Budget Savvy Diva’s BIG ANNOUCEMENT!

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So most of you know Mr.Savvy, Watson, and I have been living in Phoenix, AZ for the last 7 months. Before we lived in Los Angeles, CA and now we are moving to

Portland, OR

Why Are We Moving?

There are a long list of reasons why we are moving but the best way to sum it up is that I want to enjoy being with my family ( who are located in Portland, OR) while I still can. Mr.Savvy and I are still in the point in our lives where we can pick up our things and move around – so that is what we are doing. We will be moving in with my parents till we find a apartment of our own.

I spent some time in Portland, OR during the holidays and fell in LOVE!

When are We Moving ?

In exactly one month ! I have been busy already packing and using up the stockpile.

Moving Tip: About 6 weeks before moving start using your new address ( if you know it) when requesting freebies because most freebies take 4 -6 weeks to arrive.

How will Budget Savvy Diva.com Change?

The site will not change at all. But I will say that my parents are “pretty quirky” ( like their obsession with Angry Bird) so you might be seeing some of their antics 😉

Advice Needed

 – We will be driving 2 days with Watson ( our cat) – do you have any advice on how to best transport him?

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  • Shannon Hinkle

    Use a crate/cat kennel and if he is jumpy or upset try some cat relief stuff. It helps calm them down during trips. You can probably get it at Petsmart or Petco or some place like that. I wish you well on your new journey!

  • Stacy

    Yippee! I live just outside of Portland and will be excited to see the deals that you come up with in our area. Happy Moving!

  • Chasity

    Good luck on your move:) We moved with two cats from Illinois to Colorado when I was a teenager. We had them in their crates most of the way. Sometimes we let them out to roam in the car but one of them freaked when he looked outside and saw we were moving. He tried to get under the gas pedal. Your best bet is to talk to your vet about medicating your pets. We did that with our dogs in our last move. He told us to use benedryl.

  • Jill Van Vlack

    Hi, I have moved many times with several cats and dogs. Get Watson a decent size crate that you can put a small littler box in the way back and secure a water bottle to the door. Keep dry food not wet in a bowl and what ever you do…….. DO NOT let him out! He will fuss and cry and it will make you crazy, but don’t! Anything can happenb, even if you are in a hotel room. Just make sure the crate is big enough for a litter box (They make smaller sized ones) and a place to put a blanket. Then once you get to your parents house, put him in the room his litter box will be in and close the door until you are done moving things in and expect him to possably hide for days.

  • mallory s.

    Try talking to your vet about getting a one time prescription for acepromazine. It is like kitty xanax. We moved with our cat from Arkansas to Seattle and it saved him and us a lot of anxiety. It kept him sleepy and relaxed, and allowed him to ride comfortably for like 7 hours without getting upset or wanting to break out of his carrier.

  • Jen

    Good luck and so happy for you! When I moved from Florida to NY, I just let my cat lay around the back seat of the car… just have to be careful when you stop for breaks and gas, etc, so Watson doesn’t get out when you open the door!

    Jen

  • gwen

    One piece of advice I would give, is that if he is not used to a Cat Carrier, set it out open on the floor for a while. Let him investigate it on his own.

  • Sandi Hall

    When my sis moved, she went to her vet for a sedative for her cat, and transported him in a kennel. He was sleepy and didn’t care- when they got to their destination, she kept him indoors for 3 weeks, then let him test the backyard with the door staying open so he could come and go.

