Moving with a cat that hates to move

[~Colleen~]

Hi everyone I have a 9 year old Tabby female. I will be moving Monday. Kiara hates to move. My new home is an hour away. I was wondering if there was some way to sedate her or make her very calm.

Thanks

[LuvPets]

Hello, and welcome to Petlovers! When I moved across the country years ago I did ask my vet for a sedative for the cats. I can't remember what was prescribed, but it did keep them calm. It made them look and act a bit weird so after they got used to being on the road I stopped giving it to them. I just made their carriers as comfy as I could with a little food and water, something soft to lay on and a couple toys.

For an hour long drive it should be no problem for your kitty with a mild sedative. When you get to your new place and start unloading the truck, you can keep her in a separate room in her carrier with the door shut until you've got everything unloaded. That's what I've done in the past and it was helpful. I didn't have to worry about them taking off or being in harms way as we were going in and out with boxes, furniture, etc. In case someone would accidentally open the door you want to make sure kitty is secure. When we were done unloading I let them out of their carriers and fed them but I think I still kept them in the room for a while til they got their bearings. I have little dishes in the carriers for food and water too but they didn't eat or drink much from what I could see. Also, I got their litter ready so they were all set. Of course, after I got more unpacked they found a place to hide for a day or two but then they were fine. They had fun exploring their new digs after we got all settled.

Best of luck in your move and in your new place. :)

[LuvPets]

Actually, now that I think of it for an hour long trip you might want to just prepare your cat by giving her Rescue Remedy which has a very calming effect rather then a sedative. A Feliway plug in the new place would help her as she adjusts. It releases pheromones that have a calming effect on the cat.

[~Colleen~]

Thanks for the welcome and advise.

Kiara is also a houdini kitty. I dunno how she does it but she can escape from every room you put her in. I've locked her in many rooms while moving in new things and she always gets out. It's funny when you come in and she's sitting on the couch stareing at you.

If I call a vet will they give me advise over the phone? I really can't afford to take her in and pay for advise. I am on a tight budget this month.

I really don't want to hear her cry while we are on the road. She makes me cry. She's my best friend and it would be nice if she didn't even know that she was in the car.

[LuvPets]

I don't think you have to take the cat in to get a prescription sedative. I think I just called my vet and went in and picked it up. It hadn't been that long since they'd seen them last. How long has it been since your kitty was at the vet? It didn't cost much, they only gave me what I needed for the journey.

I think I've also seen catnip recommended for traveling kitties. The Rescue Remedy is pretty good, though. Awhile back I had used it in my cats water and they were really mellow. Not sure how many drops it calls for, but if one doesn't work you can increase it and see how that goes.

It is hard to listen to them cry when they are in the car. When I have to take my cats to the vet, I just talk reassuringly to them. Thankfully, the vet isn't too far away. HTH :)

[special]

Hello and welcome to pet lovers! What a good pet mama you are to worry about Kiara.

I don't advise using a sedative. In my opinion it can add more stress as now the cat is not only in the car, but feels funny, which makes her feel vulnerable.

Also, and I admit this is a rare thing, once when I did use to travel (air travel) with a cat, and the vet had me sedate him, it changed his personality. Permanently. Not worth the risk, in my opinion.

The rescue remedy is a good idea. It will give her a feeling of calmness.

I understand about the crying. But it will be over in an hour.

Get some feliway plug in diffusers and install them in the new house. these, along with the rescue remedy, will help her adjust.

use the rescue remedy for pets as it does not contain alcohol.

Let us know how it all works out!

[~Colleen~]

Thanks everyone

I will be looking for something natural for Kiara

She was just at the vet last month. She go's every 6 months.

We just moved and she is so happy here but work is taking me back to the city. I wish I could leave her but my dad says she is lost without me. And I know she misses me when I go away for a few days. I got home yesterday after a 3 day leave. she has only left my side to eat and do her business. Even the birds don't intrest her.

Anyway enough rambling lol

Thanks again I will call the health food store tomarrow maybe they can point me in the right direction

[special]

Ramble all you want, she sounds lovely!

Since you are going the non medical route I recommend you go with the rescue remedy as it is known to be safe. A lot is not known about how cats react to herbals, but Rescue Remedy is tried and true.

[krazy4birds]

I highly recommend the Rescue Remedy also.. It did wonders for our cat while we were trying to get him adjusted and tamed down...saved a few bites and scratches too! Kiara is a beautiful name and I bet she does get lonely for you Good Luck and as special said...Ramble all you want!!!! That is why we call it "Petlovers" ~smile~

[~Colleen~]

Well I just learned that I will not be handling Kiara's move. I have to leave tomarrow and we move Monday. She is gonna freak. My dad has to get her in the carrier on his own. This usually a 2 person job as Kiara is a very big cat and very strong.

We haven't had any luck finding that Rescue Remedy. But I guess thats what happens when you live in a small town. We will look again in a differant town tomarrow. I hope I find it or I may end up with one very angry kitty.

She knows that we are moving as I have been stuffing stuff in the van all day. She's mad at me and runs when I go near her. I feel so bad. I hate that I have to move her away from this wonderful place.

[LuvPets]

How is your move going so far? Is Kiara still upset? Moving can be hard on them, but they are pretty resilient. I hope she hasn't decided to find a hiding place....