trailerbikecamper
eastern Canada
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Joined: 09/06/2004
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My DW wants to buy a new kitten. Right now it's about 14weeks old.
The problem is that we will be travelling across the country hopefully later this summer. I think the cat will be stressed too much. Shipped to a new home (frm Vancouver Canada) then a few weeks later travelling across the country by vehicle to yet a nother new home.
I suggested waiting till after teh move to get the cat but it's a rare breed and she really wants one. Any suggestions on the best way to travel with a new cat?
Dan/Mary
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Klueck
Georgia
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Joined: 11/15/2008
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The cat will be just fine. They adapt very well. I would put it in a cat carrier though. It will feel safer than having free run of the rv while you are driving down the road. Our strictly indoor cats traveled just fine in our motorhome and they are very sheltered.
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robsouth
Too Near Atlanta, GA
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Joined: 06/20/2004
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All cats are different. We had to identical cats, except one female and one male. From day one, the female would go absolutely berserk when in any type of vehicle, even if in the carrier. Howled and turned circles the whole time. The male just lays down and goes to sleep and travel does not bother him at all. Go figure. Good luck with whatever you decide.
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hawkhill
Florida
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Joined: 02/28/2004
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We started our two cats off traveling when they were about 3 mo old, so I think the younger they get used to it the better. We got them used to the crate prior to our first trip. We used Feliway spray on the crate bedding and put in their favorite toys. We use a towel for crate bedding with Smokey as he likes to get under it and hide and then just sleeps. Purrshing loves his crate so much he will go in at home when we are not traveling.
We also took them day camping in the RV in our driveway to get them used to it. Go through your RV carefully and make sure there are no holes that a cat can get into that would present a problem. Cats have a knack for getting into some tight inaccessible spaces. Also, never run your slides unless the cat is crated. Many sad stories on that one.
We also got them used to a harness and leash when they were 16 to 20 weeks old. They are now 4yrs old and 2 yrs old and love to "walk" around the park. To teach them not to try to get out the door, we keep a water pistol by the door. If they act like they are thinking about it, now just showing them the water pistol changes their mind.
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Roadpilot
Lakes Region of New Hampshire
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We introduced our cat to travel in the MH when he was about 15. He loved it. He loved being on the leash and being able to explore CG's and wherever we were. I have fond memories of walking around the Cummins repair facility in Tampa inspecting under and over every vehicle on their lot.
2006 Millennium Prevost
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jbbrick
Near San Francisco
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Don't miss the chance to enjoy your kitten while traveling, he'll do just fine. Ours is a 9 yr old scaredy cat, never traveled before but after a few trips he is enjoying it. Hides under the bedspread while moving, then comes out to explore after we stop for a while. He loves exploring the dashboard and looking out the windows at night.
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coppertales
texas
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Your cat will be ok. I was given my Dad's 13 year old Siamese when I went to his internment last month. He passed away last fall. My brother had her but they are not cat people and begged me to take her. I really did not want to but did as I have a soft spot for Siamese. I was camping my way from the northwest to Fort Worth. Hannah and I had a great time and she traveled well and was a great camper. The household is not the disaster I was afraid it would become.....chris3
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campin4kids
Indiana
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If you sence your kitty getting nervous while traveling, smear some butter on his paws. He will spend a lot of time licking it off and before he knows it he will be very happy and comfy.
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Code2High
Ridgecrest, CA
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Joined: 12/21/2004
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I had to take a trip halfway across the country with a sick 6 week old kitten. I set her up in a fairly small crate, with a little litter box in the back and a bed in the front. She quickly learned to be very comfortable traveling in the car and spending time in her crate.
Far from being an impossible situation or too much stress, I think you'll find this is a great opportunity to condition your new kitten to travel well.
I would suggest bottled (distilled is best) water for the trip so you don't have to worry about GI upsets due to mineral content variations. Once at home you can transition to whatever you will be giving long term.
* This post was
edited 08/15/10 11:20am by Code2High *
susan
It is a GREAT day in America, isn't it?!?! 
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Opie431
Bellevue, MI
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Joined: 06/19/2004
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Our cat was fine traveling once we had gone far enough that he knew we were not going to the vet. He spent most of his time on my lap looking out the window.
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