Moving cross country with cats
Mike
My wife and I are moving from New York City to Portland in mid-August.
We have a moving company moving all our stuff, and we will follow in our
car a few days later.
The question is: What about our cats. Both are 2-3 year old neutered
males. We thought at first to fly them out to Portland via Fargo or
Minneapolis where the in-laws live, perhaps drugging them for the
flight. But I've heard that drugs and/or airplane baggage comparments
are not kitty friendly. Then I though about driving them out in our car.
But one of these guys shits all over himself on the way to the vet in
the car 15 minutes. The moving arrangements are pretty firm (moving
van company and our own car.) Any advice?
Has anyone had any experience in this? Does anyone know of a better
way or a more kitty friendly airline? Are the calming drugs OK? I need
help!!
Thanks for the advice....
Mike
fill...@ix.netcom.com
I recently moved my cat from Oregon to Tennessee (and back). She went
out with us in the car, and back by plane. She was a much happier
kitty after 5 days on the road than she was after 1 day on a plane.
We were very careful how long we drove each day, keeping it to 10
hours or less. We kept her in the carrier at all times in the car,
and until we got the suitcases in to the motel each night. Once we
had blocked the holes behind the bed each night (Motels but the box
spring and matress on platforms and the space at the bottom against
the wall is big enough for a cat to get in) We got a rubbermaid
container with a lid to use for a litter box, which I had used at home
for a week before leaving, that way we didn't have to worry about
spillage in the car. I was *very* concerned about my cat, but she did
wonderful!! She would explore the room for about an hour each night
and then eat and drink and settle in for the night.
I talked to many people here and also to my vet and decided against
any kind of drugs because she might have a reaction to them.
When I discovered I would be coming right back to Oregon and that I
would ship my car rather than drive again, I had no choice but to put
her on the plane. Because she is so big and I have a good sized
carrier for her, she had to go in the cargo hold. It broke my heart
to see them take her away, at least in the car I had her with me. My
plane was late getting out of TN therefor late making the connection
in Atlanta. I almost had a heart attack when they told me that she
would never make it on the same plane. Because I got a bit upset (was
emotional anyway) they worked very hard and were able to get her on my
plane. When I picked her up that afternoon in Oregon she was one
frightened kitty!! It took her much longer to recover from the one
plane ride than 5 days on the road.
If you have enough time, you might start taking your cat's for rides
that end with treats instead of a vet visit. I did that each day for
a couple weeks before we left. I also gave her treats in her carrier
so that it was no longer the "taking me to the vet monster".
Anyway didn't mean to rattle on, if I can answser anymore questions
please feel free to email me or ask here.
Barb and Caramel
Oh and Welcome to Portland!!!!]
Mike
My wife and I are moving from New York City to Portland, Oregon in
mid-August. We have a moving company moving all our stuff and we will
Minneapolis where the in-laws live, perhaps drugging them for the
shipped to us upon on arrival in Portland. But lately I've heard that
drugs and/or airplane baggage compartments are not kitty friendly. Then
I thought about driving them out in our car. But one of our guys shits
advice?
Has anyone had experience with this? Does anyone know of a better
help!!
Mike
Joan G. Wikler
In a previous article, mth...@spacelab.net (Mike) says:
>My wife and I are moving from New York City to Portland in mid-August.
>We have a moving company moving all our stuff, and we will follow in our
>car a few days later.
> The question is: What about our cats. Both are 2-3 year old neutered
>males. We thought at first to fly them out to Portland via Fargo or
>Minneapolis where the in-laws live, perhaps drugging them for the
>flight. But I've heard that drugs and/or airplane baggage comparments
>are not kitty friendly. Then I though about driving them out in our car.
>But one of these guys shits all over himself on the way to the vet in
>the car 15 minutes. The moving arrangements are pretty firm (moving
>van company and our own car.) Any advice?
> Has anyone had any experience in this? Does anyone know of a better
>way or a more kitty friendly airline? Are the calming drugs OK? I need
>help!!
> Thanks for the advice....
>
>Mike
>
Hi, soon-to-be-neighbor. About 6 years ago my partner and I moved from
Phila to Florence, OR with four cats and a dog.
Like you, I have also heard terrible things about flying cats on airplanes.
