Anxious behavior from stress, tips?

[monsters mom]

We recently moved back to the states from Okinawa Japan and brought our cat home with us. It was a very long stressful trip for him, we had 3 different flights plus layover time so he was in his carrier nearly 24 hours flying in the cargo area. We had him during layovers but couldn't take him out of the carrier. When we got in and I finally got him out of his carrier I had to give him a bath as he had dried pee all over him in spite of the pee pads we had in there. Then we had an 8 hour drive to get to my families home where we've been the last week now.

It's been hard on him obviously and for the first few days here he hid(no doubt plotting revenge, lol). Now he seems more comfortable but is displaying some odd behavior, odd for him at least. He purrs now, he's never done that before ever and he's almost 2 years old. He's constantly grooming me, my hands, arms, neck anything he can reach. When I go to pet him he will pin my hand down to groom it. I done mind either but I was wondering if they might be anxiety related and if he might tone it down a little as time goes one. My skin is feeling a little raw, lol.

Also we aren't finished traveling, we have a two day drive coming up, then two weeks there and a one day drive to our final destination. Any tips on making it easier for him? I got a walking harness here and I've been trying to get him used to it so I can let him stretch his legs at rest stops.

Sorry for any mistakes, I'm on my iPad and it keeps changing words for whatever reason. I never seem to find them all, lol

[Ritzpg]

Welcome to the States.
The only idea I have is to buy Feliway spray and/or Bach's Rescue Remedy. You might find the Feliway spray in most any large pet store (like PetCo or PetSmart), you'll find Rescue Remedy at any high end pet food store. You put drops of RR in food or water; you can spray Feliway in the car and cat carrier (only cats can smell it, not humans).
I used both when I had work done in my house and for once Ritz didn't develop a UTI.
Also, play soft music, classical, "new age", while in the car. Helps too.
Drive safely!

[JillianS]

I"m not sure what the going census is here, but some vets recommend mild sedatives (that they can prescribe/give you) for trips over 8ish hours in length.. I've never done it personally, but it was something suggested when I was researching traveling with Libby (we were only driving 7 hours)

[MowMow]

I always figured Feliway was hoakie but...I'm becoming a firm believer. I have the plug in but I think I'll be picking up the spray for my (short) move next week, just to keep them calm and make things easier for all of us.

I'm pretty sure the purring and the licking are him trying to comfort himself. Is there anything that you do that usually calms him? For example MowMow is always trying to nurse on my earlobes. I *hate* it but when he's stressed it's the quickest way to calm him down and get him settled.

[monsters mom]

Originally Posted by MowMow

I always figured Feliway was hoakie but...I'm becoming a firm believer. I have the plug in but I think I'll be picking up the spray for my (short) move next week, just to keep them calm and make things easier for all of us.

I'm pretty sure the purring and the licking are him trying to comfort himself. Is there anything that you do that usually calms him? For example MowMow is always trying to nurse on my earlobes. I *hate* it but when he's stressed it's the quickest way to calm him down and get him settled.

Not really, he's never been really affectionate or the type to seek comfort. He's actually usually a big snob, lol. Thats why I've been secretly thrilled he's acting so needy even though I feel bad for him.


Thank you for the advice everyone, I'll look into them.