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Moving a 20 year old cat
I am faced with a difficult decision. My husband and I are retired and moving to another state over 500 miles away, We have our beloved Micky who is a old boy of 20. Here is my problem....do I move him or not??? He has always been a house cat, I found him when he was about 6weeks old and had him his whole life....he still gets around very well and eats good abet no teeth, uses his litter box....his health is my concern. This past week I noticed on Monday that he was stumbling around a bit. Then Tuesday morning he didn't come out to get breakfast right away and didn't act like he wanted any. I couldn't stay home with him as my Husband had back surgery that day, well tuesday night after I got home I checked him and his right eye is totally black, no color. I think he may have had a stroke. He is hard of hearing now and I think his other eye is almost gone. He really HATE'S to ride in a car, always has. Do you think it would be cruel to try and move him to a new environment via a car and cage to a place he has never been. He would have to ride for over 9 hours. I am so torn I love him to death but don't want him to suffer any more health problems because of the move...help me decide, what would you do?
When we made the final move to Maryland, it was with Hildiekatt, Chesapeake and Teia. I rented a Dodge Grand Caravan, which Anita drove as I was driving a U-Haul with my car on a carrier behind that.
The van had plenty of room for 3 cat carriers, a litter pan and food/water.
We stopped every couple of hours and let the girls out one by one to get a snack and relieve themselves if needed. We drove, with stops, 9 hours the first day, stayed in a pet friendly motel near Youngstown, OH. Next day we drove about 4 hours and stayed with my brother for 2 days, as we were headed into Hurricane Sandy.
Anita called ahead, and the nice lady from whom we rented a 1-bedroom apartment said we could take up residence a couple days early, last leg was 5 hours.
None of the girls liked being in a moving vehicle, though Missy T took the move best. They quieted down after 15 - 20 minutes Anita remembers.
The van had plenty of room for 3 cat carriers, a litter pan and food/water.
We stopped every couple of hours and let the girls out one by one to get a snack and relieve themselves if needed. We drove, with stops, 9 hours the first day, stayed in a pet friendly motel near Youngstown, OH. Next day we drove about 4 hours and stayed with my brother for 2 days, as we were headed into Hurricane Sandy.
Anita called ahead, and the nice lady from whom we rented a 1-bedroom apartment said we could take up residence a couple days early, last leg was 5 hours.
None of the girls liked being in a moving vehicle, though Missy T took the move best. They quieted down after 15 - 20 minutes Anita remembers.
Incidentally, I think the original question you were asking is whether it was worth upsetting kitty by making him make the move. Definitely, if his health is stable and he wouldn't have a crisis on the road. He loves and trusts you; you two are his compass of what is stable and what is not. "New house" is not as stressful as "being without Mommy and Daddy," even at 20. I hope brain event is something he can live with, so he can go on this trip and continue to be your boy. It will certainly be the last move of his life, but the change of venue should not kill him by itself.
ps -- Look up in advance all the emergency vet clinics on your route. Just in case.
ps -- Look up in advance all the emergency vet clinics on your route. Just in case.
I don't know if it makes any difference, but in our case (even when using little litter boxes) we didn't have the cats in the same crate. To each his or her own. They could see (and definitely hear) each other, but didn't seem to attain any comfort from doing so, and it just never occurred to me that it would be better to have them together. If the wire crate is big, though, it might work fine. I would definitely blanket it on at least three sides, leaving the side towards you uncovered so they could see you. The more like a safe little cave, the better.
And regarding letting them out, the only reason we did that is that by then our kittes were pros at riding in the car. It is not a move for first-timers unless they have acted extremely calm. No (Trying to chase a cat off the dashboard at 60 mph is not pretty.) And we had a drill at any stop, including the gas station -- stop the car, secure the cats in their carriers, then open the window or door.
The only other thing about a wire dog cage is that if the kitty might get scared and spray, you'd have a more difficult clean-up than in a Doskocil type carrier with more or less solid sides. Between now and March, you might get some of that plastic that is corrugated (it looks like cardboard and is available in crafts departments along with posterboard, except that it is shiny white) and pop some holes along the edges and twist-tie it onto the sides of the crate. It would contain most of the worst of panicky-kitty pee. Let them see what you're working on and sleep in it at home, that will help too, since it will be their "safe place."
And regarding letting them out, the only reason we did that is that by then our kittes were pros at riding in the car. It is not a move for first-timers unless they have acted extremely calm. No (Trying to chase a cat off the dashboard at 60 mph is not pretty.) And we had a drill at any stop, including the gas station -- stop the car, secure the cats in their carriers, then open the window or door.
