Taking a cat on the plane Hot Conversation

Any suggestions for this? Words of encouragement or horror stories? Should I get tranquilizers?  For me? (Lol)

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  1. Generic Image Tory says

    I think I would call a vet and ask him if there is a tranquilizer that they could prescribe for your little furry friend

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    • Generic Image moongoddess says

      It’s looking like that’s the only choice.  Thanks for responding Tory ;^)

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      • Generic Image sadie says

        my daughter flew with her cat.  just put yours in a cat carrier that will fit under the seat, most airlines will tell you the dimensions. Also, make sure you have papers from the vet stating shots and health history etc.  My daughter’s vet did prescribe a light tranquilizer for the cat and she never heard a peep from him through the entire flight.  hope this helps!

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      • Generic Image moongoddess says

        Very much.  Thank you.  I’ll get her shots asap.  She was given to us so she should get new ones anyway.

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  2. OldBlonde OldBlonde says

    While I have no personal experience with this airline, check out:

    http://www.petairways.com

    Good luck!

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  3. Generic Image nms says

    Definitely tranquilizers for you!!!

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  4. Evie Evie says

    Hi Moongoddess!

    I know that I have flown with many cats, as passengers! The folks have them in soft black cat carriers (available at PETCO). They put them under the seat in front of them, at their feet. Some cats meow quite a bit while on the plane while others are totally quiet.

    I have gotten sedatives (pills) from the vet for this purpose and they settle the cat down, otherwise, it can be a frightening experience.

    Wow! It sounds like you are in some final stages! Good luck to you and I’m so glad you are taking your furry baby with you! <3

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    • Generic Image moongoddess says

      What airline do you take.  Did you have to pay extra?  I’m getting cranky and it’s late but have to do something now ;^((  I like the carrier idea.  Thanks Evie.

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      • Duffy! Duffy! says

        If you take your cat (or a small dog) in a soft carrying case that fits under the seat in front of you, that IS your free carry-on – along with a purse/tote bag. Just don’t get an aisle seat. I recently flew American Airlines, and my soft carry-on I’ve always used wouldn’t fit under the seat in front of me, because the aisle seat braces were indented. I guess so they wouldn’t stick out into the (very narrow) aisle in any way.

        And yes – definitely a sedative for poor freaked-out kitty. (Whether or not you take one would be up to you, of course.) (grin)

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      • Generic Image moongoddess says

        I called Delta and it’s $125 each way.  they don’t allow it to be your free carry on or personal carry on.  I can get a carrier like the one Evie suggests to make it easier on her but I still pay on Delta.  Are there airlines out there that don’t charge?

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      • Duffy! Duffy! says

        WOW – I don’t know now – things have obviously changed a LOT since I’ve flown sitting next to people who took their small pets on for free. That’s NUTS. Hold on, let me see if I can google this for you and then check some airline websites for info.

        Wait – can you tell me where you’re flying to and from where so I’m not wasting my time telling you about airlines you then can’t fly? for instance, what about SouthWest, any chance you could fly with them? They don’t even charge for the first CHECKED bag (unlike other airlines), so I can’t imagine they’d charge for a small pet carry-on.

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      • Duffy! Duffy! says

        Oh for HEAVENS sake – even Southwest is now charging $75 each way for carry-on pets. And as far as I could tell, no airlines at ALL will allow them to accompany you for free. I just really can’t get over how the airline policies have changed.  In case you want to check out with SW, here’s the url for their pet FAQ:

        http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/animals_faq.html

        And the information on the widths for their under-seat dimensions:

        Your pet carrier must be able to fit under the seat in front of you. The under-seat dimensions are as follows:

        • Window Seat: 19″L x 14″W x 8.25″H
        • Middle Seat: 19″L x 19″W x 8.25″H
        • Aisle Seat: 19″L x 14″W x 8.25″H

        However, please keep in mind that some seats might be slightly smaller in width.

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      • Generic Image moongoddess says

        Yes.  I could take them St Louis to Orlando.  Just checked them out.  Thanks so much for the investigative work.

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      • Duffy! Duffy! says

        You’re more than welcome, moongoddess.  I can only wish I could’ve told you Southwest is still free for pet carriers, but at least they’re $50 cheaper each way. Good luck!

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      • Evie Evie says

        Hey, MG,

        I had to go to bed…so  tired! I see you are getting great advice from these great VN gals! I can’t add much accept that, the kitty can’t tell you, but I know the appreciation (for all your trouble) will register in her little furry heart!

        If people were all so conscientious, we would not have all of the little homeless babies running around! One of my ‘sore’ spots. :] So I thank you for your kitty! :) <3 <3!!

        P.S. We always fly non-stop Delta since their ‘hub’ is here in Atlanta. No, it isn’t cheap!

