I am sure many of you have been wondering: How on EARTH are we managing a road trip with CATS?!
The simple truth is, yes, we are a bit crazy (many of you already know this as fact), and we thought it a worthwhile effort. Rowan and I plan to continue traveling, and the emotional and physical difficulties of leaving the boys at home creates neurotic cats. But perhaps that is redundant.
I have to admit, journeying with Mischief and Puck (our two black cats, 5 years and 2 years, respectively) has been a continual, crazy learning process. Our first two trips out, Mischief stayed home with various sitters. Let me tell you, he was NOT a happy camper when we returned home–either time.
And so, the “Grand Experiment”.
I have heard of many people who travel with cats. We have been planning to journey with Mischief since our first long trip together. Rowan adopted Puck–in part–to give Mischief a like-minded traveling companion … which would have worked out well, if Puck was not a furry bully, tormenting poor Mischief, regularly–adding an extra fillip of tension to our travels.
Each cat currently wears a harness, which has been a trial for them. It is amusing, in a sick and twisted way, to watch them lick and pull at the harnesses with their teeth, attempting with some success to loosen them. Some success, as they have not managed to loosen them enough to be rid of them.
Each cat has their own kennel, which they ride in while we are driving. Never fear: the kennels are belted in securely. We tried moving along the road with the cats roaming free, but they insist on walking along the driver’s side door, clinging to the upholstery just inside the window, on their way to the sunniest spot and best viewing in the van: the dash just inside the windshield.
Great viewing for them; not so great viewing for me.
Puck also enjoys activating the left turn signal.
Back to the kennels!
When Rowan and I stop to view things (which is often) or for facilities (again, fairly often) the cats are freed to roam the van, use their own facilities (behind the back seat), have their meals and snacks, and swill water. We tried leaving dishes of water in their kennels, but wet cats–even those who, at home, hop in the shower with us–are not happy cats.
Long or hot stops required some creative thinking. As with many passenger vans, Serenity Blue’s side viewing windows pop out at the bottom (whoever designed these should be shot, as it is nigh impossible to drive at any speed with them open). We have pet resistant screening, screws, and hook-and-loop fasteners (aka “Velcro”) to facilitate extra cooling, without inviting hungry insects in, or curious cats out (their kitty heads fit through the gap in the pop-out windows). We also run a battery-powered van in extreme conditions, sometimes set up in swamp-cooler fashion. (For those not in the know, a swamp cooler blows air over a vessel of water, thereby cooling the air.)
We hope to afford the purchase of a Sunforce Solar Vent Fan soon, which is completely self-contained: cut a hole in Serenity’s roof, drop in the fan, seal around the edges, activate!
Puck and Mischief’s biggest adjustment seems to be a combination of things: the motion of the van as we hurtle at speeds faster than house cats are known to achieve, the need to wear harnesses at all times (to facilitate fastening leashes quickly, and to grasp when they attempt jail-breaks), and finding themselves–at every stop–in places that smell and feel quite different..
They were fearful, at first–hesitant at every step. Oftentimes, they are still; it is difficult to acclimate oneself–even (or especially) kitty selves–when the climate/altitude/flavor/smell/under-paw feel changes constantly.
Yesterday, we purchased a larger, “open” kennel for them to ride in. Another experiment, as they must needs ride together. There is a removable divider, which may have to be replaced if Puck continues to harass Mischief, but this new kennel is slightly larger than the two carrier-kennels, with the added dimension of enough height to stand or sit fully erect, and full viewing ability. A towel lines the bottom, and we placed a beach towel over the kennel for overnight coziness, although they roam the van at night. When boondocking, they alternate watches, curling up on our laps or in kennel(s) to sleep.
Rowan and I are far from addressing all of the intricacies of exploring with felines. As we discover new solutions, we will share them with you. Shortly, we will attempt the use of a “insert-name-of-favorite-rodent” bottle (please don’t tell them what animals cage drinking bottles are usually used for); we will share with you the results. Mischief and Puck notify us with disctinctive MEOWS! and scratching at the kennel, when they need relief.
We are learning, together, as a family.
Journey on,
Patti