Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm moving from Reno, NV to Brooklyn, NY and plan to drive my three cats there. I'm nervous about the trip. I love my cats and know they won't enjoy being on the road. Still, even four or five days in a minivan strikes me as more humane than flying these particular cats (even in the passenger cabin--I'd never put them in cargo!). I just don't think they'd deal well with airports, planes, etc. I have large, mobile pet homes for each one of them, and these are large enough for the cats to stand up in, change positions, etc. A friend will be with me to occasionally let them out of their carriers (one at a time, of course) so that they can relieve themselves in a litter box. I'd love to hear from someone who's done this, who can offer tips or even just tell me that they did it and everything was okay. I'm a worrier, I'm afraid, especially when it comes to my cats.

Yes, you can travel with cats! A minivan should be ideal. First... make sure you have id on each cat. A collar and tag with a number where someone can be reached while you're on the road (a cellphone, a friend or relative or their former vet) and someone you can get in touch with, too. This is in case one or more get out. Microchips wouldn't hurt either, but don't provide the ability to give instant contact. If you are using fairly sizeable carriers, a disposable foil pan can be used as a litterpan, otherwise your idea to let one at a time out of the carrier to use the box is a good one. Don't be surprised if they won't use the box in the van. However, I have experienced and heard other stories about the dangers of cats being loose in a vehicle. Fasten the carriers down so they do not move or shift around, the cats will be much more secure when the vehicle is moving. I know a breeder who lost one of her show cats when she had to slam on the brakes because the cat was not in a carrier and slammed against the dashboard. I had a close call and didn't have the carrier secured. My cat was upset for quite a while from the carrier bouncing around from an evasive maneuver to avoid an accident. Do not open the windows more than a very small amount or open the doors at all while a cat is loose in the vehicle. Check in advance and plan your route to locate pet friendly motels and hotels. Make sure you make several stops a day to let the cats have a little time to move around, eat and drink when the van isn't moving.

Good luck and keep us posted. I am sure others will have some suggestions for you as well!