People that have moved out of state - how did you move your pets?
 

We have 7 cats, just wondering what the best way to transport your pets might be. Any suggestions?

How far away from your current place are you moving?

7 fucking cats?

Federal Express

When we moved back to Washington, we drove our five dogs cross country. With what I hear about airplane cargo, no way would I subject a pet to their treatment. It was not fun; but, we got them from there to here, 3000 miles, safely with trauma they could handle...good luck.

start driving off, they will run after and follow

I moved my cat form Phoenix to Iowa. Caged the whole way, let him out on a leash to do his thing. He was more than happy to get back in the car, everything freaked him out.

I'm about to drive 2200 miles from Cleveland to Phoenix with 2 large dogs. I have 2 houses, here ane there, so I make this trip a lot. I make it fun ... I drive through the Badlands, Yellowstone, Zion and Bryce. All great National parks and the dogs love it.

As for cats .... maybe get rid of them .... just kiddin'.

let them drive!

I'd rent an rv with 7 cats.. make it a vacation.

Now, we only have 2 cats, not 7! But this is what we did for our 4 day, 28 hour, 1600 mile drive:

First we got these sedative-type pills from the vet. It made their eyes water, and didn't knock em out, but more made them mellow. Kinda like valium I suppose. Cheap stuff too.

We got a giant steel kennel and put it in the suv. Put the back seats down and bungie corded the cat litter box (with a lid) to the cage and bungie corded the cage to the two front seats. This way we were always close to them at all times.

We then put a little fan that ran on the lighter plug thing (name escapes me) and put it between the two seats so they always had a breeze.

Then we put a blanket over the cage so they didn't get sick watching out the windows.

Then when we made pit stops, we had tupperware with their food and water.

We stopped at hotels where they allowed pets and let them run around the room.

It was a lot of extra work but worth it so they were comfortable and not stressed out.




If we do it all again next time we're going to give them sedatives, hire a moving company and fly with them. It's really, really stressful for them to have the environment change so much in such a short span of time.

DHL bro lol

Not nice Juicy

Maybe 1000 miles... we're not sure yet. We're still looking for places.

Wow, that's quite a journey. I'll have to ask the vet about the sedatives... that's a good idea, if it's not harmful. Our cats are afraid of everything, they even spook each other. It would be about an 18 or 20 hour drive... if they could sleep most of the way, that would be great. I don't want them to feel sick and stuff... thanks!

They can't even deliver my sponsor checks properly :disgust :1orglaugh

Well, I would have to say that the thing that luv$ did would be the best thing to do. Whatever you do, don't let anyone else transport them for you. You want to make sure that they are treated well and the only way to klnow is if you transport them yourself. The sedative-type pills sounds good. You don't want to overstress them and also taking breaks is good.

ever see national lampoon 'vacation' with chevy chase? well don't do it that way and you'll be okay

We have four shih-tzus who are about as sensitive as an animal can get. Hell, they hide when the dryer is on....and we've got a ditch dog who is very submissive. We used the pet sedatives when we had to, although we did not kennel them....only stayed in hotels that allowed pets..stopped every few hours and walked them....it was worth it in the end....

TF had to drive the U-Hall down with the cat I drove my car with no cat.


:)

Nah i was being serious , they have special services for "live" cargo and stuff.

That would give my puppies a nervous breakdown. They would rather we suffered with the drive than let them suffer for one second.

i think all major carriers have special services like that.

http://www.petrelocation.com/

http://www.fedex.com/us/about/expres...00.html?link=4

FedEx Transports Many Unusual Shipments

FedEx has a long history of transporting rare and delicate cargo. FedEx has shipped many unusual animals, including white tigers, elephants, rhinoceros, lions, gorillas, eagles and even a 13-foot tiger shark used in filming the movie "Jaws." Most recently, FedEx shipped thoroughbred horses for both the U.S. and Canadian Olympic equestrian teams to and from the 2000 Summer Olympics in Australia.

I'd still transport them yourself. Could never trust anyone else to do it.

Oh, Juicy darlin', I'm sure they do. Let me put it this way. My dogs go to a groomer with a doggie playground and structured swimming. Does that give you an idea how spoiled they are? :) Hope all goes well with your bro, too.

I have moved several times with two large dogs.

Key West,Nashville,Boston,and back to Tampa.

Ive always just put them in the cab of the moving truck with me after i gave them the pills you get from the vet to calm them down. One slept on the floor between the seats and the other on the passanger seat. At first they were really hyper but once they figured out they were stuck in there until i stop they just went to sleep or looked out the window. Then again my dogs are pretty well behaved.

Hi FF,
I haven't moved animals, but i do have a little experience with the animal downers a few people have mentioned.
For one of our hurricanes i evacuated over to the west coast (Naples) and took my 2 dogs with me. I have 2 small minpins weighing 5lbs each. The place i stayed at had also had a dog. I wasnt sure how my dogs were going to act with the barometric pressure of the storm + the strange surroundings + another dog present. So, i called my vet and they suggested the pills. My dogs weren't comotose, but groggy and less playful/energentic.
For the situation i was in, it was perfect. I am thinking for the transportation of your little crew- it might be a good idea as well.

Best of luck.

I used a pet relocation company to move coast-to-coast - a good one will check all the flights as far as weather forecasts, ground temperature at any stopovers, etc - I was scared shitless but they did a great job and he got here with no problems at all :-)
The only problem is that they're very expensive - it cost about $700-$800 for one cat, I can't imagine how much it would cost for seven of them :(

The best way to move them is with you. If you have a big enough vehicle, and they are trained enough to use the box. let them wander the car.

Moved with one cat. Just gave him the calm down pill (which didn't work at all), and took him ON the plane with me in a approved carrier. He cried the entire 3 hour flight. Thank god everyone around me thought he was cute.

Thanks everybody for your replies! :thumbsup

good luck with your move

If you have 7 cats, I think it's important for you to know the following before you move:

Wherever you go, There you are... :thumbsup

Wow 7 cats is a ton, do you have kids too?

sedate them while on the trip

It will be much if you have your own car and just bring them along with you..



Btw, where did you get all these cats?

No, we don't have any kids yet.

why do you have 7?

:1orglaugh :1orglaugh I know right? CHRIST!!!

Because the 8th one died :(

sounds logical :)