How to manage temporary cat move

[Furano]

Unfortunately I have to be out of the country for the summer, which isn't ideal as I have a beautiful kitty at home who I love so much!

So far I have been managing with flying home at weekends for 3-4 days plus friends and cat sitters during the week but I think it would be better to move my cat to my sisters house for 3 months so he has more company.

My sister likes cats, kitty knows her already and she is around more than me anyway and has a nice house and safe garden, no busy roads.

Got a few questions for anyone who has done anything similar?

• The car journey is about 4 hours - how best to manage this? Travel over the afternoon when he usually sleeps? Keep him in the carrier the whole way?

• I will of course take all of his many things (scratchers, tree, blankets, toys etc). Good idea to get some fleiway to help calm him too?

• Should he be confined to one room to start with in the new house like you do with a new kitten?

• Is it best if I stay for a few days to settle him in, or best if I leave him to bond with my sister?

• Should I try and visit him as much as possible at weekends or better not to disrupt him?

• He is an outside cat but doesn't go very far - keep him inside for 2 weeks then let him out? Same on return when I can have him back?

Anything else I need to consider?

Thanks!

I'd say keep him in his carrier for the whole 4 hour journey, in the seatbelt. I don't think it'll matter what time of day you do the 4 hour journey, as I'd say he won't sleep with the stress of the journey, anyway.

Treat him at your sister's house like he's in a new home, so confined to one room with all his things in it, until he's ready to venture out. A Feliway plugin is a good idea too. Leave something of yours with him, a cardigan, a blanket, so that he has your scent with him.

I don't see any harm in staying with him to settle him in. It might help you as well. I'd visit him as well. He is your puss.

He should be kept in for 3 weeks or more, if possible at your sisters. When you take him home, he might not need to stay in for that long, maybe a week, but play it by ear.

Take his vet card with him for your sister and his insurance details, if relevant.

Good luck.

Thanks @Want2beme thats really helpful