Travelling with cats

[okgabi1]

Hey!

I'm going to be moving back to the UK at the end of July and I'm bringing my cat back with me. The first part of the journey is a 6 hour train journey and then another 5 hours or so by car.

All in all the journey isn't too long, but I'm considering a sedative/tranquilliser because my cat already isn't great with trips to the vet etc. This being said, I obviously don't want to do anything which will be bad for her health.

If anyone has any helpful tips/suggestions or has already had a similar experience travelling like this, I'd appreciate the help!

Thanks

Zyklene and spray her bedding with pet remedy spray.

How are you entering the UK? I would suggest a reasonably large cage to accommodate sleeping area, litter tray and food and water.
As it sounds like you are travelling in Europe are you aware you are subject to the transport of live animals act and that after travelling for 8 hours you must stop for least 2 hours allow the cat more freedom of movement.

Between the train and the car journey I'd suggest staying overnight in accommodation where you could allow the cat loose in the room.

Thanks for this!

We'll be entering the UK in the car via the Eurotunnel from Calais.

We haven't travelled as far with our cat, but you could possibly incorporate things we've found helpful on our shorter journeys, OP.

We've got an airline quality carry case, which is slightly bigger and definitely sturdier than usual. We think carefully about when we feed and offer water, to try to time or reduce toilet needs and likelihood of travel sickness. Obviously going without food for a limited period is not harmful, (not sure he'd agree though!), but he shouldn't be allowed to become dehydrated. We line the bottom of the carry case with Vet Bed, with an absorbant pad underneath, (like a puppy training pad), and carry several spares of both, plus plastic bags for any soiled items. We've found the most settled our cat has been whilst travelling, is if we put a soft cat igloo style bed inside the carry case. This provides a cosy retreat, (to sleep inside or he squashes the roof down and sleeps on top of it if it's warmer), muffles outside sounds and protects against any jolting.

Our boy shouted quite a bit on the first couple of long journeys, so you might all want to take earplugs!

Brilliant, thanks!