Conference misery::feline_v1

    I'm worried about your getting them to and from the car to motels
    without carriers.
    

    Not only might there be a problem getting them to and from the car
    to hotel, but what about when you open the window to pay a toll?
    Or what if something spooks them and they interfere with your driving?
    As much as they might hate being confined, a cat carrier would be
    a good idea.  It would be safer for them and you, and they would
    probably get accustomed to being confined after a day or so.
    

    GET A PET CARRIER!
    
    Several years ago, I lost a cat at a toll booth.  I was moving and
    I didn't think I needed a pet carrier.  Some friends were helping
    me.  I worried about the cat getting loose with just me in the car,
    so the cat was riding in a car with 2 people.  She saw her chance
    at the Allston/Brighton Toll booth and charged.  She got into the
    truck and train yard.  A very nice police officer, one of my friends
    and I spent an entire evening (4 hours worth) in the truck and train
    yard yelling for the cat hoping that a familiar voice might bring
    her out.  It did not work.  Now that several years have passed,
    the friend that was with me and I have a good laugh about the nice
    officer.  The cat, you see, was named "PRUNES" and the picture of
    the three of us standing amidst the boxcars screaming "Here Prunes!!!"
    seems pretty funny.
    
    At any rate, the loss of Prunes was a silly loss.  It never had
    to happen.  I just didn't think I needed a carrier.  The cat had
    found me as a stray and I have always hoped she adopted a good family.
    
    My cats don't seem to mind the cat carrier.  They cry, but they
    just don't like riding in the car.  A good carrier has space for
    the cat to see out and is not therefore claustrophobic.  I think
    my cats even feel a little more secure in than out of the cat carrier.
    
    Anyway, be smart.  Get a pet carrier.

There's alot of information on this subject already in notes 1002 and 1016.    

Pam

    When I brought Tequilla home from Boxboro (I live in Burlington,
    VT), I used a guinea pig cage.  It cost about $50, but it proved
    to be a great alternative to a kitty carrier.  Tequilla could peer
    out and look around.  Also, if you buy a big enough cage, you could
    put a small litter box and food dish in it.  This all assumes you
    have some room in the back seat.  But in my mind, better to ship
    your material possessions, and have some comfort for your kitties.
    
    I am very much with the people who are stressing carriers.  A friend
    of our family lost her life when her dog distracted her in traffic.
    
    Be wise and good luck!

    I moved accross country with my Cat from California to 
    New Hampshire.  I had a cheap cardboard box carrier for
    carrying Dazdee to and from Hotels and my mother, who was
    traveling with me, just held on to him when we got to tolls.
    Otherwise, I had no problem with him.  I had gotten him
    "drugs", but didn't need them.  He just slept for 5 days
    in the car.  The nights, however, he was hyperactive running
    all over the place and disturbing my sleep.  Ah well, it was
    worth it just to have him mellow in the car :^>
    
    Katie
    

    
    I agree with the others, get a cat carrier that both your cats
    will fit into.  They may cry for awhile but as the time passes
    they will quiet down.  On our move from NH to Ohio, and then to
    Florida, we found out that the trailor trucks were the most 
    annoying for them. We bought throw-away litter boxes to use in
    the hotels. When stopping at night they were our first concern
    after checking in.  We immediately set up their litter box and
    opened the can of cat food (don't forget the can opener) and
    gave them water.  Then we went to the car to get the luggage
    and usually they were laying on the beds washing and purring
    when we got back.
    
    Hope you have a safe and pleasant trip.  Keep us informed.
    
    (Remember you are heading to warmer climate where you will no
    doubt be riding with your windows open.)
    
    

    
    
    Thanks to everyone that has replied... I really appreciate the advice!
    
    I called my vet and was told that they only have those cardboard
    "transport" boxes for carrying pets... too small for such a long
    trip.  They suggested checking out pet stores for real pet carriers.
    
    Then I called my parents in Ohio (I forgot to mention that I will be 
    travelling with a friend and my parents, so I'll have help with
    the cats and the driving) and they told me that my sister already
    has two cat carriers for her two cats.  
    
    SO, what I've decided to do is to take one of the LARGE cardboard
    boxes that I've got sitting around my apartment right now, put them
    in that, and then when I get to Ohio (to pick up my parents) I'll take 
    my sisters cat carriers the rest of the way to Albuquerque. 
    
    Thanks again for all the advice and the good wishes!
    
    Once I get settled in New Mexico, I'll let you know how the trip
    went.
    
    /Kelley

    In NHview (Merrimack) there was a wire cage advertised in Marketplace
    22" wide, 41"long, 27" high - vinyl covered bars/with slideout
    tray-  $55.00 - (a good buy) I have one that I use for the kids
    to travel to cat shows!  They love looking out - they watch the
    birds thru the sun roof!  If it's warm they get more air -  would
    be good for long trips.
    
    The person selling it is: Tom - DTN 264-8471
    
    E.T.

                If you end up using the cardboard box, MAKE SURE THAT
        THERE IS PLENTY OF VENTILATION. Cut a bunch of holes (a couple
        of inches in diameter or square) in all sides and the top. 
                
                I would seriously reccomend getting a large carrier as
        has already been suggested. 
                
                /s/     Bob

    Kelly, I heartily agree that confinement is imperative, for your
    safety as well as your cats.  Please resist the temptation
    to leave them free in the car.
    
    Adequate ventilation is equally important, especially since you are
    headed into warm weather. 
    Cats are very sensitive to heat and can easily and quite quickly
    suffocate. For example, you might stop for lunch and leave them in the car
    only to return an hour later to see them sorely distressed if not
    worse.
    
    I think you will have a space problem, especially after you
    add your parents to the entourage. That too will reduce air flow.
    
    I envy your opportunity to relocate to New Mexico; it is something
    I very much want to do. I have two cats also. Would you mind calling
    me and chatting before you depart.
    
    Thanks
    
    Carol
    DTN 223-9972