The only other thing about a wire dog cage is that if the kitty might get scared and spray, you'd have a more difficult clean-up than in a Doskocil type carrier with more or less solid sides. Between now and March, you might get some of that plastic that is corrugated (it looks like cardboard and is available in crafts departments along with posterboard, except that it is shiny white) and pop some holes along the edges and twist-tie it onto the sides of the crate. It would contain most of the worst of panicky-kitty pee. Let them see what you're working on and sleep in it at home, that will help too, since it will be their "safe place."
The local Meijer had the wire dog cages on sale last week 25% off soooobeing me I went and bought a medium sized one..figured I could put them in there with a small litter box, and some food. I have already worried that the might run during a R+R stop, so would not let them out of the cage then. I sure do hope your right about the time in the car to quite down. The longest I have traveled with them is about 20 mintues away and that was to the vets. Guess I am just a worry wart Mama. It's great to talk with others who understand how much I love my babies. Thank You
I understand your worries, I have a senior cat as well, she’s 19 years old almost as old as your cat.
You’re right about the car, really few cats don’t mind the noises and movements of the car, it can be dangerous going on a trip with a cat as he may want to run away, crate or carrier is may be the best choice for him and for you, if he doesn’t like it or afraid of it put his blanket or food inside and leave the door open.
Good luck and I hope everything goes fine.
You’re right about the car, really few cats don’t mind the noises and movements of the car, it can be dangerous going on a trip with a cat as he may want to run away, crate or carrier is may be the best choice for him and for you, if he doesn’t like it or afraid of it put his blanket or food inside and leave the door open.
Good luck and I hope everything goes fine.
good advice from Annie...I used to show my Himmies too at one time..not the ones I have now tho:) interesting business
one word of caution, I wouldn't allow animals unused to travel out of their carriers...they could easily get out on you during gas stops or other times when you need to exit vehicle
a large carrier or cage works great and they do tend to calm after the first little while
Its all a trial and error to see which remedy works best for your kitties...for mine when going to a Vet visit I spray the carrier with feliway and give a dose of the rescue remedy.
they are ok to use together, the RR you can administer a few drops throughout the day, I wouldn't with the feliway...since there is some alcohol in it I like to spray cage 10 min or so before they go inside, than the alcohol has time to dissipate
I see no reason why all couldn't be used together....I have used Zylkene and feliway at times together...and RR is harmless as well.
but try them at home perhaps just the feliway and RR would be enough
since your not moving till March that gives you some time to see how Micky is doing and time for a good Vet evaluation too. If he's okay medically than he shouldn't have trouble relocating...and becoming slowly familiar with a new home. Feliway can also be used in the home to relax him to new surroundings.
wow Simba is huge!!! careful with his weight, overweight cats a very prone to diabetes!!! I had a Ragdoll too at one time, beautiful cats
one word of caution, I wouldn't allow animals unused to travel out of their carriers...they could easily get out on you during gas stops or other times when you need to exit vehicle
a large carrier or cage works great and they do tend to calm after the first little while
Its all a trial and error to see which remedy works best for your kitties...for mine when going to a Vet visit I spray the carrier with feliway and give a dose of the rescue remedy.
they are ok to use together, the RR you can administer a few drops throughout the day, I wouldn't with the feliway...since there is some alcohol in it I like to spray cage 10 min or so before they go inside, than the alcohol has time to dissipate
I see no reason why all couldn't be used together....I have used Zylkene and feliway at times together...and RR is harmless as well.
but try them at home perhaps just the feliway and RR would be enough
since your not moving till March that gives you some time to see how Micky is doing and time for a good Vet evaluation too. If he's okay medically than he shouldn't have trouble relocating...and becoming slowly familiar with a new home. Feliway can also be used in the home to relax him to new surroundings.
wow Simba is huge!!! careful with his weight, overweight cats a very prone to diabetes!!! I had a Ragdoll too at one time, beautiful cats
Oh, of course it should go without saying, you definitely want your kitty to be fully evaluated by the vet first.
A lot of times in the cat-show world the people with the most experience would not give their cats any kind of medication (to calm them) before travel, saying it frightened them more to feel out of it than it was worth in calming effect. It's possible that some of the more natural remedies would not do that, though.
A lot of times in the cat-show world the people with the most experience would not give their cats any kind of medication (to calm them) before travel, saying it frightened them more to feel out of it than it was worth in calming effect. It's possible that some of the more natural remedies would not do that, though.
I used to show cats, and in that world it is not unusual at all to drive three hours to get to a show. Kitties tend to fuss early, loudly and pathetically, if they are going to fuss, but then to settle down. By about 45 minutes into the drive they would have figured out that they were not going to be executed and would have gone to sleep. So part of the issue is managing yourself when they try to cry you a river at the at the beginning of the trip. You can't tell how well a cat will adjust to a long car trip if you have only taken them on short drives.
