What would you do?

Re: What would you do?

Susan Jackson — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 20:11:07 GMT

Hi,

I moved to scotland, 10 hr journey with my 3 cats. two coped well and just rested. one was a nightmare, i was passenger so she sat on my knee which help.

She's gone now but since then i've moved all the way down south and that journey was fine. I know take two of my three cats on a regular trip 3hr to my mums as they are fine. the third i leave behind as i know she wouldn't cope. If i had to take her i would start a course of scullcap 3 weeks before i went, i would get diazapam for taking on the day, she responds well to feliway diffuser so would spray the car and use the 'anxiety' stuff if she was still looking stressed.

Little warning no matter how well your animals cope you will still be stressed so take your time and try to concentrat on the road. I also wouldn't put them all together, one may influence the other and stress may make them fight despite their good relations, which is the last thing you want speeding down the motorway.

Also not wanting to sound all mumsey but make sure everyone is secure, if you have to break for an idiot, everyone will be shunted forward which if using large cage may hurt them or go through your front window, back of your seat/head. not nice!

Re: What would you do?

Emma Forde RVN — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 18:22:48 GMT

Thankyou for being so understanding, it does help coming from another veterinary nurse!

Re: What would you do?

loobylou — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 20:15:51 GMT

You shouldn't give yourself a hard time about it, you have done a wonderful taking him on and giving him a good life up to now.
You have to weigh up the risks, if he will find the journey and new house stressful and if your other cats will find the situation stressful then although its hard then putting him to sleep might be the kindest thing for him.

You have to think about the good things you have done for him and how much he must appreciate that.

Re: What would you do?

Emma Forde RVN — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 07:31:33 GMT

Thanks for the tips re the cats.

Rehoming Mr Griffin isn't really an option. He was due to be picked up by the RSPCA on the day I took him home and they were going to pts. (Grrrrrr) Its not that he's a difficult cat but more the fact that his meds cost me over £30 a month and I get them cost. People just wont take on that sort of responsibility, hence why he's still at mine!

I just feel awful about it especially given that he's lasted so long with us. Some days he really looks like crap though and his hyperthyroidism is not very well controlled. I have really given him the best chance I could but my gut feeling is that he wouldn't cope with the journey and then being locked in the house for a couple of weeks during that transitional period. He gets on ok with my other cats but is very much the outcast, I think the fact that they get out and about relieves alot of the stress that could be in the house.

I know the answer is to put him to sleep but it breaks my heart.

Re: What would you do?

Rachel Jayne — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 21:15:50 GMT

A vet I used to work with would regularly take her two cats for weekends to visit her parents in Devon & wuold give them a xanax or small amount of diazepam before she left.

Re: What would you do?

Claire Cameron — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 21:00:40 GMT

With regards to travelling with cats, I can't recommend Feliway spray enough! Spray the bedding, and the crate/basket you are using for transport.

Leave the crate out before you travel so they can get used to it.

Do you know anyone who could rehome Mr. Griffin before you go? Alternatively, you never know he might travel and cope better than you expected? I guess, it depends on his personality.

Sorry not much help. This guide is really useful http://www.petplan.co.uk/travel/travellingwithcats.asp

Re: What would you do?

Kim Buckley — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 20:43:07 GMT

I can totally understand why you wouldn't want to take him with you!

As said before any chance you can find someone else to take him on? If not then I don't think you should beat yourself up about having him pts. He's had a nice time living with you and a second chance. The stress of taking him up to Scotland wouldn't be very fair on him.

Re: What would you do?

Mac Feather — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 20:16:28 GMT

Hi Emma,

Is there anyone that would that would rehome Mr Griffin if that was an option you would consider. In my view that might be less traumatic all round. It must be quite a thought for you really, I feel for you.

Sorry Im not much use really!

Hope the move goes well for you.