Anyone have any tips for car trips with a dog and a cat?

[radical noodle]

We'll be traveling for two days, about 7 hours each day. Staying in a pet friendly hotel each night. We've never stayed in a hotel with pets before so I'm a little worried there's something I haven't considered.

If there's anyone here who has traveled with pets, I'd appreciate any suggestions that might save us from ourselves.

[SheltieLover]

1. My rule has always been 1 human stays in room at all times with pets

Somebody can run out to pick up food.

Kitty will likely be much more freaked out than your pupper, so pheremones will help her or him.

Happy trails...

And happy tails!

[radical noodle]

9. Yes, I'm more concerned about the cat

but he's accustomed to a carrier to go to the vet and has a habit of sleeping in it at home. I got him a bigger one for the trip and have found him sleeping in it several times since I got it. Good tip about always having someone in the room with them. We probably would have done that anyway, but it's now planted in my mind.

Thanks!

[SheltieLover]

25. You're most welcome!

Nothing against those who work in various inns, but it is always best to protect your pack. It would be easy for the dog or cat to slip out when housekeeping comes in for various reasons.

I also inform the desk at check-in that I absolutely DO NOT want to be disturbed and I hang the card on the doorknob to cut down on bs intrusions into my peace. Doing so will likely cut down on unwanted barking as your pupper will likely be in protective mode traveling with her or his pack.

Kitties generally do not travel well. As one article I read explained it, dogs are at home wherever their pack is. Cats not so much. Cats' whole world is their territory, so traveling can be disconcerting.

Perhaps someone else can rec a good pheremone spray for you to spritz on a paper towel or wash cloth and place in with your kitty. Out vet acupuncturist uses it and, if you want, I can call to inquire about the brand they use, although they could take a couple of days to get back to me, as their hours are not "normal."

Happy tails and trails!

[radical noodle]

47. I'd love that info if it's not too much trouble

I've seen ads for pheromones but have never used them, so knowing a good one would be helpful.

[SheltieLover]

49. I'll try to contact them in a minute & will let you know what I find out.

[radical noodle]

51. Thank you so much!

[SheltieLover]

53. YW! I've already sent them an email. If they are in the office today, they will likely reply quickly.

I'll let you know as soon as I hear from them.

[unweird]

2. Harnesses

Don’t trust or rely on collars. Cats take a while to get used to harnesses so start early before the trip introducing cats to harness. Retractable leashes and always use the leash as it’s the lifeline protecting the pet.
Good luck. Having driven cross country with a cat and last fall a pair of dogs it is easier with the dogs. We’re off next week for a 7 night roadtrip and are most concerned about the heat.

[radical noodle]

11. I actually hadn't thought of harnesses

The dog has a gentle leader and he's pretty accustomed to being around new people. Plus the vet has given us calming meds for both of them. I will look into harnesses. The cat will always be in his carrier other than in the hotel, but I can see that a harness would be helpful with him also. Thanks for the great tips!

[Traildogbob]

3. Don't use

Romney travel techniques while driving.

[radical noodle]

12. Oh never!

I still shudder when I think of that. We even bought a little fan that runs on USB for the back seat where the cat will be since the a/c in the car isn't a great back there. Thanks!

[Traildogbob]

23. You sound like my

Daughter and her zoo of 4 leggers. They ALL get comfort priority.
Good luck on your trip. Have a great safe time. Check out from the daily hell and make damn sure you enjoy this time with the things you love.

[radical noodle]

48. We have more packed for the furkids than for us

How many critters does your daughter have in her zoo?

[Traildogbob]

54. A big Pittie

A Belgium Mal and two cars.

[radical noodle]

59. Oh wow!

That's a load! I bet she's a pro if she does it often.

[Traildogbob]

60. I have no idea

How she orchestrates it all. But she so loves her animals. ICU trauma 4 days of 12 hours each. I do lots of baby sitting.
It’s wild ride each time.

[Zambero]

4. Some cats are freaked out by car travel

And the ones that are will let you know in no uncertain terms. We did a cross-country trip with our car-wary cat some years ago. The vet prescribed a mild sedative which worked as intended.

[radical noodle]

13. We do have calming meds for both

Also Dramamine for the dog in case he needs it. Thanks!!

[Traildogbob]

24. We have a pharmacy

That makes their own CBD oil for us and animals. If you are OK with high pets. it works with my meth head lab what little we ever travel. She is one wired animal.

[radical noodle]

50. I've considered something like that for the dog

He's a sweetheart but can be very excitable in some situations. We have trazodone for the most stressful times but I've considered something like CBD for more common usage. Does it work well?

