Relocating with Cats: Can anyone recommend a product to use to keep them calm and reduce their anxiety for the 20 hour trip?
1085153
I use a product called "Quiet Moments Herbal Calming Spray" from a company called NaturVet. I bet you can find it for sale here on Amazon. I pump-spray it inside of the carrier, about 30 minutes before putting the cat in. Within about 5-10 minutes inside of the carrier, the cat calms right down. No loud meowing or yowling, while driving to the vet's office. It even makes the vet visit go more smoothly, as the effect remains for quite a while, after the cat if outside of the carrier.
656708
I can't say that these are a reliable alternative to sedatives. If a cat is stressed under normal circumstances, it may relax him but I think that a cat under stress in a strange environment may need something more reliable. My cat will sleep if he is in our home but if I take him somewhere else, it doesn't have the same effect.
2172533
I have used Feliway primarily to keep our cats calm while we were in the process of moving from one house to another. We placed it in a small bathroom where their litter box was located. It did the trick in keeping them calm. We also used it some after we moved into a home with much more open room space. I think it lasted longer in the smaller space (maybe 3 weeks continuously plugged in),but I did not really keep tabs on it since it serve our need in the move. Now we only use it occasionally when we may be gone for a weekend and someone other than us feeds them. It may have to do with ventilation and location of where you have it plugged in.
1144089
Hello Lynn,It did work for me even though in the beginning he won't use it but after a couple of minutes insisting he did. I used on a long trip to east Europe and i most of the time i travel with my cat so i always bring one of this either on the carry on check bags. Also on the carry on i found a good bag to put it in so the litter doesnt fly all over and sometimes if kitty is uncomfortable during the flight i take him to the plain's restroom and open the box there.
803103
I've used mine for several months, and they still seem to keep working. I have noticed that if other stressful circumstances come into play, they are not as effective for a bit (for example, if the cats run out of food, and I forget to refill the bowls pretty quickly, or if I don't clean the litter boxes when they need to be) then the anxiety returns for a bit. But as soon as I take care of those things, everything seems to be okay again. I have two cats which seem to get stressed more than the others. I alternate a fresh collar between the two every two weeks, so each of them wears a collar for a month. If your cat still marks, you may want to try to provide a clean litter box close to where she marks for a time, then slowly (around 4-5 inches per day) move it towards the area where you'd like to keep it permanently, and eventually you may be able to remove it all together. You may also want to make sure that you clean the marked area completely so that no odor persists. We used Nature Miracle, as well as thoroughly clean the carpet with a professional cleaning machine and another pet odor remover designed to work with it. Not all odor came up completely, unfortunately, so we decided to place a large piece of thick cardboard on top of the area to "block" the smell, and our cats with which we had the problem, has stopped using the area. We also provided several litter boxes throughout the house, and slowly removed them using the method I described above. This was several months ago, and all seems to be harmonious right now.
857463
I do not know of any sure fire way except the obvious...dilute the liquid with water or unplug it for a few hours a day or overnight. It seems to bring a lot of peace to our two cats. They always sleep for hours in the room where the diffuser is plugged. Buy refills in quantity to safe....good luck
822592
Go on their web site. This really works. Lets me sleep at night because they are not fighting when outside cars come up on the porch!
656707
From observing my cat after he's taken them, I'm not sure these would be strong enough to help your cat under such a stressful circumstance. I wish I could be more helpful.
2172315
my Vet said it is calming it would not hurt my cat. I don't think it has an immediate affect you may have to give it to your cats for a couple of days
537619
I have two cats that ride in this very well. I also can add a small litter box. Our trip lasts at least five hours. I love it, it's worked well so far...
341720
My cats re not mean but this makes them very mellow,so I would think it would help. You might have to give a little larger dose, I have had to during very bad storms.
1065612
Debbie - I did purchase Feliway for the purpose of trying to calm my two feral cats that are in the process of being domesticated so that we could visit the vet. Not easy. The drive was about 30 minutes. The vet was familiar with Feliway and thought it fine for us to use. I did, however, follow a friend's advice and asked the vet for a tranquilizer that I can put into her food for the next visit. She gave me some but we've not used them yet. How do you intend to keep during the drive? In a carrier? Sorry I could not really comment on the Feliway but let me know how the trip worked out. Good luck! Moe Headington (moeteam@comcast.net) Debbie - I did purchase Feliway for the purpose of trying to calm my two feral cats that are in the process of being domesticated so that we could visit the vet. Not easy. The drive was about 30 minutes. The vet was familiar with Feliway and thought it fine for us to use. I did, however, follow a friend's advice and asked the vet for a tranquilizer that I can put into her food for the next visit. She gave me some but we've not used them yet. How do you intend to keep during the drive? In a carrier? Sorry I could not really comment on the Feliway but let me know how the trip worked out. Good... » Read More Debbie - I did purchase Feliway for the purpose of trying to calm my two feral cats that are in the process of being domesticated so that we could visit the vet. Not easy. The drive was about 30 minutes. The vet was familiar with Feliway and thought it fine for us to use. I did, however, follow a friend's advice and asked the vet for a tranquilizer that I can put into her food for the next visit. She gave me some but we've not used them yet. How do you intend to keep during the drive? In a carrier? Sorry I could not really comment on the Feliway but let me know how the trip worked out. Good luck! Moe Headington (moeteam@comcast.net) « Show Less
1274907
Most likely the Feliway would help, but it does take time & may not completely stop the problem. It sounds like it is a stress issue with the other cat coming within view of your cat. I would suggest trying things that would keep your cat both active & occupied. For example, if you only have one cat, add another! They entertain each other & are company for each other when left alone. Try a water fountain, allot of cats, (not ours) love them. A cat scratcher/lounge is great too. Play with her for at least 15 minutes 2x a day. You may also need to think about changing litter and/or litter boxes. One of our cats that is 10 has been diagnosed with FLUTD, (Feline Lower Urinary Track Disease). Using cat attract litter & those jumbo storage containers for long rolls or wrapping paper has made a world of difference. There was microscopic blood in his urine. He started urinating just outside the box when our 18 & 1/2 year old cat passed away in Nov. It was a stress issue causing a medical issue & these are things that our vet recommended & it worked. We have since adopted another kitten at vets recommendation & I can see our 10 yr. old playing more now. You want to use litter that is NOT scented. Clean with white vinegar. Cats don't like it, but it will not harm them. You can leave a cup out where they are spraying & they will not spray there. Cats also do not like the smell of citrus, so you can get citrus odor eliminators & sit on the floor or even on a table to keep eem off and it works! If possible close the blinds/curtains at the window where your cat sees the other cat the most. Throw orange peels or other citrus out in the area where the neighbors cat comes & see if that deters the visits. Ask the owner if their cat is spayed/neuter & if they can keep him/her inside or limit the time the cat is out. Hope some of these suggestions will help!
681142
Stop in at a Petsmart. They usually have a Vet at Banfield and would probably advise you about the product for cats, or you could call Proden directly.
1285964
I gave them to my cat who travelled with me from Pennsylvania to Florida on a two day trip. She seemed very calm and slept most of the time. I also gave her a few nibbles and a small amount of water for the trip. She was fine and loves Florida!
1103985
I have two cats and I have been away for 5 days without a problem. That is the maximum amount of time I've ever left the cats (with food too, as they have unlimited access) without someone to check in. I do always leave a spare bowl of water nearby just in case they need more. And you'll need to add water as soon as you return.
4196
I used them for a 5 hr drive home with a kitten. I gave him one and it seemed to mellow him out and slept most way home. I plan to use in the future for trips to the vet.