I am told they are kept in the baggage compartment, where the air is not
pressurized to meet acceptable standards for humans, and where there is no
temperature control. I don't think I would fly with a cat unless I could
keep the cat in the cabin with me. Also, I have heard terrible things about
cats and dogs who had to change planes and who died because they were left in
extreme temperatures on the airfield for long periods of time.
I have also heard that it is particularly dangerous to tranquilize an animal
before an airplane flight because they are not able to adjust their bodies to
temperature and altitude stresses properly.
We drove everybody cross country in the car. It wasn't too bad, but I have a
couple of pieces of advice for you if you decide to go that route.
1. Get a map and map out where you'll be when. Plan to take your time going
across. Make reservations ahead of time for where you'll stay and make sure
they will allow pets. We found the AAA books helpful in that regard, but you
can also get a published guide to pet-friendly hotels and motels. We found
that driving an average of 300 miles a day gave us plenty of time at night
to let the animals unwind, stretch out, eat, pee, poop, get cuddled, and feel
relatively normal.
2. Keep everybody in a cat carrier and stop occasionally to let one cat out
at a time to offer water, food, and trips to the litter box. When you let
a cat out of the carrier, be sure all the doors and windows are closed. We
had a system of letting one cat out at a time while we were driving (we
figured the passenger could control the cat while the other person drove).
One of our cats was terrified and shit himself within the first hour. I
thought getting out of the carrier would make him feel better.
Tranquillizers made him worse. Letting him out of the box also made him worse.
He kept trying to go under the seats. Finally we made a rest stop and I got out
of the car for just a few minutes. The window was open a crack. I thought it
was safe. He escaped out the window somewhere in Indiana and I never saw him
again. We tried everything to find him but to no avail. We were heartbroken.
Plus he was tranquilized at the time, so we were really scared about his
ability to function in a strange environment. It was awful. Don't make the
same mistake. Be really really strict about windows and doors and cat carriers.
3. Give everybody an ID tag with your new address and home phone number.
Have the phone company call forward your calls on the new number to someone
you know. Just in case.
4. Be really careful about the temperature of the car. If you must travel in
summer or during warm fall weather, try to go in a vehicle with air
conditioning. We went across in the summer and it was so hot we couldn't risk
leaving them in the car mid-day even for a few minutes with the air conditioning
off. We had to have one person stay in the car with the air conditioning
running while the other person ran into stores to get carry-out lunch.
Remember, it's hotter in the cat carriers in the back seat than it is for you
in the front seat.
If you follow all those precautions, you should have a safe, fun trip. I
have no smart advise about the guy who shits on his way to the vet, except
to buy those disposable bed liners they use in hospitals. One popular
brand name is Chux. Put it in the cat carrier and change as needed. And
maybe an extra supply of soap, water, wash rag, and disinfectant/odor
neutralizer.
Good luck!
Joan (jwi...@orednet.org)
--
Sherry Laing
Hi Mike -- I had a couple comments to add to Joan's very good
advice about moving your cats:
In article <4r9f02$c...@ednet2.orednet.org>,
Joan G. Wikler <jwi...@orednet.org> wrote:
>
>In a previous article, mth...@spacelab.net (Mike) says:
>
>>My wife and I are moving from New York City to Portland in mid-August.
>>We have a moving company moving all our stuff, and we will follow in our
>>car a few days later.
>> The question is: What about our cats. Both are 2-3 year old neutered
>>males. We thought at first to fly them out to Portland via Fargo or
>>Minneapolis where the in-laws live, perhaps drugging them for the
>>flight. But I've heard that drugs and/or airplane baggage comparments
>>are not kitty friendly. Then I though about driving them out in our car.
>>But one of these guys shits all over himself on the way to the vet in
>>the car 15 minutes. The moving arrangements are pretty firm (moving
>>van company and our own car.) Any advice?
>> Has anyone had any experience in this? Does anyone know of a better
>>way or a more kitty friendly airline? Are the calming drugs OK? I need
>>help!!
>> Thanks for the advice....
>>
>>Mike
>>
>
>Hi, soon-to-be-neighbor. About 6 years ago my partner and I moved from
>Phila to Florence, OR with four cats and a dog.