[Traildogbob]

55. Yes it does

I am down to one lab, my older I lost two months ago, hated in the truck. Loved the bed but I would not allow that on highway travel. She would hyperventilate really badly, non stop.
My survivor, 3 years old, just gets ridiculously excited and barks relentlessly. It took care of both issues. Calmed them and they pretty much slept or just layed still.

[radical noodle]

61. Awesome!

That's really good to know. I had no idea it would be that effective. I'm going to try that. Our dog is afraid of storms and paces around the entire time. It's normally too late for pills and I really don't want to give meds unless necessary, but CBD if there are storms in the area might be very helpful.

[cachukis]

5. Carrier for cat. We fold down back or put litter

on floor in back seat. Small water bowls.
Know when you are packing animals before cat hides.

[radical noodle]

14. We had a regular size carrier for the cat

for vet trips and such, but got a bigger one for the trip so he'd have a bit more room and also better ventilation. Good suggestion about the cat hiding. He does tend to know when to hide out.

Thanks!

[JustAnotherGen]

6. Our dog flies to Europe

PR, Georgia, etc. etc.

Never leave your pets alone in the room - EVER. Anything can happen. They are in a strange place. This is when the rule of the toddler comes into play.

Would you leave a 3 year old alone in your room? No. So don't leave dogs or cats alone. Very scary for them.

Make sure you have potty pads for in the bathroom. Again can be disorienting to them - give them a place to do good potty. Since by car - bring any things like blankies or dog beds they are used to.

If the hotel doesn't offer it - make sure to bring pet bowls. We have collapsible ones for them.

Don't forget any common first aid you might keep on hand. example - Pet cortisone cream, eye drops, ear drops, wipes, etc. etc.

Pet friendly hotels in Europe always mean what they say. Example- the Westin Milan has pet amenities. But Westins in the USA don't offer all of those things.

[radical noodle]

15. What airlines are good about having a dog on board?

My daughter recently tried to find an airline that would allow her dog to fly with her but they wanted to put her in the hold, which was a big no. The dog is a school therapy dog with credentials, so would be well behaved, but the airlines wouldn't have it.

All good tips, thanks!

[JustAnotherGen]

21. ITA Airways, Air France, Frontier

Our Maltese is a trained therapy dog as well - he's been trained to manage my husband's and any Veteran's PTSD. Depending on the size of the dog can sometimes drive that response.

That said - he's flown on the same flight to Italy with a seeing eye dog (Golden) on ITA.

You'd be amazed at the number of Captains and Flight Attendants that want a picture with her dog! They also always comment that Ruckus is the only one paying attention to the safety demo.

[radical noodle]

32. I love that!

Her dog is a lab, but a short stocky one so not huge. Dogs are great ambassadors.

[Delarage]

29. An airline could make money

If they offered--even periodic--dog flights. Maybe they could swap out a couple rows of seats and have some kennel-type accommodations in there. I'd pay a premium to be able to take my lab on a plane. She will never go in a cargo hold under my watch!

[radical noodle]

33. I would never allow a pet in cargo either

It's just a non-starter. Airlines would benefit from a more liberal policy on pets.

[imaginary girl]

7. I like to bring a flat sheet to put over the hotel bedspread...

...so you don't have to worry about the dog jumping up. I second having a secure carrier for the cat and some way (crate, seatbelt) of securing the dog. I've heard so many horror stories of people in accidents whose freaked out dogs ran away and were hit or lost.

Having said that, though, I have traveled a lot with pets. It can be quite enjoyable as long as you plan ahead!

[radical noodle]

16. I hadn't considered the sheet

Great idea. Thanks!

We do have a carrier for the cat and seatbelt for the dog and the dog is accustomed to it because his seatbelt is always fastened.

[hlthe2b]

8. You are getting good advice but admittedly the first thing I looked for was whether or not you were

--traveling by yourself with your animals. In the summer, that is a REAL challenge and one I've had to do--fortunately, just with one animal--my precious girlie dog. But in the summer, you obviously can NOT leave them in the vehicle even for a moment, as I'd NEVER trust the A/C to stay on and the car not to stall. So, stopping at rest stops usually will allow you to bring in a well-behaved leashed dog--but of course not in the restaurant. Sometimes you can order take-out, depending on the kindness of the staff to run relay to order and pick up for you. I've also had to tie my dog up in the shade as close to the entrance and windows as possible, just to run in and pay or alternately, ask a seemingly trustworthy fellow traveler to watch her for just that short few moments (my heart always racing).

My past two dogs were never barkers (I raised them early on to kennel when I wasn't there), and kept them away from even hearing barking dogs as much as possible in their early months. (Yes, that works with many breeds who don't bark if they don't "learn" from others). Given they were crate-trained, albeit I stopped using those for the most part after their "puppyhood," it still worked in motel/hotel rooms, and I could confidently leave them for a short time to go out and get food or move the car.

