Travelling with cats and dogs

[Cobblersandhogwash]

We are moving to Europe.

We are driving with four cats in one car and four dogs in the other. And 4 dcs.

The cats in particular are going to be stressed.

I intend to run the dogs ragged the day before we leave.

What can I give my cats to help them keep calm?

See your vet for advice even if you buy whatever they suggest elsewhere for cheapness. How long will they be travelling without a break?

Cats 8 hours.

What are they going to be travelling in? Ideally they'd be in the back of a van with a car proof screen/cage. Try and give them as big an area as possible, put their beds in, litter tray, water, and perhaps a scratching post? Perhaps put their bed under a box/blanket so they've a dark/cave area. Make sure it's well air conditioned or ventilated. I'd do my level best not to open their "enclosure" at all for the whole time and risk them escaping. Ask the vet about possible calming methods. They're not going to love it, and will probably complain, but you'll just have to ignore it to some extent!

spray their containers with Feliway half an hour before they go in (must wait half an hour or it could make them wheeze. I'd also give them Zylkene tablets a week before and a week after as they are a natural way of reducing stress for cats.