I'm going to be moving and it's a 12 - 16 hour car drive. I'm going to be taking my 10 year old cat. I'm trying to crate train him now for the ride, but he's not having it.

I was thinking about maybe getting something for him to help him relax, something that would help him to sleep, hopefully most of the trip.

He's healthy and doesn't have any problems that I know of. Though he hasn't been to the vet since he was a kitten. Would they give me anything for him? Has anyone ever given their cat something to help with a long trip?

Any other ideas to help make this go easy? I know it's going to be rough with him, but I want to make it as easy as I can for him. He has taken long car trips before, but my mom and sisters moved him and she had a van, so he had room to walk around, and there were other people to help.

Now it's just me and I have a small car, and I won't be able to let him run around.

I went from NY to CO and back with mine. I just put a leash and a collar on her. She was a little bit of a pain but, not too bad. Your guy is older so, maybe he'll sleep more of the ride. Just put his litter box, and food and water dish's in the back seat. Give him some room. Just watch the gas peddle! lol

I've tried to put collars on him and he always finds a way to get them off. I'm hoping he'll just sleep most of the ride.

Should I put a blanket over the carrier? Would that help him?

I put his bed in there, but he still won't go in. He'll sleep by it though.

Can't hurt to check with the vet. Depending on the vet they may recommend an herbal sedative. Rescue Remedy works great on all animals. Has chamomile, lavender and some other mildly sedative herbs.

If you think he'll be a problem, it may be best to leave him in the crate most of the time. Wouldn't want and accident because the cat freaked out.

Can he get out of harnesses? You might use that, rather then a collar. Make sure all his tags are on, and get some updated pictures of him. Always safer to plan "just in case" and have a better chance if something happens.

I was just thinking about maybe getting a harness for him and trying a leash, so I can take him out and let him walk around.

I'll look into the Recue Remedy. I'd rather use something natural. Thanks.

I take cat tranquilizers all the time. Always make me nice and cozy...

But seriously, make sure that collar is tight enough. I took my gf's cat on a trip wearing a leash one time and left the collar too loose, and she got her jaw stuck on the collar and flipped out...

Still have the battlescars...

That's kinda what I'm afraid of. I know he's not going to let me put a collar on him, but the harness idea may work.

Keep working on getting him into the crate. Use food as an enticement/reward when he is hungry. Drugs should be a last resort especially for an older cat.

Dogs and cats should not be left on a collar and leash when in the car. They can end up hanging themselves while you are out taking a leak or grabbing sandwich. They do make seatbelt type things for traveling with dogs.

I put food in the crate, his favorite toy, his cat bed. I've been putting him in the crate for a little bit each day as well. I'm going to start taking him for little car rides as well. I may do that tomorrow, take him to the bank with me, just to get him used to it more.

Just let him read your Mingle profile

Go to your vet. They can give you a sedative for the cat for a long car trip. They will probably suggest trying it out when you're home one day to see how the cat reacts, which is a good idea.

The last thing I need is his opinion on my profile.

He needs something because all I have is a nylon carrier, and he's already starting to chew a hole in it. There's no hole yet, but the screen door is frayed.

Did you go to your vet? That's the first thing you should do.

I didn't go to the vet, but he's gotten much better. I got him to lay down inside with the door open. He layed inside for about five minutes.

I was going to take him for a little ride today, but he's still not ready yet. But, he's been making progress.

Patience, consistency, and repetition, are the guiding words when training any animal.

I might not need to give him anything. He just walked into his carrier on his own, and is laying in it. He seems to like it now.

Mine does the same thing, however in the car, he howls like he's being tortured. You still may want to check with the vet if it's a long trip.

I agree

check with th vet

he/she knows best!