Our Dream Come True – Part 5 – 1300 km with Zoé & Henri

**ATTENTION** Contains a lot, a lot of cat images... that could displease some! This Blog article is intended for everyone else!!!

How to Succeed Moving with Your Beloved Pets.

We had just started dreaming about our big MOVE, and in the very first moments, I started to worry about our two cats. A fifteen-hour drive, a night at the hotel… and everything else! I have to say that Henri has had very few opportunities to travel by car, and the few experiences ended with me having to clean the entire carrier! Should I leave them free in the car? What would happen when I would need to stop? What if they ran away and I would never found them again? My incredible talent for imagining the worst horror scenarios had just found all they needed to be even more creative!

As our project began to take shape, without really knowing how I got there… I decided I had to put this problem in a drawer and come back to it at the right time. There was too much to do and i had to prioritize! There were a few people to remind it to me, asking how I was going to deal with the cats. I am very proud I was able to not let this fear overwhelm and paralyze me, at a time when I had to do exactly the opposite… Move forward!

When the time came, I looked for the two largest pet carrier that could fit in my car and keep them safe, with their blankets and litter, for the two-day journey.

As soon as they arrived, I made sure they would fit in the car and then placed the two carriers in the living room, so that Zoé and Henri could get used to them. Zoé took went inside instantly. As for Henri, I had to use pheromones and catnip spray to lure him in. In the weeks leading up to the move, every evening we would find our two cats, fast asleep in their respective suitcases. Who knows why, Zoé chose the pink one and Henri the yellow one!

Equipment required:

2 large size Dog Carriers (don’t tell Henri & Zoé) 20”x32”
Retractable, unbreakable and non-slip bowls for water and food.
Bac à litière biodégradable
Treats & Toys
Blankies & Cushions (for comfort and familiar scents)
Water & Food

Saying our goodbyes to our friends, loved ones and to Batman…

Step 1 – Learning to like our new carriers !

And then the boxes started to appear… while our favorite chairs, poufs and tables (furniture we had sold) would disappear, one after the other!

But the boxes are fun too : )

A refuge in all this mess !

The movers wrapped all the glass table tops. Henri got quite a surprise when he landed in the middle of the table!!!

Step 2 – The Big Day !

Zoé and Henri spent the day in our bedroom with their carriers, blankets, toys, and litter! Access to all was denied!

Step 3 – The Begining of a Long Journey !

The day of departure did not go as I had hope… it was a bit rushed and I was very tired… Our two cars were packed to the brim!!! Not to mention… Zoé and Henri! It took me a little less than an hour to start breathing again, in my seat a little to upright to make room for my precious cargo!

Zoé, a wise and great traveler, quickly settled into her cushion. Henri… on the other hand, ended up meowing and hyperventilating for the first 3 hours. He eventually calmed down, but spent the two days of the journey… in his litter box!!

Step 4 – A night at the Hotel !

A night at the Amsterdam Inn in Florenceville-Bristol, offering rooms furry friends friendly! with beautiful views of the McCain Research Labs and the Potato World Museum.