How do I prepare my semi-stray cat for safe and easy travel?

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!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You can definitively do this and it should go well. I recommend you use a product called Feliway which can help him feel more at ease and help with the transition. You may obtain this from your local pet store or online. Best of luck!

You should purchase a cat carrier to safely travel with Mennu. I have a link to a few examples below. It would be best to get Mennu as familiar with the carrier as possible prior to travel to help reduce stress - leave the carrier out so she can explore it. You may even want to try feeding her in the carrier. Take her for a short trip once before leaving. A pheromone spray like Feliway could help reduce stress. Good luck! https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/category/cat/cat-containment/cat-carriers-crates-and-kennels/cat-plastic-crates

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.

Hello. If you have the time, you might want to condition Jupiter to the car. If time is limited, placing him in a carrier ( making sure he is comfortable in a carrier ), putting the carrier on the floor & covering the carrier with a light sheet might soothe his anxiety. Do make sure you have an ID tag on him is case something happens. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello, and thank you for your question. It is likely not possible to get a cat used to travelling if it is so infrequent. Travelling can be stressful for cats, so I would only advise it if you have no options for pet-sitters or pet boarding in your area. If you do end up taking your cat with you, you can try a feline pheromone spray called Feliway, which is designed to help minimize stress. You can start spraying it in your house a few days before your travel date, and spray it in the carrier. Leave the carrier out for a few days in advance, and try putting some treats and toys in it to get her exploring and getting comfortable with it. If you are flying, check the airline for requirements for pets. Some require a health certificate within 10 days of travel, and require up to date vaccinations. If you suspect your cat will be very stressed during the trip, consider taking him or her to the vet to discuss the use of temporary sedatives to make the trip easier for them. I hope this helps!

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