  • Mariah

    We travel with our cats all the time and what we find best is this: we put them in a bit crate in the back seat and I sit with them (if I don’t they freak out). We use a dog crate so it’s nice and airy but we cover them with a light blanket so they can’t see too much but don’t feel confined. At PetSmart we found a calming spray and I spray the pillow and blankets we use with it and every once in awhile I spritz the spray in the backseat. It’s odorless so it doesn’t bug us at all. They also make calming treats, my cats personally do not like them. We travel 8 hours at a time with them and they do not require food or water (in fact they say not to feed them or give them water unless it’s super hot..but AC takes care of that). We don’t let them out, they don’t use the restroom on the trip but as soon as we get to our destination we set out the litter box, the water, the food and let them do their thing. We try not to stop too much, and we don’t do sit down places to eat, usually he eats (he drives and is a faster eater…so he can eat before we take off to keep us safe) and I eat in the backseat while he drives. I think, for us at least, the key is that I’m with them in the backseat the whole time. Once they settle down they’ll sleep most of the way and wake up every time we stop. I’ve heard people have bad experiences traveling with their cat, and when I spoke to my vet about best ways to do it (and told her our method) she approved of what we do but said if they are really anxious they can prescribe a calming pill (more medical than what you get at PetSmart) and I think this pill knocks them out or makes them very loopy. I personally do not enjoy those types of drugs so I just sit with them. Hope this helps, have a safe trip!

  • Terri Kebodeaux

    For Watson—If you can let him roam the car etc. I travel every 3 months–12hrs with my 10mo old, cat and 2 dogs. They all ride fine now as long as they are not shut up. They sleep in the crate in the back as long as the gate is not latched so they can move around if they want. The dogs don’t have much room to move around but can. The cat goes all over the car 100 times but if she were confined she would meow like crazy the whole 12hrs.

  • Sandra Caldwell

    Hi!
    When I moved from Illinois back to North Carolina with our cat, I used a medium sized cat carrier with one of those faux lambswool liners in the bottom. I was told he would not be interested in drinking or eating (or going to the bathroom,) until we stopped at a hotel, and everyone was right. I got a disposable littler pan for him to use while we were traveling, cleaned it before we left the hotel room, wrapped it in one of the hotel trash can liners and tied it with a bread tie, I think, and that seemed to be just fine for him. Hope this helps, and good luck with your move!

  • Betty

    Congrats on the move 🙂 Get him used to a carrier AND a harness and leash while he is in a familiar environment – your house and yard. Always leave the harness on him and when he is loose in the car remember to attach the leash OR put him in his carrier. The worst thing is having a beloved pet escape at a gas stop or rest area stop 🙁 🙁 Travel with some pre-made flyers just in case the worst happens so you can get word out quickly. Have it include a color photo face on and full side view, any medical issues/medications, contact numbers (the more the better), any nicknames he has as well as food preference and up to date info on his food preferences. Also if he isn’t already talk to your Vet about microchipping him before you leave and then register it with the new address.

    He might not eat well so tuck in some Very Tasty Treats he LOVES and hold them back for the time when he needs something in his tummy as very few turn down their VTT even with traveling.

  • Emily Kephart

    When we moved from Los Angeles to WA state, I had 2 cats and I had carriers for them but they cried the whole time, we ended up just letting out in the car I was driving and they just made themselves comfortable on the seats or the floor.

  • Melissa

    Always transport a cat in a carrier, they feel safer and depending on how much he likes cars u might want to see ur Vet for something to sadate him.

  • Michelle B.

    Hi BSD, I recently moved from TN to FLA, about a 12-14 hour drive with my FIVE cats. See if your vet will give you something to calm Watson down a little bit and I just put each of mine in their own carrier with a thick towel b/c there was really no way I could or would want to have taken them out to use the litter box for fear they’d get away. There were a few accidents, one poop which I just scopped out of the carrier with a paper towel and one pee which I just switched out the towel for a new one w/o taking the cats out. They cried for a little while in the beginning, but after a while settled down and were really very good and quiet for the majority of the trip! Good luck!

  • Betty

    That’s what I get for trying to not forget anything and jumping around in the post LOL That should say – ‘remember to attach the leash OR put him in his carrier before any doors or windows are opened’

    And it should say – ‘and up to date info on his vaccinations’

  • Margaret M

    Hello. Congrats on your upcoming move to OR. That’s the way I feel it should be…if you want to move or need a new environment, DO IT. If you don’t like it there you can always come back. We have moved when we felt like it or needed new jobs and I look at it as an adventure. I would love to visit OR and CA someday. Post some pictures please! As for Watson, we usually put the cat(s) in a crate with a small bit of water and food. They don’t like it so much but it’s better than driving with a cat on your head or him darting out when you open the door. Safe travels and much adventure!