At any rate, you have a partner to help in all this, so I am confident they (and you) will be fine! Happy and Safe Travels!

[radical noodle]

17. Thanks!

Our dog does bark but he has some pretty good drugs from the vet that make him very mellow which eliminates the barking pretty well.

[Ponietz]

36. Curious what kind -- trazadone?

This was prescribed by the vet when I adopted Bungee.

[radical noodle]

44. Yes

Trazodone and also Acepromazine for extremely stressful times.

[JMCKUSICK]

10. Bring used cat litter so it's familiar to your baby

If you've never really driven with your cat, take some practice drives so you can get used to the heart wrenching howls that come from your baby.
Also, place the cat Carrier in a conspicuous place with a familiar towel and leave the door open. Maybe kitty will acclimate a little.
No idea about dog tips, sorry.

[radical noodle]

18. Our cat "sings" in the car

so no howls, but I do expect to hear the song of his people.

Thanks!

[JMCKUSICK]

19. That's wonderful news,

I'm not sure I recommend this, but I had a cat that absolutely loved riding in my car, no carrier necessary. I drove from Great Falls, Mt to St Paul, MN with her and she just stayed in my lap mostly, and drooled her way along with total bliss.
Me on the other hand, ended up looking like I had an inconvenient spill lol.

[radical noodle]

20. I've heard about cats that traveled that way

It must have been a fun trip, even with the drooling. I'd love to have a cat that laid back but in my decades of having cats, none has been quite that cool about it.

[idahoblue]

22. We travel with our little dog all the time

If your pets are inclined to get on the bed, take a sheet to cover. Hotels often have bright white bed spreads.

[radical noodle]

34. Thanks. That's something I hadn't considered

Someone else mentioned that as well. I have plenty of sheets/light blankets to take for that purpose.

[SheltieLover]

26. Are your fur kids microchipped with easily readable tags?

On one side of tag I put my phone number and "NEEDS MEDS"

And on the other side a huge "REWARD."

I would be really wary of letting cat loose in the car, just incase of an accident.

Make sure you have bowls and plenty of food and bottled water for your trip. Different water systems have various mineral that might affect their digestion differently.

I 2nd the idea of a sheet to cover the bed spread in the room, not only to protect the spread, but to keep gross germs off your precious fur babies. (Spreads are not washed regularly in some places...)

Happy tails and trails...

[radical noodle]

35. We're good with the microchips.

Cat will ride in a big carrier. We're taking bottled water, as they're both accustomed to distilled water. Great idea about "needs meds" and "reward" on the tags.

[SheltieLover]

41. I read the suggestion to put "Needs meds" on tag somewhere

Article stated someone who might be inclined to keep your pet for their own might be less tempted if they think the animal has some medical problem that might cost them money.

Glad to hear kitty will be snoozing in carrier.

[Delarage]

27. Cats are tough

I travel with my dog all the time and she's a road warrior; La Quinta is very pet-friendly, but a lot of places are these days (pup even came with me to an upscale place in Long Branch, NJ once--a treat while attending the Sea.Hear.Now Festival).

But I drove to Kansas with a friend who was moving there from Delaware (to get her car and pets there). Two cats and a Golden Retriever in a small car. The cats were unhappy THE ENTIRE DRIVE, dog was a trooper. So I strongly endorse others' comments about sedatives/pheremones/whatever it takes for the cats. We had to deal with the litter box issue as well and, of course, it was way too hot to have the windows open long

Stayed at a La Quinta and we were on like the 4th floor. I went down to the lobby in the morning to get a luggage cart and came back. We realized we couldn't find one of the cats. Panic ensued, accusations that I let the cat out were levelled, and a major delay as we searched the floor and the room. I asked the housekeeping people, random people in the hallway, etc. I know the cat didn't get in the elevator with me and likely didn't go down the stairs. Then we called the front desk. The lady who answered said "She's probably not missing--did you look under the sink fixture in the bathroom?" Of course we had. "Well, look REALLY well under there, because there is a small shelf up near where the drain goes down to pipe and cats often end up there." So I go to re-look, using phone as flashlight, and lying on my back to look up. Two shining eyes were looking back at me. I yelled "I got her!" and my friend thanked the front desk and we were off. Long story short, cats can disappear when they want to.

[radical noodle]

37. This is actually my worst fear

I want to try to keep eyes on him as much as possible. So good to hear the cat turned up safe and sound, but what a scare!

[Mz Pip]

28. Gabapentin

Cats hate being out of their place. My vet prescribed Gabapentin and it helped a lot. Helps keep them calm.

[radical noodle]

38. I'm so glad to hear it helps a lot

We have gabapentin for the trip, so I hope it works well. It's transdermal so we shouldn't have the issue of trying to pill him (which is nearly impossible).