>
>Like you, I have also heard terrible things about flying cats on airplanes.
>I am told they are kept in the baggage compartment, where the air is not
>pressurized to meet acceptable standards for humans, and where there is no
>temperature control.
Just wanted to inject another experience here -- I, too,
have heard all those horror stories about cats flying
in baggage compartments, and I don't doubt them at all.
However, a couple years ago some friends of mine moved
from Seattle to Brooklyn, and circumstances conspired in
such a way that they had no option but to send their
four cats by air. I was deputized to put them on the
plane (United, I think) in Seattle. It turned out the
airline had firm weather rules -- if the temperature was
above a certain level (this was June) at either end of
the non-stop flight, they would *not* take the cats. So
of course a heat wave hit the New York area just the time
the cats were scheduled to leave. I and my friends
(already in NYC) spent several days trying to coordinate
things with the airline, and the airline remained
absolutely firm about their rules -- even when my
friends woke to rain in Brooklyn, the conditions at
LaGuardia (or whichever airport it was) still precluded
sending the cats. While it was *very* frustrating for
us, I was still grateful the airline was so adamant about
this issue. When the weather finally broke, and I got
the cats on their way (imagine a 45-minute drive in a
Chevette with 4 Siamese cats loudly proclaiming their
horrible treatment the entire way!), everything
proceeded smoothly -- my friends were there to get
the cats, who seemed none the worse for wear, they
all moved into a 3-story Victorian house with lots
of room for feline explorations, and live happily
ever after to this day. I would still be very cautious
about sending a cat on a plane, but in this case,
things worked out fine, and the airline's rules were
clearly geared towards preventing those tragic
accidents we've all heard about.
I don't think I would fly with a cat unless I could
>keep the cat in the cabin with me. Also, I have heard terrible things about
>cats and dogs who had to change planes and who died because they were left in
>extreme temperatures on the airfield for long periods of time.
>
>I have also heard that it is particularly dangerous to tranquilize an animal
>before an airplane flight because they are not able to adjust their bodies to
>temperature and altitude stresses properly.
My friends cats were not tranquillized -- after their
heartbreaking (and earsplitting) howling during the
car ride to the airport, they became instantly quiet,
retreating to the very backs of their individual
carriers as soon as they were taken from the car to
the loading dock. The one trick an airline employee
suggested to me was to put the little water dishes
that come with the carriers into the freezer the night
before (after filling them with water of course). That
way the cats had access to ice, which they could lick
for moisture, which would gradually thaw during the
trip, but which for the most part would *not* spill
at the first bump -- if you fly your cats, keep that
trick in mind -- it worked very well.
>
Whatever you decide will work best for you -- Good luck --
Sherry in Seattle
cuta...@concentric.net
Mark-
Have you ever taken your cats on a trip in the car? Not just to the
corner store? When my ex-husband and I moved from Florida we flew with
out cat to Michigan then drove from Michigan to Washington State, our cat
did fine. When we flew I had her in the cabin with us. My vet says kitty
"downers" are ok as long as there is someone available to watch for
reactions. Have you considered drugging them for the ride? My cat also
moved with us from Washington state to Maryland, again by vehicle. just
make sure they have water available when you stop at rest areas at least!
If you have questions just e-mail or post here. I take my kitten to the
vet later today so I will ask him if he has any suggestions.
David & Anita Pirkle
Joan sounds like she's really up on this. I haven't used kitty
tranquilizers (mine don't sh*t on themselves until they *reach* the vet's
office), but maybe you could feed a little catnip (supposedly it has a
sedative effect when eaten) before you start.
The only positive aspect is that after your cat empties his bowels (and
probably bladder, if that's the kind of cat he is), he won't be able to
do it again for some time, and will probably eat/drink minimal amounts
while on the road, which would reduce at least that problem.
The two cats I've traveled distances with don't like to travel, but both
calmed down after the first hour or so. However, they were *always*
relieved when the vehicle stopped moving, and usually climbed back into
the carrier the minute we started up again.
Anita
Athena
Mike <mth...@spacelab.net> writes:
>My wife and I are moving from New York City to Portland in mid-August.
>We have a moving company moving all our stuff, and we will follow in our
>car a few days later.
