Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a five month old kitten who despises being in the car. The longest trip she has been on was about an hour, and she meowed pitifully the entire length of the trip. It was miserable not only for her, but for us as well.

Next weekend we are going to be away for a week for my sisters wedding... it's an eight hour drive to our destination and if it is anything like our last trip, it will be unbearable. We've tried having her in a carrier and letting her roam about. We've put her food and water, favourite toys and plush bedding in her carrier. We've done everything I can think of, but nothing seems to make her happy.

My mom sugested giving her Benadryl as a tranquilizer, but I could never do that in good concious, or atleast without checking it out with other cat owners first.

Has anyone find any good was to help their cat relax (medicinally or otherwise) on a long car trip?

TIA.

Lindsay

Is there a way you could leave the kitten behind, withs someone checking on it frequently? This would be the best solution.

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Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!

Unfortunately, there really is no way to leave Sylvie here. My husband and I just moved here a month ago and really don't know anyone around us, certainly not enough to leave them a key to our house or to take our beloved kitty for a week.

I've looked into some herbal relaxants for cats, and found one called Bach's Cherry Plum that is suppposed to do the trick. I have never heard of the Rescue Remedy that you mentioned. Do you think you could tell me how exactly it works and where i might find it?

Thanks

Lindsay

Rescue Remedy is made by Bach - but if the Cherry Plum sounds like a better option then go for it! Rescue Remedy can be found in most health food/vitamin type stores.
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Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!

I have a cat that hates to travel as well. If you can avoid traveling with her that is the best option. But if you can't then have a talk with your vet. There is animal sedative (not a tranq, it just relaxes them a little) call acepromazine. It works wonders with my kitty when I have to take her on long trips.