Flying with my kitty

[Amanda]

Has anyone ever flown with their cat?
I'm going to visit PA on January 31st and I'm bringing my cat to live with my parents until I get all of my plans set. Plus I won't have to drive cross country with her (nightmare!).

I want her to have a comfortable 4.5 hr flight, but the airline approved size for carrier is going to be kind of small for her. I'm sure she will be comfortable since she like tiny spaces to sleep, but she is very big boned!

I found a pet carrier on ebay that looks like a backpack. I might buy it but it seems small. It would be nice to have my hands free! Check it out: http://cgi.ebay.com/MOCHI-Pet-Dog-Ca...QQcmdZViewItem

Should I get some pills to relax her from my vet? I brought it up the last time I was there and he scared me. He sometimes the animals react badly and I might think she is dying b/c she is so lethargic.

Any advice or experience with cat travel? Thanks!
Amanda

[roz]

Please just make sure they announce the fact that you have a cat to pax. My son almost died on a flight from SEA to PHL when there was a cat on board as he is deathly allergic to cats. They had to rush him to the hospital upon landing and I lost 50 years of my life!

[Amanda]

Thnaks for the tip Roz! I didn't even think of that (which is why I posted). That's a very severe allergy!

So far it's a pretty light flight and I have my own row... I hope it stays that way!

[gna]

Hi Amanda -
Since kitty's going in the cabin with you, here are some suggestions I have after dragging my cat from FL to TX to CA:

-Get the largest collapsable padded carrier that will still fit safely under the seat; a nice one will probably cost you $40-50. I flew on AA and kitty had to be stowed for takeoff/landing just like any other baggage, so collapsable is the key.
-Bring a small medicine dropper thingy for water so you can keep her hydrated. She probably won't drink much, but animals will get dehydrated up there too (and they're smaller so it happens quicker).
-Also pack some extra dry food in case your diverted/delayed/etc., most airports don't sell pet food!
-Bring "puppy pads" to line her carrier and extra bags to dispose them in just in case she has an accident.
-Put a towel or two in the carrier for warmth.
-When you make your res for you and kitty, ask the agent if you need to call back a few days ahead of the flight in case someone on the crew is allergic. I had to do this with AA and wait for a call back saying the CA would approve traveling with an animal on board.
Also, check with the airline to see if they'll want a Vet's note that kitty is healthy and safe for travel (again, AA required this).
-I'd stay away from pills if you can. Some pet stores have all-natural herbal drops that I've heard good things about. Maybe look for some of those and give kitty a few small doses before your trip to see how she reacts.
-Like Roz said, make sure the gate agent and the FA's know you have a cat with you so they can accomodate any allergic folks.

That's about it. If I think of anything else, I'll let you know.

[flyershoe]

I've heard bad things about the pills too... a friend of mine got some kitty valium for her two cats for her move from MI to LA and when they came out of their stupor they completely freaked out and were attacking her and anything else they could dig their claws into. She said that she'd never do it again, even if it meant hearing them yowl the whole time.
Other than that, I've never flown with an animal before... have you checked the airline's website? They usually have their specific rules posted.
And yikes, Roz, that is a bad allergy! It's weird, I've had animals (dogs, cats, horses, you name it) my entire life and found out a few years ago when I was tested that I'm allergic. I take allegra and flonase and seem to be fine, though. Is your son allergic to other things that severely as well?

[flyershoe]

P.S. That carrier looks adorable! I want one!!!

[POPPY]

Never flown with a cat, but my cat HATES the vet so he gave me pills to relax her when I had to bring her in. All the pills did was really piss her off! She turned into the cat from Pet Cemetary! Very scary experience that I wouldn't do again!

[Kristie]

with kitty confined to a small space, she'll probably be fine as long as she can smell her scent marking on you and hears your voice... cats are very sensitive when they're in a new location *away* from their people..but since you'll be with her, it'll probably make her a big more comfortable. The backpack looks like it might be too small for her plus it might be better to get one that has one view out (similar to other hard cat carriers) cuz then their vision is focused on you....

as far as kitty valium...i'd say if you go that route, cut the pill into quarters and give her the smallest dose possible so it just gets her midly relaxed and not put out all together. very mild is really all you need.

[Amanda]

Thanks for all the helpful replies!
I made the reservation a few days ago on USAir. The ticket for me was only $89- super cheap PHX > PHL!

She just went to the vet so I'll bring the receipt/print out that shows she has her shots and is in good health. I called 2 times to check on the size of carrier I can bring- one said 17x15x8 and another said 21x16x8! I'm trying to get the correct answer before I buy a carrier. It will need to be soft sided b/c she'll be more comfortable and it can fit under the seat better. I am debating buying her a seat which the CS rep said I could do. I had no idea you could buy a seat for an animal!

I am definitely NOT going to give her any pills based on what I read from you all. I do not want a psycho cat. In fact I think she will do well. She likes being in the car (doesn't meow/cry) and walks around freely in the waiting room at the vet. People comment how social and strange she is! I'll look for something herbal just in case.
Thanks again for the tips! Amanda

[Kristie]

$89 roundtrip? holy cow...fare wars again or something?

sure.. you can buy a seat for anything...hahaha

you can always get a leash for her and put her on a leash while your at the airport, that way, she's not cooped up for hours! I've seen a few ppl do that.