> The question is: What about our cats. Both are 2-3 year old neutered
>males. We thought at first to fly them out to Portland via Fargo or
>Minneapolis where the in-laws live, perhaps drugging them for the
>flight. But I've heard that drugs and/or airplane baggage comparments
>are not kitty friendly. Then I though about driving them out in our car.
>But one of these guys shits all over himself on the way to the vet in
>the car 15 minutes. The moving arrangements are pretty firm (moving
>van company and our own car.) Any advice?
> Has anyone had any experience in this? Does anyone know of a better
>way or a more kitty friendly airline? Are the calming drugs OK? I need
>help!!
> Thanks for the advice....
>Mike
I purchased Essie from a breeder in Atlanta, Georgia. (I live in Houston,
Texas.) My breeder told me he never uses anyone but Delta. They have
something they call Delta Dash. It is usually a very fast way of getting
packages around the country, but they will also take live animals. They are
very good, and very competant. If you send a cat Delta Dash, the carrier
rides in the passenger compartment, not in the cargo hold. I arrived early
for the pickup, and the very nice manager there went down to the plane and
walked her directly from the cabin to me in the baggage area. She was
one scared little kitty, but otherwise she weathered it well, and she was only
in transit for two hours, instead of the 4 days it would have taken if I had
driven all the way to Atlanta to pick her up. It cost $110 for the flight,
and I would say worth every penny.
Athena [...and Essie, too!]
Nino Bonura
Mark,
My wife and I recently made the trip by car from New Orleans to Albany,
NY. It took us 3 days, and our cat was fine. As a matter of fact, she didn't
use the litter box once while in the cab of a cramped U-Haul truck!
(Strange.)
Here are a few tips to make the trip better for everyone:
- prepare by taking your cats on car rides, first around the block and then
longer. They need to get used to riding in a car.
- the ice in the water dish idea that someone mentioned
- talk to your vet about a tranquilizer. I haven't heard of any problems
with using them on a car ride.
- Don't trust airlines!!!!! They don't care about your cat. They'll treat it as
cargo. Have you ever put a pristine piece of luggage on an airline only to
get it back with tears? Your cat is just another piece of luggage to them.
What happens if they lose it? Do the car ride. It's your safest bet.
Good luck!
-Nino
bon...@rpi.edu
http://thetaxi-24.stu.rpi.edu
Karen Ward
In article <31D70D...@spacelab.net>, Mike <mth...@spacelab.net> wrote:
>My wife and I are moving from New York City to Portland in mid-August.
>We have a moving company moving all our stuff, and we will follow in our
>car a few days later.
> Has anyone had any experience in this? Does anyone know of a better
>way or a more kitty friendly airline? Are the calming drugs OK? I need
>help!!
I forseeably face a similar situation within the next few months, so
I've been asking around also. The advice I've received is this:
- If your cat enjoys - or at least tolerates - car rides, then that
may be the best bet.
- If your cat spends its entire time in the car "waiting to die," as
mine does, a cross-country car trip will be 5-6 days of torture for
both of you. I have once before taken these cats on a multi-day trip,
and they didn't eat and barely drank for two solid days.
- If you decide to fly, having the cat in the cabin with you may be
hard on the cat and you and everyone around you in the airplane.
The poor baby will probably spend then entire trip crying. I have sat
next to a distressed cat - and owner - on such a trip. It was
upsetting, although I of course didn't mind because I completely
sympathized.
- If you do decide to fly with the cat in the cabin, make sure that the
airline knows about it when you buy your tickets. Apparently some
(all?) airlines have limitations on the number of animals that can be in
the cabin at once.
- A friend has shipped her cats by air several times, and she reports
that her cats seemed less stressed out when they were in the animal
"baggage" area than when they were in the cabin with her. She
hypothesized that the area was dark and she wasn't around for them to
cry to, so perhaps they settled down and slept. Also, the cabin
noises and smells - which are constantly changing - may be more
upsetting than the relatively stable noise in the animal area.
I'm still trying to decide what do myself. Please let us know what you
end up doing and how it goes!
--
Karen Ward (wa...@cse.ogi.edu) http://www.cse.ogi.edu/~wardk/
Department of Computer Science and Engineering
Oregon Graduate Institute of Science & Technology
Unknown
Mike <mth...@spacelab.net> wrote:
>My wife and I are moving from New York City to Portland in mid-August.