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      • Generic Image moongoddess says

        Hey Evie,

        It’s set up, I’ll be flying Delta on a 2 stop flight.  Yikes.  I got her the Jetpaw carrier that is soft and can go under the seat in front of me.  I also got my seat assignments in middle and window sections to help minimize her confusion.  I still have to visit the vet for a sedative and I’ll test it out as JEM and others have suggested.  This morning, I’m excited.  Thanks!  My cat thanks you too.

        One more thing.  Everything I’m reading says there are areas for your pet to relieve themselves and they may be outside of the security area.  If she starts giving me signs that she needs this, how complicated is it in Atlanta?

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      • Evie Evie says

        Hi MG,

        I wanted to past this comment I found about cats and flying long distances. I’ve heard this to be the case. Our cat went for twelve hours and had no problem, but peed when we arrived! :) When are you flying with your kitty?

         Here is the comment:

        “My cat flew from Australia to the U.S. on a flight that was longer than 14 hours and he was fine. Cats are very good at going a long time without water. Their urine is very concentrated. On the Australia flight, my cat was probably in his kennel for at least 17 hours and he did not wee. He was absolutely fine when I got him home. Cats can hold their wee for a long time.” 

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      • Evie Evie says

         MG,

        Here’s our new kitten “Winnie”. She joined us in one of our Youtube videos on relationship. We do a series about once a year. DH sets the camera up, right on the spot…even if I’m in my P.J.s  just waking up! Geesh!

        http://www.youtube.com/user/deeperrelationships#p/u/0/xWxHuF9TVuw

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      • Generic Image moongoddess says

        What a great series Evie.  You have a calling.  I enjoyed watching the video and will check the rest out.  Your cat is adorable :^)

        Those are some crazy shirts too.

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      • Evie Evie says

        Thanks for watching MG! We’re going to do a series on co-dependency soon. We just have fun with this!  I hope you are coping with the million things you have to do. I remember soooo well what moving to another state is all about! Whew! Some things you never forget!! At least you are going to a gorgeous area! :) Hugs!

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      • Generic Image moongoddess says

        That’s what I’m hearing.  I leave here at 4pm and arrive there at 11pm with 2 stops.  It shouldn’t be too hard I hope for her sake.  Do I give her food and water during that time?  Thanks.

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      • Evie Evie says

        I think a ‘treat’, may be good,  and take a toy that you can stick through the carrier, if she gets fussy! Sometimes a small ticking clock (if you have one) is soothing to their little nerves.

        We fly so much that we have heard dogs barking, cats meowing, babies crying (endlessly), once we even hear a rooster crowing, in the airport, thank goodness he wasn’t on our light! Lol Some worse sounds come from the people around us!

        Anyway, I would not worry too much. Just do the best you can and, honestly, most people will respect and admire you for what you are doing! The cat population, as pets, has skyrocketed, even out pacing dogs!There are lots of cat lovers out there!

        We occasionally stay at hotels with our cats and people stop us, constantly, oohing and ahh-ing! :)

        I remember one cat had this low growling meow and let us all now he was not a happy camper. People on the plane broke out laughing when he would sound off. So funny!

        Well, good luck to you. There is a fist time for everything. Often we just have to swallow hard and ride the waves!!! You MUST let us know how this turns out!! <3

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  5. JEM JEM says

    I don’t have any tips but just want to wish you good luck! I am not sure any of my cats would like to travel on a flight! :)

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    • Generic Image moongoddess says

      Thank you JEM, I’m afraid it’s going to be expensive and hard on her.  Seditives will help and a nonstop flight too maybe. 

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      • JEM JEM says

        My son in law works for TSA, not as a scanner/checker but in the office. He has several stories of escaping pets, dogs are pretty easy to catch but cats not so much! I think a sedative is the route I would go if I should ever air travel with one of mine. One tip though (guess I have one after all), I would suggest trying a sedative on her before you go so you can see how she reacts to it, and how quickly she does. No surprises, you know? Have a great trip and reunion with hubby, is this the official move?

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      • Generic Image moongoddess says

        Hi JEM.  I know our cat, a brazilian, all black would fun off in a heart beat and lost forever.  So, great advice.  As long as I don’t have to send her off to rehab (Lol).  I purchased my flight and all I have to do now is call them and pay for her.  So, if things don’t work out in that direction, I’ll pay someone to care for her here which is the same.  Choice will be 8 days there (Fl) or 14days here where is at home.  Hard decision.

        My husband and I will come back in August, pack everything up that we’re taking and stage the house with as much stuff as possible for the sell.  All these decisions!  I’m going to be looking for a new place to move when I go down this time.  My son warned us that we may not want to buy.  Don’t know what to do yet. 

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      • Generic Image moongoddess says

        And what the heck is a Brazillian you ask?  Apparently, it’s a person who lives in Brazil.  My cat is a Bombay.  My husband is ROFLAM (Rolling on floor laughing at me). 

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