Pets in the truck?... Any Cats?
 

I'm a newbie trucker's wife and we have two cats. We've talked about taking me out on the road but we'd have to bring our two cats.

How do y'all manage to take care of your pets while on the road?

seems different carriers have different rules, even within the same company.

teams, especially married teams, seem to get a few more breaks.

ask your husband's company about their policy. the worst they can say is no.

Re: Pets in the truck?... Any Cats?
 

1. No, I have a dog.
2. Bowls are stored on the floor in front of the passenger seat.
3. Leash walks several times a day, but a cat would need a litterbox in the truck.
4. No, my pet only rides in carrier when he needs to be "out of sight".
5. I think they sux, but those are the places for carrier use.

6. We keep vet up to date when we're home, keep records with us on the road, finding a groomer on the road is difficult but not impossible, my dog gives me something to do to occupy my attention when my hubby is driving loooooooooooong shifts. He also gives me a reason to get out of the truck several times a day and stretch my legs. I'm much happier having something to 'mother'.

I used to have a Snowshoe Siamese in the truck with me. Litter-box stayed on the floor in front of the passenger seat and bowls next to the bunk. He had his name on the door an everything. Biggest thing is vet records and tags.

Also, watch the power windows. Bailey managed to stand on the window switch in a T2000 and got out in Ohio in December. I luckily found him shivering on top of the tranny! Good luck!

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c1.../MVC-878sS.jpg

1. Yes.
2. Don't know any personally.
3. Litter box is on the floor behind the passenger's seat in the cubby opposite where the cooler goes. Kitty eats out of the passenger side cup holder (seat is raised up to accomodate), and out of a food dish on the floor behind the driver's seat in front of the cooler, the water dish is beside the food dish.
4. Carriers are intended for short trips, would you like to ride in a carrier too small for you to turn around in for weeks at a time?
5. Make sure your pet stays in the truck in these areas. Train them well BEFORE they go OTR, potty breaks need to happen before you get to this destination.

We all have our own ways of doing things. It all depends on what kind of pet too. Personally, I have a hairless cat. The breed is called "Sphynx" and they're born that way. They're very cool, they don't shed, they're very intelligent, they're very cuddly, and they're low maintenance. The best part is not having to stop to let them go potty. I scoop the litter when I empty my trash daily. I am building a website now on this topic actually, if you like, you can e-mail me and I'll happily talk to you more about the care of OTR pets. [email protected]

I have two cats who ride with me. I started them out as kittens in a car to be sure they were acclimated to the experience. Cats are notorious for going psycho in vehicles. Litter boxes well i trained them to use one while travelling and use litter i can change often so i avoid the expensive scoopable stuff, be prepared for the occasssional ripe butt, you'll want to get rid of all the litter fast, i've found a stick up freshner works well in the interm. Fill litter box with a layer of baking soda and litter but not too high as i am sure you know when they are agitated they will kick that stuff high and far. Avoid any moisture in box as you will notice the plastic will develope its own odor fast.waterbowls - i attached velcro with glued backing to the bowl to keep it from sliding.The bowl itself has high straight sides. I always take a carrier large enough for the two of them, the get comfort from each other if they have to be put in it, actually they are so used to each other that they get upset if seperated. Use the casrrier if they are getting under foot too much they will eventually stop that behaviour. I leave the carrier door open even when they are not in it if mine get scared they dive right for it. I also keep either an old pair of slippers or shoes in it mine have a fetish for my smelly foot odor - but if yours have a favorite bed or blanket use that.Carry enough of their regular food for trip you don't want to get too far out on a trip to find out they have suddenly become finiky eaters. For the most part my two are so used to it and comfortable they mostly sleep or mash their faces against the windows to see the world go by. Oh! I just remembered for the first while I had to leash or carrier them at stops before I got out of truck otherwise you will find yourself doing a mad round-up in some truck stop lot trying to catch them. Good luck and don't rush them into it small steps first work up to long trips.

I almost forgot get them tattooed incase they get away or GPS'd, keep shots up to date, carry vet records and ask your vet to suggest what you would need to carry as a cat first aid kit and if you know where you are headed well in advance ask your vet for a list of vets along your route in case of emergencies. It does seem like a lot of work but i find it worth it i like not being away from them and find they don't like to be away from me, tried pet spas resorts but they lost hair and seemed depressed when i picked them up.

I even take mine camping you should see the looks and hear the comments when i take them for walks around on their leashes