>We have a moving company moving all our stuff, and we will follow in our
>car a few days later.
> The question is: What about our cats. Both are 2-3 year old neutered
>males. We thought at first to fly them out to Portland via Fargo or
>Minneapolis where the in-laws live, perhaps drugging them for the
>flight. But I've heard that drugs and/or airplane baggage comparments
>are not kitty friendly. Then I though about driving them out in our car.
>But one of these guys shits all over himself on the way to the vet in
>the car 15 minutes. The moving arrangements are pretty firm (moving
>van company and our own car.) Any advice?
> Has anyone had any experience in this? Does anyone know of a better
>way or a more kitty friendly airline? Are the calming drugs OK? I need
>help!!
> Thanks for the advice....
>Mike
Both my cats have flown at different times (NJ-Quebec, NJ-Detroit).
Once I tried drugs. Everything was fine, but I didn't like seeing her
lethargic, with her inner eyelid closed, and the outer one opened.
Neither cat had any lingering effects of the flight.
Same cat carrier...Air Canada said it was too big for a carry on and I
had to check it. It was fine as a carryon for Northwest, tho.
On the other hand, I've also driven 4 hours with a cat crying the
WHOLE way. Can't say I'd want to risk my sanity.
I don't have any of the bowel problems with my cats, luckily tho. In
either case, your going to need to get him to the airport, right?
Seems like it could be a mess just getting there.
Good Luck.
Rita
,'~``.
( o o )
+-.oooO--(_)--Oooo.-----------------------------------------------+
| -=== rhef...@monmouth.com ===- |
| |
| "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable |
| from magic." |
| .oooO - Arthur Charles Clarke (b.1917) |
| ( ) Oooo. "Profiles of the Future", 1962 |
+---\ (----( )--------------------------------------------------+
\_) ) /
(_/
Chia-Lin Kao
HI,
I have 2 cats, both neutered males also. Every summer for the past 3 years I
have driven from AZ to visit my family in NJ and what I did was get a large
pet carrier, large enough to fit 2 adult cats and a small litter box in the
rear, and stick them in it and drive! Sure, the first 200 miles or so can be
a bit tedious from all the MEOWS, but they got used to it and eventually
learned to just sleep off the trip. At the end of the day I would feed them
in the motel room. They travelled quite well this way and the litter box
makes them feel secure.
Good luck on your travels.
Alix
Areye...@aol.com
CJ Fuller
In article <31D7B4...@spacelab.net>, Mike <mth...@spacelab.net> wrote:
> Has anyone had experience with this? Does anyone know of a better
> way or a more kitty friendly airline? Are the calming drugs OK? I need
> help!!
> Thanks for the advice......
>
> Mike
I've never had to fly cats cross-country, but I have moved cats
cross-country in a car 3 times over the last 10 years. Roscoe (my 15 yr
old grouchy yellow tabby) has been on all 3 moves and is somewhat used to
it. As for liking it, no way. He is very vocal about his displeasure. I
concur with the others about the cat carrier and keeping windows rolled up
when the cats are out of the carriers.
I've had mixed experience with kitty tranquilizers. Acepromazine lasts
for 12 hours, but can have paradoxical effects on some cats. It makes
Roscoe even surlier than he normally is, which is hard for many of my
acquaintances to believe. The only alternative for cats is valium. It
works well, but only for 4 hours. If your cat doesn't do pills well, this
could be a problem.
Good luck!
Cindy
--
C.J. Fuller <mailto:cjfu...@erickson.uncg.edu>
ElizaBeth Gilligan
Mike wrote:
>
> My wife and I are moving from New York City to Portland, Oregon in
> mid-August. We have a moving company moving all our stuff and we will
> follow in our car a few days later.
> males. We thought at first to fly them out to Portland via Fargo or
> Minneapolis where the in-laws live, perhaps drugging them for the
> drugs and/or airplane baggage compartments are not kitty friendly. Then
> I thought about driving them out in our car. But one of our guys shits
> all over himself on the way to the vet in the car 15 minutes. The moving
> advice?
> Has anyone had experience with this? Does anyone know of a better
> way or a more kitty friendly airline? Are the calming drugs OK? I need
> help!!
