begin to experience stress when the first box is packed. Try to keep this time as normal as possible for your cat by continuing a normal daily routine and avoid packing your cat’s bed, cat tree, and toys until the last minute. Calming pheromone products, such as the Comfort Zone® Calming Diffuser or Comfort Zone® Spray and Scratch Control Spray, may minimize some of this stress. When moving day arrives, be sure that your cat is safely secured in a cat carrier before the door opens and boxes start leaving. We recommend plugging in the Comfort Zone® Calming Diffuser into your old home during packing, as well as in your new home during unpacking and the settling period. If possible, try to move your cat as early in the day as possible and confine them to a bathroom in your new home with their normal bed, litter box, bowls, and toys. This will keep your cat from escaping during the move and may pose less stress if they see less of the action. If your cat is prone to high stress, resulting in self-trauma with overgrooming or inappropriate eliminations, it may be best to discuss short-term anti-anxiety medication with your veterinarian.

You may be surprised at how well he will take the move. If he becomes car sick, you may want to discuss anti-nausea medications with your vet that will ease this stress. Supplements like Zylkene or Comfort Zone Feliway Diffuser Kit for Cat Calming can be used during travel and when he gets to his new house to help with the transition. I would recommend keeping his food, litter, and litterbox the same. Give him plenty of attention. If he has any specific behavioral concerns once you move, post a new question and we would be happy to help again!

I would recommend that you schedule an appointment to with your vet to discuss prescription anti-anxiety and anti-nausea medications that can help with stress of traveling for North. 6 hours isn't that long, but it can feel like an eternity if you have motion sickness or intense fear. I usually prescribe enough for a trial run to make sure there are not any odd side effects before the day of travel.

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! I would ask your Veterinarian for an oral sedative for you to give 2 hours before travel. I would use the Feliway spray in his carriage. Once you arrive at your new home, he should be kept in a room by himself away from the other animals for a week then use a baby gate at the door for the him to see and greet the other cat and dog. Do that for a week, then remove the gate. be sure he has access to this room to run away if he needs to. This room can be your bedroom. Use the Feliway diffuser in this room. If there is aggression between the cats use the Feliway Multicat I wish you the best! https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=37241 https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=37240 https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=37242