One thing to do is to get a larger carrier than usual, and to put a piddle pad in it and also a blanket. We even used to do a small catbox crosswise in the back of the carrier. Once the cat figures out that the carrier is their safe zone that nothing can enter, they do get calmer. You *could* also try covering the carrier with a cloth. Later in the ride, cats like to look out the window, but early in the ride looking out the window makes things worse.
We would regularly take our cats Basmati and Sesame to the beach with us. First 15-20 minutes, shut in their carriers -- pathetic deep meows alternating with terrified screeches. Husband rolling his eyes and wondering if we were crazy, me worried. After 20 minutes, silence. Look back to see if they were both dead, but Noooo, just sitting calmly. After an hour, open the carriers, and the kitties climbed out and checked out the car. After that, would sit in our laps (yes, one on the driver's lap too). There was also the roamer who would like to get under the driver's feet and would need to be yanked out by the passenger, but it was a very peaceful and pleasant way to drive. By the time we would get to the beach house, the kitties would be zzzzzzz-ing. But as we would make the last turn up the gravel road to the house, they would POP awake, stand with their front feet on the dashboard to see better, and be really excited.
I'm not saying you will take regular trips with your cats, but it can definitely be done, and they don't usually scream the house down the whole way.
One thing to do is to get a larger carrier than usual, and to put a piddle pad in it and also a blanket. We even used to do a small catbox crosswise in the back of the carrier. Once the cat figures out that the carrier is their safe zone that nothing can enter, they do get calmer. You *could* also try covering the carrier with a cloth. Later in the ride, cats like to look out the window, but early in the ride looking out the window makes things worse.
We would regularly take our cats Basmati and Sesame to the beach with us. First 15-20 minutes, shut in their carriers -- pathetic deep meows alternating with terrified screeches. Husband rolling his eyes and wondering if we were crazy, me worried. After 20 minutes, silence. Look back to see if they were both dead, but Noooo, just sitting calmly. After an hour, open the carriers, and the kitties climbed out and checked out the car. After that, would sit in our laps (yes, one on the driver's lap too). There was also the roamer who would like to get under the driver's feet and would need to be yanked out by the passenger, but it was a very peaceful and pleasant way to drive. By the time we would get to the beach house, the kitties would be zzzzzzz-ing. But as we would make the last turn up the gravel road to the house, they would POP awake, stand with their front feet on the dashboard to see better, and be really excited.
I'm not saying you will take regular trips with your cats, but it can definitely be done, and they don't usually scream the house down the whole way.
Oh yes, I am a planer. We are not moving until the begining or March. I wouldn't give them anything for the trip until I tried it out at home first. That is werid that the Zylkene didn't work for that. So if you had to chose something that you know worked which would it be?? Mind you Simba is almost 20# last time I weighed him. He is a BIG boy....not fat just BIG. The first time anyone see's him the first thing they say is "that's a big cat" LOL. They should try to share a bed with him! We love our boys so much....and another thing I thought of was if something should happen with Micky before the move it is going to hard on Simba. What is he going to do without his Micky after the move or will it be easier on him??? Just thoughts going thur my mind. Oh and here is another thought. If and when something happens with Micky do we let Simba see his body?? or will that be bad to do?
I should mention....all of these products are avail thru most Vet clinics...or a good pet supply store...(except for the Zylkene...Vet only)
with the rescue remedy just make very sure its the alcohol free one, many are not
with the rescue remedy just make very sure its the alcohol free one, many are not
you are very welcome:)
I would certainly like to get the Vet evaluation done asap....it would be horrible for you all if Micky were to have a critical event during a move! you need to know whats happening and the Vets thoughts on all of this
there are a number of things that are NON prescription that will help both kitties. I will give you links to them
1. feliway spray....u can give the interior of the cage a spray or two before putting cats in and again later...just don't spray on cats and preferably when they are not in the cages...
http://www.amazon.com/Comfort-Zone-Feliway-Spray-Milliliters/dp/B003E71E24/ref=sr_1_1/177-6392066-6427054?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1419096853&sr=1-1&keywords=feliway+spray
2.Rescue Remedy.....can give this orally or inside the tip of their ears. be sure to buy this alcohol FREE one for cats
http://www.amazon.com/Bach-Rescue-Remedy-Pet-0-35fl/dp/B001S0RTLY/ref=sr_1_5?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1419096962&sr=1-5&keywords=rescue+remedy+for+cats
3. Zylkene. avail thru your Vet clinic. this is sold to help calm them for something stressful like car rides or vet trips. I have used it on one of mine for behavioral issues that it was supposed to help, it did not work for that tho.
http://www.zylkenepet.com/learn-more-about-zylk%C3%A8ne.html
I would try all these on your cats PRIOR to road trip....just to see if they tolerate it okay before getting on the road and running into problems. but with any of these 3 I sure don't think there would be any...but I always err on side of caution with ANY product.
when would the big trip be? just after Christmas I am assuming? can you get Micky into a Vet before????
