Q&A: What is the best way to travel with my cats?
Question by adena_susan: What is the best way to travel with my cats?
Hi, so I’m moving from Montana to California (1100 mile trip) at the end of August and for my 2 cats I was planning on buying a big, long pet carrier for both of them. But I can’t find a long pet carrier anywhere! The longest one I’ve found was 25″ and that just doesn’t seem big enough for them (they both weigh about 15 pounds), their kitty litter, their bed and their food/water. Does anyone have any suggestions on where to find a BIG pet carrier? and also, do you think I should put harnesses on them and let them walk around at rest stops, or should I just leave them alone in their pet carrier? Any advice/suggestions are deeply appreciated! 
Oh and both of my cats have been put in harnesses before, but they both dislike it.
Best answer:
Answer by stretch39@verizon.net
Funny you shold ask. We just bought what is called a ” fun Run” for cats. We ordered it through Dr,s Foster and Smith web site. It collapses like those net laundry baskets, and is about six and a half feet long. flexable and sturdy. Zippers at both ends and the cat is not confined. It would probably fit across your cars back seat. Safe for you and Kitty,s. Log on and you will see it, better than I can describe it. You won,t have to walk them because they can get their exercise while you’re driving.
Good Luck!!!!!
Add your own answer in the comments!
My best suggestion would be to take 3 days to make the trip, and allow plenty of time for the cats to stretch their legs in a pet-friendly hotel room. You may be able to find an extra large pet carrier online, and put a small litterbox inside it. A 5 gallon rubbermaid container with a large hole cut in the side makes a great covered litterbox and will fit inside an extra-large dog crate. It will also give the cats something to sit on top of. If this is not an option, then fashion a screen that fits in your vehicle behind your front seats (all the way to the floor so they cant get under the seats) out of hardware cloth or chicken wire, put a litter box in the floor on one side and let them have the run of the back seat.
I would suggest getting them each their own carrier in case one gets upset (I have 2 cats and once one of them actually pooped on the other one – what a mess). My sister just took her cat cross country and she had her in a bed in her carrier. If you have someone else in the car with you you might be able to get away with letting the cats loose in the car, depending on how well they handle the car. I would agree that you should let them out on their harnesses – they should be able to get some fresh air and some stretching (as should you!!). If they really hate the harness, just let them run around the car during rest stops. You can put the little box on the floor of the car, and the food and water on the floor on the other side of the car. Good luck! You will be fine!