I have both dogs & cats and have brought them with me all over the US and Europe. There is some pre-planning required for air travel.

First, you need to contact your airline and make a reservation for your pet as they have a limit on the number of animals per flight (if allowed at all). There will be a fee. If your cat isn't a whiner (one of mine is, so this isn't an option for me) you can bring him in the passenger cabin with you, but you need to buy a special carrier that fits under the seat. Some airlines demand hard-sided carriers, too. You may also need to get a health certificate for your cat within 30 days of departure...or this could just be required for international travel...I'm not sure. The airline's website should have information.

Second, bring that carrier into your house and put it near the cat's bed. Keep the door open so he'll get used to it. I keep my kennels open all the time, placed up high on a bookshelf, and my cats treat it like their private refuge. The more comfortable they get with the kennel, the
less stressful the move will be. If you place a nice furry mat in there, that will help too. FYI, this also works with dogs.

Third, unless your cat is freakishly neurotic...do not sedate him. Most vets no longer recommend medicating since it can inhibit the animal's natural methods for compensating to stress (i.e., breathing). They're a lot tougher than you think. They can also "hold it" a lot longer than you think. My two cats once survived almost 20 hours in their carriers without going to the bathroom. They weren't happy about it though. :)

You should restrict food intake a few hours before you travel. Also, fill the water dish 3/4 and freeze it, so he won't lose all of his water before he gets on the plane. If he's going in the cargo hold, you'll check him in with your luggage. When you board the plane, remind the crew that you have a cat down there. I've read that the pilot needs to turn on heat and pressurization. Even if he doesn't have to, it makes me feel better.

Have a safe trip.

posted by 213.13.219...

PetTravel.com

• VERY OT: Shipping a pet cross country - advice?, Paul H, Wed, 1 Dec 2004 10:32:52
  • Thanks for all the advice!!!, Paul H, Thu, 2 Dec 2004 06:24:55
  • Re: if your animal travels in the car ok, ryanathp, Wed, 1 Dec 2004 22:59:58
  • Re: VERY OT: Shipping a pet cross country - advice?, Dan , Wed, 1 Dec 2004 13:15:04
  • Like Paul D says, talk to your vet and airline., Noel, Wed, 1 Dec 2004 12:57:43
  • I wouldn't recommend sedation..., Ripley, Wed, 1 Dec 2004 12:02:00 <-- Viewing This Message
  • Re: VERY OT: Shipping a pet cross country - advice?, Paul D., Wed, 1 Dec 2004 11:54:18
  • If your cat is anything like mine..., turrbo , Wed, 1 Dec 2004 11:16:06
  • Lucas? I dare not ask., RS , Wed, 1 Dec 2004 11:15:23
    • Re: make sure to bring the sedatives with you, t_mokes, Wed, 1 Dec 2004 11:39:04
      • Baby sedative = cough medicine 8-) n/m, TKC, Wed, 1 Dec 2004 12:40:39
  • Re: VERY OT: Shipping a pet cross country - advice?, aeromagic, Wed, 1 Dec 2004 10:59:32

No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.

• Prev by Date: that's the point - just a few more things to clean, Ari, Wed, 1 Dec 2004 11:56:32
• Next by Date: grinders, Finch, Wed, 1 Dec 2004 12:04:27
• Main General Bulletin Board

StateOfNine.com

SaabClub.com

Jak Stoll Performance

M Car Covers

Ad Available

The content on this site may not be republished without permission. Copyright © 1988-2024 - The Saab Network - saabnet.com.
For usage guidelines, see the Mission & Privacy Notice.
[Contact | Site Map | Saabnet.com on Facebook | Saabnet.com on Twitter | Shop Amazon via TSN | Site Donations]

Random Saabnet.com Member Gallery Photos (Click Image)