I would certainly like to get the Vet evaluation done asap....it would be horrible for you all if Micky were to have a critical event during a move! you need to know whats happening and the Vets thoughts on all of this
there are a number of things that are NON prescription that will help both kitties. I will give you links to them
1. feliway spray....u can give the interior of the cage a spray or two before putting cats in and again later...just don't spray on cats and preferably when they are not in the cages...
http://www.amazon.com/Comfort-Zone-Feliway-Spray-Milliliters/dp/B003E71E24/ref=sr_1_1/177-6392066-6427054?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1419096853&sr=1-1&keywords=feliway+spray
2.Rescue Remedy.....can give this orally or inside the tip of their ears. be sure to buy this alcohol FREE one for cats
http://www.amazon.com/Bach-Rescue-Remedy-Pet-0-35fl/dp/B001S0RTLY/ref=sr_1_5?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1419096962&sr=1-5&keywords=rescue+remedy+for+cats
3. Zylkene. avail thru your Vet clinic. this is sold to help calm them for something stressful like car rides or vet trips. I have used it on one of mine for behavioral issues that it was supposed to help, it did not work for that tho.
http://www.zylkenepet.com/learn-more-about-zylk%C3%A8ne.html
I would try all these on your cats PRIOR to road trip....just to see if they tolerate it okay before getting on the road and running into problems. but with any of these 3 I sure don't think there would be any...but I always err on side of caution with ANY product.
when would the big trip be? just after Christmas I am assuming? can you get Micky into a Vet before????
I can only echo opus88 on this. Micky needs a complete evaluation by your vet.
I have successfully moved kitties from state to state; none as old as Micky.
Queen Victoria and Calamity Jane made 3 moves with us over their years; Florida to Nebraska, Nebraska to Ohio and Ohio to Illinois...none of these really short trips. The Grey sisters were 14 when we did that last move. Their little friend Dancer made the first 2 trips. Their other friend Cerridwen made the second two trips.
The semi-famous Miss Teia was just under 14 when we made the move from Illinois to Maryland (along with her friends Kessie, Hildie and Chessie).
If Micky is healthy, as Opus pointed out, there are safe substances, which will help him relax.
Good luck.
I have successfully moved kitties from state to state; none as old as Micky.
Queen Victoria and Calamity Jane made 3 moves with us over their years; Florida to Nebraska, Nebraska to Ohio and Ohio to Illinois...none of these really short trips. The Grey sisters were 14 when we did that last move. Their little friend Dancer made the first 2 trips. Their other friend Cerridwen made the second two trips.
The semi-famous Miss Teia was just under 14 when we made the move from Illinois to Maryland (along with her friends Kessie, Hildie and Chessie).
If Micky is healthy, as Opus pointed out, there are safe substances, which will help him relax.
Good luck.
Thank You for you kind words. It is going to be a very hard decision to make...one hand says don't and the other says do. I just really think the car is going to be the worst part of the whole move on him. We have lived in the house we are in for a long time and he knows his way around as I do not move the furniture. So I know if I could get him down there without a melt down he would be alright. What kind of relaxation meds are there? or better yet homeopathic ones we can give to cats? We also have another boy, Simba , who is a ragdoll and is 6 years old and in great health but also HATES riding in a car. God bless you also, the prayers are welcome.
hi and welcome, I just logged on and saw your post...this is a very difficult decision indeed. My congrats on raising Micky to a ripe age of 20, shows he's been cared for very well to be with you for so long
Has he had a check up since his latest health concerns? they do sound as if he may well of had a stroke or some other brain trauma
I would highly suggest a good Vet evaluation to see what is going on and make your decision from there
A healthy kitty can be given some relaxation meds even homeopathic ones to make a long car trip easier on them, but I know what you mean by not wanting to traumatize Micky with a new environment at his age and status. I know your thoughts are in the best interest of him, we can't help you make that decision...but talking to a good Vet will give you more of an idea what is going on with him and what further quality of life he should have. There are times when putting our best friends down is kinder than trying to hold on
God bless you all, and my prayers go with you on making the decision that works best for Micky...good luck on the move♥
Has he had a check up since his latest health concerns? they do sound as if he may well of had a stroke or some other brain trauma
I would highly suggest a good Vet evaluation to see what is going on and make your decision from there
A healthy kitty can be given some relaxation meds even homeopathic ones to make a long car trip easier on them, but I know what you mean by not wanting to traumatize Micky with a new environment at his age and status. I know your thoughts are in the best interest of him, we can't help you make that decision...but talking to a good Vet will give you more of an idea what is going on with him and what further quality of life he should have. There are times when putting our best friends down is kinder than trying to hold on
God bless you all, and my prayers go with you on making the decision that works best for Micky...good luck on the move♥
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