Cats get car sick

18 years ago

There seem to be a lot of helpful people on this forum and hopefully someone has some advice.

I have 3 cats- age 3,4 and 5. One used to be my sister's cat while she attended college. She used to drive home with him on weekends (a five hour trip) he probably made this trip with her at least 30 times and she never had any problems. He would sleep in his carrier and not fuss or get sick.

The last two years I've gone on vacation I've taken my cats to my parents house (a 2 hour drive) because I dont have anyone who I trust to come to my house to take care of them. The youngest never has any problems getting car sick but she cries a little over 50% of the time during the car ride. She makes this long drawn out cry like she is lost. The cat that used to be my sister's gets sick (diarhea) at least once during the 2 hour drive. He doesn't cry or make any noise, its just I am driving and all at once smell something absolutely horrible (this has happened three times so far) The 4 year old cat is not used to traveling but I've taken her on this 2 hour ride at least six times and only the last two has she gotten sick. The last time we were only 25 minutes from home when she got diarhea. It was horrible! Then she spent the rest of the ride on my lap becaues she was shaking and panting like crazy (it was not hot in the car) It was nerves.

Before we leave, I make sure they have no access to food for about four or five hours at least and I put them in the litter box. (Sometimes they go right before we leave, sometimes not) Once they get to my parents' house they are scared and hide for about an hour and then they are fine (we put them in a bedroom). But on the ride back the same thing happens! I especially don't understand why this is happening with the cat who used to be my sister's becuase he is used to going for five hour car rides and now he gets upset at 2 hour car rides. Is there anything I can do to help ease their anxiety? I'm going on a 7 day vacation this summer and I would like to take them with us but it is a nine hour drive! I wish I felt comfortable leaving them home alone (I could find someone to come over and feed them and check on them but my biggest fear is that by some freak thing the house might burn down or something while we're gone and those are my babies so I'd rather they were with me. but I want them to be comfortable.

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Comments (8)

annzgw
18 years ago
For the long trip that is coming up, I would look for a place that boards cats. If you're lucky you'll find one that offers rooms where your 3 cats could stay together. I've seen facilities that also offer windows in each room and a TV. There a lower rate the more animals you board and you'll be able to enjoy your trip!

I know people recommend not feeding but I find if I feed the pets about an hour before the trip, and allow them time to do their business, the trip is less stressful for all. I just know that if driving on a curvy road I do much better with food on my stomach than with an empty stomach full of acid!

Have you tried some of the products like Rescue Remedy?

I would also recommend setting the crates up on luggage while in the car so that the cats can see out in one direction. This usually helps with car sickness.
Elly_NJ
18 years ago
When vets perform surgery, the animals do not get food for 12 hours, so there is no problem with doing that. However, I would talk to your vet about this problem. Your vet may offer a sedative?

Hopefully Meghane weighs in here.
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annzgw
18 years ago
Huh? I agree going without food for hours isn't normally a problem, but these cats are in a moving vehicle for even more hours without food/water. Result: motion sickness.
It's a totally different scenario than a short trip to the vet.
Elly_NJ
18 years ago
If the system is empty, there is nothing to puke or poop. That would alleviate the problem with diarrheah. Motion sickness is not the result of traveling with no food or water.

Boarding your animal opens up a host of other potential problems, not the least of which is they are exposed to other things carried by other cats: ringworm, URI, internal and external parasites. Also, the cat, I am sure, would rather be with the owner than with strangers.
ms_minnamouse
18 years ago
Try giving them ginger or mixing it up in something they like. It's a sedative and helps with nausea.
chara_ct
18 years ago
I have three cats also who are the loves of my life! I adore them and spoil them rotten. I don't think anyone can take care of them as well as I can but I have learned that leaving them at home in their normal surroundings with a caring and professional pet sitter - is much better for them than the stress of going anywhere with me. Sometimes I pay a pet sitter to come in the morning and then ask a friend to look in on them in the evening.

Is it possible for you to ask your vet and other pet owners for recommendations on pet sitters? And then perhaps you could mention to your neighbors that you will be away and could they please keep an eye out on your house. Make sure that they have keys to get in and a number to reach you. An alternate would be finding someone to stay at your house with the cats.

Too bad you don't live in my neighborhood - we could cat sit for each other! Good luck.
Deb_finsfan_hotmail_com
15 years ago
My cat has been through quite a bit of stress with a 500 mile move. She now has a case of diarrhea and is spending a lot of time sleeping. She was better through the night but has now regressed. Will this go away on it's own? I have left water faucets running (her preference) to assure she does not become dehydrated.
Deb_finsfan_hotmail_com
15 years ago
My cat has been through quite a bit of stress with a 500 mile move. She now has a case of diarrhea and is spending a lot of time sleeping. She was better through the night but has now regressed. Will this go away on it's own? I have left water faucets running (her preference) to assure she does not become dehydrated.