[Wingus Dingus]

30. Cats: Air conditioning turned up so much that you need a sweatshirt.

Small litter box on floor of backseat area with non-permeable layer under it.
Collapsible food and water bowls stored in ziplock bags.
Top-loading carriers that they can stand up and turn around in.
Good luck.

[radical noodle]

39. I hadn't thought about the ziplock bags for the collapsible food and water bowls

but it makes perfect sense now that you've mentioned it. The other things are (hopefully) ready to go. Thanks so much!

[FullySupportDems]

31. My first thought was wipes and other things to clean up messes

They get so nervous. It can make for extra smelly messes. Have a good trip!

[radical noodle]

40. I have an entire roll of paper towels to pack

but will pick up some wipes as well. Thanks!

[FullySupportDems]

42. And bags to put the messes in too!

That ought to do it! I hope you have a pleasant and easy drive

[radical noodle]

46. Yeah, I have some small and medium sized trash bags

Thanks for the reminder!

[bamagal62]

43. Are you moving?

Will the cat be going to a new residence? Or, is this just a trip and you will be returning home?
If it’s just a trip, I’d get someone to watch your cat and leave the cat at home.
If you are moving, try and make sure you have lots of things with you that have your smells and their smells on them. Blankets they sleep on. Unwashed sheets from your bed, a rug from your kitchen, etc. Also, if you are moving, a cat must stay inside the new home for about 3 weeks. If they get out before the 21 day period, they will try to find their way back to their old neighborhood and home. They will travel long distances to get there.
I traveled with our cat from Chicago to New Jersey. Took 2 days. She was not happy and kind of freaked out. But, we made it.

[radical noodle]

45. No, this is a "vacation" to go back to our hometown

to visit friends and family. We're staying with a family member while there that our dog & cat are very familiar with.

[applegrove]

52. Put a kitty litter in your car and have a cat harness & leash on hand in case your cat only wants

to "go" outside the car.

[radical noodle]

65. Good plan!

I suspect he may freeze up and have no interest in the litter box until we settle in at the hotel. But I'll be prepared as you suggested. Thanks!

[Native]

56. Drugs! That's what I'm gonna use...we are in the same boat as you, but no cat....

we'll be traveling by car with our dog from Florida to Ohio. She's never ridden in the car for more than 1.5 hours. I just bought a bag of Native Pet Calming Chews (melatonin, hemp & L-Theanine) to try out before we hit the road. If it doesn't do the job, I'm calling the vet to get something more potent. Our girl is sweet and well-behaved, but she is very, very vocal.

[radical noodle]

67. You might want to consider getting a motion sickness med

We're in Florida too but going to Indiana. I've been advised to get a generic Dramamine and give one pill the night before and then another right before we leave to avoid motion sickness, even if it hasn't been a problem before. Long trips can sometimes bring it on when shorter trips won't. If your dog is small, you might want to check dosage with your vet. Our dog is 50#.

[Native]

70. thank you!!!

[radical noodle]

71. You're very welcome

Nothing worse than a long trip with a sick fur kid.

[SheltieLover]

57. Left acupuncturist vet email. They are open tomorrow for a few hrs. So I expect reply then.

They are an oncology clinic, so very brief hrs.

[SheltieLover]

58. Feliway is the brand vet acupuncturist uses

Comfort zone pheremones also show good reviews of 4+ out of 5 stars on Chewy.com.

I hope this is helpful.

What I did not find was a spritz bottle. They are all plug in types.

[radical noodle]

62. I'll check around for a liquid

Or maybe I can deconstruct a plug in somehow. With cats, one must be resourceful.

[SheltieLover]

63. Pls let me know if you find a spray?

Acupuncturist's staff spritzed a tissue & placed it in her carry crate with her 10-15 min before treatment.

Maybe one can cause the "refills" to spritz. I wasn't paying much attention.

Yes, one needs to be creative with kitties. Lol

How long will you be traveling?

[radical noodle]

64. Just two days going up

and two days going back. We'll be staying with our daughter when we get there and they'll enjoy their time there.

I'll let you know if I find a spray.

[SheltieLover]

66. Ty!

Glad it's only 2 days each way. And that he will be able to relax once you arrive.

Enjoy your trip!

[radical noodle]

68. I found Feliway spray at Chewy

(called calming spray so maybe that's why you didn't see it)

https://www.chewy.com/feliway-classic-calming-spray-cats/dp/141900?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=20642405172&utm_content=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20648531999&gbraid=0AAAAADmQ2V2RvlzyRIclD2Pvw04HG0rkA&gclid=CjwKCAjw6s7CBhACEiwAuHQcksSKT_ih_M_Y4q7VBcha3xY8Ijz4x7z0gz6MMWiUizVkb-IV6By5BhoCHRUQAvD_BwE

[SheltieLover]

69. Tyvm!