Cat Boarding for 2 Months

Kurn

Hi,

I'm boarding my cat for 2 months (as I will be out of the country). No family is suitable/available to look after her, so she is going on her first car trip to Limerick (from Dublin)- to a really nice cat boarding family.

I am worried about the 2.5 hour drive (have a large cage) and was thinking of asking vet for a mild sedative (bad idea?)

I've got all her favorite foods, blanket etc (which is important for her as she only sleeps where my or her smell has been).

Has anyone had their cat boarded for that length of time? I know she will not take it well, as she gets very upset (petting/following me around the house) when I am away for two days.

Suppose I am looking for tips/experiences anyone has had with this kind of long-term boarding?

Thanks

Graces7

Never done that but have travelled by car with my lot. I used to get sedatives for a nervy Siamese I had but they are fine. YOU may need earplugs; I travelled last move with three cats and a dog and the singing was amazing. Dog barks every time we slow down...
Talk to her. And relax.

Graces7

PS if you decide on the medication route? try it at home first. I made a mistake when moving once and gave my wee dog a pill.. It went sideways and she went ape! Uninhibited her too much so never again :eek:

Cat will pick up on your tension. I ended up "singing' with mine..

VonVix

Bring cleaning products/kitchen roll/newspaper/a bag to throw it all in. A spare carrier might be good too so you could safely move the cat if you needed to clean up.

I've had many a cat (not my own) spontaneously relieve themselves or throw up in a carrier if they were in any way anxious or thinking they were going to the vet. I'd recommend being prepared just in case!

Graces7

VonVix wrote: »

Bring cleaning products/kitchen roll/newspaper/a bag to throw it all in. A spare carrier might be good too so you could safely move the cat if you needed to clean up.

I've had many a cat (not my own) spontaneously relieve themselves or throw up in a carrier if they were in any way anxious or thinking they were going to the vet. I'd recommend being prepared just in case!

Indeed yes. Mine have all always been fine .

aonb

We boarded our rescue, an exceedingly unsocial, nervous, timid, shy, anti-humans cat for 6 weeks when we were out of the country. I was so worried about her, but we had no choice. Wonderful cattery took fantastic care of her, and the cat settled so well. I brought her bed and own food and bits and pieces to help her settle too. Now when we drop her off for a weekend or weeks holiday, she settles immediately, and seems quite happy there.

As long as shes safely 'contained' and cant get out (i.e. get lost) she will hopefully settle and be fine. You might give any medical records to the cattery too, in case heavens forbid, they need to bring her to the vet. You might discuss with them how that works too from the point of view of authorizing any vet trips - also worming and flea treatments too while you're away?

absolutely agree with Vonvix advice - bring all of that and more - oh and dont feed your cat on the day of the long drive. Mine throw up in their carriers in the car - Ive found if I dont feed them before the drive/trip, they might not throw up. And a pad of newspapers and a thick towel in the carrier to contain any pee!

Bring the sedatives for yourself - the yowling is wearing after 100km or so!

Oh and also agree with Graces7 re trying the sedative at home before the trip - we made the mistake of giving our dog a sedative before a ferry/drive across UK - mistake! he was hyper and freaked by the effects of the meds

Youre doing your best for your cat by boarding her in a safe place - try not to worry too much, when you come back all will soon be forgotten (and forgiven!!)

Graces7

aonb wrote: »

We boarded our rescue, an exceedingly unsocial, nervous, timid, shy, anti-humans cat for 6 weeks when we were out of the country. I was so worried about her, but we had no choice. Wonderful cattery took fantastic care of her, and the cat settled so well. I brought her bed and own food and bits and pieces to help her settle too. Now when we drop her off for a weekend or weeks holiday, she settles immediately, and seems quite happy there.



Bring the sedatives for yourself - the yowling is wearing after 100km or so!

Oh and also agree with Graces7 re trying the sedative at home before the trip - we made the mistake of giving our dog a sedative before a ferry/drive across UK - mistake! he was hyper and freaked by the effects of the meds

Interesting that I was not alone in that!

I drove over 6 hours one move. Started at midnight as I hate city traffic and both Limerick and Galway were en route

Cats were well caged but the big one managed to get loose. Took up residence under my seat.. At the Toll Plaza at Limerick at 3 am did not even dare open the window. Could not reach the money thingie so waited while the ABORTED sgn came up and finally a grumpy official.Played the dumb old lady..
Life with critters

aonb

Actually a very good idea to drive during non busy traffic times - make the trip quicker and less noisy etc for your cat?

Graces7

aonb wrote: »

Actually a very good idea to drive during non busy traffic times - make the trip quicker and less noisy etc for your cat?

Galway city even at 5 am was a nightmare.. all the traffic lights on poles and dog yelling at every stop... :eek:

DEFTLEFTHAND

My lad associates the car with going to the vets.

He gets very anxious and jumpy while travelling and makes loads of mournful maws for the first few miles.

He eventually settles in once he realises the vet isn't on the agenda and spends the rest of the trip intently looking out the window.