  • Katy Emerich

    Don’t forget Miss Piggy, she seems to keep him calm. It really depends on how he is in a car. With one of our cats we had to put them in a crate the whole time, with the other one, he liked to roam free, just watch for escape attempts

  • Wendy

    Have a cat carrier that you transform to a litter box and another cat carrier that you can leave open for him to climb in. Car rides make every animal act different so it is better to be ready for him wanting to hide.

  • Paula

    Congrats on the new move! I have a male kitty too and the best way to travel with him is by placing him in a cat carrier. Also take him for short rides in the car so he can get used to the motion. You might have to continue talking to him and try to keep him calm. Ask the vet if you might need a sedative. You will know from the short car rides if he will need one. Hope the trip is a good one!

  • wichita witch

    start watson out with short car trips now in his crate(on the floor not the seat)making each trip a little longer and stay in the car with the boy and the crate open if he wants to hang out and adjust to the smells,sights,noises,etc.as long as he has his humans and miss piggy you all should make it ok

  • Terri

    Just like we can get some Xanax for flying I think you can gt something to “sooth” him before travel from your vet…they don’t recommend using sedatives for flying because it messes with their equilibrium but I have heard of doggy transporters using some sort of either natural or medicinal sedative.

  • Susan

    Do short rides with to see how he rides and then you might have to see what the best way he would be. Now we had a cat when moved from Norfolk, VA to Jacksonville, FL (16 years )I will say we also had a 5 month old Rotti and the both did great. Only, complaint I had was when we stopped at Hardees our cat named SASSY decided to take food out of my husband. I guess you tell who the cat most liked!

  • Susan

    O, also the cat had a problem with leash never had been on one and so she had a very hard time dealing with it and walking around I would probable make sure that Watson is been on leash or get him used to it 2 days is along time!

  • Talica T Cranston

    LOL That is backwards from my move as a Teen. I went from Lush Green of Douglas County, Ore. to Ariz. We settled in Show Low, then moved to Tucson. We let our pets roam the car/truck while we traveled. When stopping a leash went on to allow them to exercise and potty. A litter box was set on floor just in case…

  • Vanessa

    Go easy on the cat food! He may get car sick. Talk to ur vet about options to keep him calm so u dont have the howling cat the whole trip! Good luck!

  • Rosa

    I have two cats that we have moved across country several times. I have a large dog kennel (we have a good size suv with lots of trunk space) which I divide in thirds. One part with a litter box, with a hammock type floor above it, which my kitties love to lay in and a good size floor space for them to sprawl out on. I also attach water and food bowls to the sides so they can eat comfortably while we are traveling.

  • Kristina

    I drove cross-country with my cats. Use a carrier big enough that the cat can turn around in, and pick up a bird/hamster water bottle and attatch it to the door (no water spills when you hit a bump – nice!). Buy a disposable litter box (or two), and some garbage bags. Set up the box on the floor at rest stops, and let him do his business. Then dump & toss when finished….. And save mealtime for the hotel room, when kitty will have all night to “process it” before getting back in the car….. LOL

  • Jan Walker

    Definitely make sure you have him caged or leashed at the stops. My friend had to chase her cat all over the rest area. She rides better when they just let her loose in the car. The carrier thing was NOT a good idea. She howled and carried on for about 25 miles and then they said, “enough!!”. Good luck. Have a safe and uneventful trip. (always add the uneventful, meaning no car trouble, no getting lost, no seeing bad accidents, etc.)

  • Shelli

    I would recommend talking to Watson’s veterinarian about having a sedative on hand in case he gets anxious in the car. Two days is a long drive and every cat responds differently to the travel. Also, be sure if you are stopping at a hotel it’s one that accepts pets. Watson is going to want to stretch his little legs out at some point. The clients at the vet practice where I work offer a variety of info on their travels. Most have litter boxes available in the car and say that their cats do actually use them. 🙂 And most definitely put him in his carrier before you get out of the car, NO MATTER WHAT!! The last thing you want is an escape artist on your hands. Best of luck!!

