Thread: Very Long Journeys with Puss

You'll know how stressed Hank does or doesn't get by changes to his routine but, FWIW, I would have no hesitation suggesting that you take him with you in a car rather than put him in a crate and put the crate in an aeroplane ...

Back in my University days, thirty plus years ago, we used frequently to commute up and down the M4 between Bristol and London with two cats [moggies] loose in the car with us! I'm pretty certain I wouldn't get away with that today, particularly since they used to amuse other traffic by sitting on the rear parcel shelf and washing their bits in public view!

We holidayed in Cornwall with our 2 moggies for about 15 years, travelling down from Staffordshire. They were great in the car, they tended to 'shut down' - refused any water/food/toilet breaks and despite the recommendations about not feeding them straight after a journey, they wolfed down food as soon as they were there! Our 3 coonies on the other hand - terrible travellers, cry for the whole journey to the vets/cattery etc. So I guess it's hard to say...! I'd keep him with you though....

My husband and I travelled every summer and winter for 10 years with our wonderful 22lb MC (RIP). It is a 12 hour car trip each way from Phoenix Arizona to Denver Colorado. We usually drove it at once but Oscar loved checking out hotel rooms when we broke the drive in half. While I wouldn't say Oscar loved the long trip, he managed to keep himself busy by sleeping and growling at trucks. He travelled best in his soft sided small playpen filled with his bed and favorite toys. We had a litter box available but he only used it once in all those trips. (Memorable because the odor was so bad, we immediately pulled over on the side of the rode to dump the dump). His favorite place in the car was on my lap or behind my head ( on my shoulders) but that is not an option for you since you will be driving. Does Hank like the car? If he does, I wouldn't hesitate taking him by car. If he's unsure about it, start taking him with you to get him accustomed to it. We had a cat that was so stressed each time it was necessary to go in the car, she would pant, drool and mess her carrier within the first 5 minutes. Not fun! If you and Hank drive, the leash is a must for getting out of the car. Good luck!