moving crosscountry with cats

Me and my fiance are moving from Washington DC to bumfuck Mississippi with two cats. one of them, on the way here (his), meowed literally the whole way. we would let him out for a bit and he pissed on me (I could tell on purpose) and I swear I wanted to, in that instance, throw him out the window, and no I am not an animal abuser. I love them but like anyone they can drive you crazy. My cat, on the otherhand, has never traveled.

So how can I shut these felines up, or get them to relax. Can I give them something? stronger than cat nip? lol. A vet would charge me too much if they would even give me tranquilizers, and I'm an asshole I guess, but they're not caught up on their shots and I can't afford that shit right now, the vet would rob me. but just imagine two cats "meow... meow" for over 18 hours. can someone give me advice?

and no matter what, they will be taken care of. I love them like my babies.

 

there is a sprat they they have at places lit petco for calming cats down. You spary the area they will be in and there is one that they can drink to I think. I have traveled with cats before. It is though especially if they haven't ridden in the car much.

 

I love them. I hope your advice works out. cuz damn they will be annoying

 

Catnip is the key for my guys.....I have two that suffer from seizures when they get panicky so it is important to keep them calm.....I give them fresh catnip 15 minutes before getting in the car and then toss some catnip toys sprayed with some lavender mist in the carriers....I always make sure that I toss in their favorite blanket and one of my shirts to keep it smelling like home....hope this helps. You can also try just covering the carrier with a dark towel or bedsheet to block all the scary sights....sometimes this helps.

 

Here, I found this article on the Little Big Cat Site...

"Traveling with Cats

By Jean Hofve, DVM







I've had lots of experience traveling and moving cats by car; we've gone back and forth from California to Colorado (about a 22 hour car trip) 7 times over the years. I've learned a lot about traveling with cats (and more than I ever wanted to know about moving!) that I'm happy to share with you.

I use one carrier per cat, a regular size; big enough so they can turn around and curl up in, but it doesn't have to be huge. Even cats who usually get along well may react badly to the stress of travel on top of crowded quarters, so it really is best to separate them. I did once put two kittens in one carrier for the trip, but they were littermates and small enough to be comfy in a mid-sized carrier.


Don't feed cats the morning of the trip, for two reasons. One, if they get carsick, it isn't a huge mess, and two, so there's nothing coming out the other end, either.

If you'll be on the road more than 12-15 hours, plan to make one stopover at a motel. (PetsWelcome.com lists pet-friendly motels.) Ask for a wheelchair-accessible room, because these rooms have enormous bathrooms where the cats can be let out of their carriers, yet still be safely confined while you rest. Food, water, and litterbox can go in there. Don't let the cats out in the main room. In many cases, the beds have a tiny gap where a frightened or determined cat can squeeze in underneath, and you'll have to dismantle the entire bed to get it out. Motel managers tend to frown on that sort of thing! Leave the food out for an hour then pick it up so they will have empty tummies when you get going again.

If you plan it right, a cat doesn't really need to eat, drink, pee, or poop during drive time as long as it isn't more than 12-15 hours at a stretch.


Be aware that if you are crossing state lines with a pet, you are required to have a current health certificate from your veterinarian. California and Arizona are the states most likely to check for documentation.


To ship your cat by air is understandably more complicated. Pet Air Carrier LLC provides assistance with all phases of air travel for pets. You'll also want to read up about it at Ramblin' Cat, a fabulous resource for all modes of transport as well as international travel.


More tips on preparing your cat—and your new home—for a move can be found in this article in our library, and a detailed report is available in our Bookstore.


To help your cat (or other pets) handle the stresses associated with travel, flower essences are safe and effective, with no side effects. Tranquilizers are no longer recommended for pets traveling by air because of many deaths associated with the drugs' depressant effects. Use SpiritEssence New Beginnings for a major move, and Stress Stopper for short trips, or temporary situations such as boarding."