  • Lori Stilger

    I am SOOOOOOOOOOOO jealous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE Portland – my husband’s from there. We lived on the coast for three years, but are now landlocked in Tennessee. ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And post LOTS! 🙂

  • Sarah

    I have traveled with my 3 cats many times! I suggest keeping Watson in his carrier. I tried letting my cat out once and she went straight for my feet (which i needed to drive, haha!). Bring his litter box, bottled water, some kibble, etc. When you stop to get gas or use the bathroom, let him try to eat or use the litter box if he needs to. I have one cat who gets car sick every time and another cat who meows for an hour straight, so just be prepared, but he should fall asleep after a while :] Safe travels!

  • Bea

    Welcome to Portland! So excited to have you move here and will be looking forward to deals in the Portland Metro area. Wishing you all the best on your move and keeping Watson comfortable on the trip. Looks like you have been getting some good advice. Happy travels and a safe journey.

  • Grace

    I drove from Colorado to New York with my cat. I put her litter box in the back seat with some dry food and her favorite pillow (she had the whole back to herself) and she didn’t say a word the whole trip. Cats are different some of them don’t like cars some of them don’t mind it. I would say take him for a trial drive first and see how he likes it 🙂 Also most Holiday Inn Express hotels are pet friendly in case you were interested in stopping at all.

  • Pam Harris

    Congratulations on your move and decision to be closer to family, that’s what truly is important in our lives.
    We transported our cat, Tiger, from WV to NC (only 8 hrs away), my best advise to you is to travel with a comfortable pet carrier. Use one of the plastic ones and put soft blankets in it for Watson to curl up in to sleep. Unless you have him on a leash and harness, DO NOT LET HIM OUT DURING THE TRIP AT A REST AREA STOP!!!!! (My husband did this and I spent 1 1/2 hrs calling to Tiger before getting back to our vehicle. What a nightmare!)
    Watson will need to stretch his legs, so you might want to fit him for the harness and leash idea so he can get used to it. He will be frightened when you first arrive, so leave him in his crate feeding him there for a day or so, then open the door so he can explore on his own. Tiger found a high shelf and sat up there for almost two weeks. Don’t be alarmed if he acts skittish towards you and your family, his environment is new to him. He’ll be fine as soon as he knows where he is and that it is his home now.

  • Julie

    We use Rescue Remedy. It is available at GNC. It is actually a human natural supplement, but ok to use on animals as well. Our vet recommends it for our dogs when we take them to the vet, the groomer, or anytime we will be traveling in the car for any length of time. It works wonders and is completely natural. Good luck on the move!

  • Reyna

    Medicate! We have moved 3 times with our cats. One does fine in her crate. The other one unless medicated crys for 5 to 6 hours before she will quiet down. Not fun at all. So drive for a bit and see how he does before you medicate is my advice. And as others have said do not let them out until you get into the hotel room.

  • Susan

    Congrats on your move and hope all goes well in your travels. As for Watson, have taken many cats on long road trips. I think the key is knowing your cat. every cat is defferent, as you have read. I once had a cat and we moved, a 4 hour drive, it was so funny. He roamed around the car at first,they he found his spot…on the dashboard, passenger side of course. If you are concerned about the stress levels you might create for him, I would try mini trips. Take him with you to the store or just for a ride around the community. See how he reacts. you might find he just wants to hang out. But if he is too stressed with that, they try some of the other options above but I would HIGHLY suggest you try them on short trips and see his reaction then you will truely know what method is going to work best for you. You could also throw some catnip on the floor in the back, maybe that would keep his attention for a while 🙂 Let us know what you decide to do and how it works for you. Good luck.

  • Jen

    I have driving across the U.S. with kitty and the meowing is the worst! Some people request a little tranquilizer to help calm them down (I never did because my cat chills after 30 min). Bring a ready to go with a litter filled litter pan (store in a big trash bag) and food/water packed for a long trip.

  • Bri

    Congrats on the move!

    I’m not sure how many times Watson has been in a car, but when I get any of my cats in the car in their carrier, they make the most awful moan/cry. It is way different than any other sound they normally make. Be prepared. Lots of shushing and putting my fingers in the crate, telling them that it is ok works a little bit. Otherwise, you might want to consider some kind of relaxing meds.