> Thanks for the advice......
>
> Mike
Actually, being an ex-military brat, I have quite a bit of experience with
this. Here are some tips:
1. Consult your vet. Does he/she recommend drugs, air travel, etc?
2. Take the kitties on short drives ... you know, the old Sunday
Drive routine? Acclimatize them a little at a time and this may
even help the poopy kitty to mellow out a bit.
3. Make sure your cats have a collar with a permanent contact phone
number -- perhaps those parents in Minneapolis? You can get these
little tubes which attach to the collars and hold such things.
4. Bring kitty treats for good behavior.
5. Get leashes. Attach the leashes to the kitties while still at
home. Leave the leashes on for a few minutes, let them drag the
leashes around the house and gradually build up the amount of
time they're on the leash and ALWAYS give them treats when you
release them from the leash. Be prepared for a cat opera. They
will either LOVE the leash or pretend that they are mortally
wounded. Don't be fooled!
6. From those first little Sunday outings, place a water dish
somewhere accessible. I suggest beneath the front passenger
seat. Instead of water, though, use ICE. It will melt gradually
and be less messy in case of accidents.
7. As with children, bring favorite toys and don't leave them in the
car unattended. Most hotels won't make a big deal about cats
overnight, restaurants are another matter. Always leave your car
windows open slightly so the kitties can breathe and put an extra
bowl of ice in the car and make sure they have shade. Bring them
treats from the restaurants -- even if you have to order an extra
steak!
8. When at road stops with a bit of lawn, if the kitties are okay
and not frantic, then attach those leashes and let them crawl
about the grass and relax.
9. You can either bring a small cat box (something the size of a
small dish pan) or teach them to use a stack of papers. This, as
with the litter box, should be kept in the same place in the car
all the time. When you put the kitties in, place them in the car
in the litter box or on the papers. Bring lots of plastic bags
-- the kind you can get from the grocery stores are perfect.
Don't forget your pooperscooper and put the mess into the bags
and pitch it at your stops.
That's off the top of my head.
ElizaBeth Gilligan
I'll check around for an herbal alternative to your search for the
right medicinal approach too! When do you plan to make this trip?
Rich
Mike wrote:
<snip>
> Has anyone had any experience in this? Does anyone know of a better
> way or a more kitty friendly airline? Are the calming drugs OK? I need
> help!!
> Thanks for the advice....
>
When I moved from Arizona to Illinois I flew my cat out, she seemed to
have no ill affects either from the flight or the calming drugs. If you
chose to take this route, make sure you pick the cats up right away. Have
plenty of water as they will be thirsty(mine was)
--
That which does not kills us,
annoys us.
Para...@worldnet.att.net
Rich wrote:
>
> Mike wrote:
> <snip>
> > Has anyone had any experience in this? Does anyone know of a better
> > way or a more kitty friendly airline? Are the calming drugs OK? I need
> > help!!
> > Thanks for the advice....
Hello!
I have traveled many times with my car via airplane. I have ALWAYS taken
him on with me and put him under the seat in front. The only time I was
unable to do that was on an overseas flight from NY to Germany (I have a
very well traveled cat). If you can I urge you to take your cat ONTO the
plane WITH you. It is so much less stressful for the animal if you are
there with him or her. If this is feasible make sure you make a
reservation for your cat with the airline and ask about rules. You
always have to get something signed by your vet stating he or she has had
their rabies vaccination and the airlines only allow certain carriers
that will fit under the seat. They usually either sell them there or you
can find them at most any pet store.
I never have medicated my cat, but he is somewhat used to traveling and
is not as excitable as most cats. The vet told me he may get more upset
trying to fight off the drug. But I know of people that have medicated
their animals and they were fine. I really think it depends on the cat.
Good luck and if you have any more questions feel free to ask!
Janice Wolfe
Para...@worldnet.att.net
> >I have traveled many times with my car via airplane.
>
>
> >Janice Wolfe
>
> Is your airplane a freighter?
>
> Ray
Ray,
Very funny!!! Now you know I meant CAT not CAR!!!! Thanks for the
laugh!!
Janice and my CAR Treasure
Ray
Para...@worldnet.att.net wrote:
>Rich wrote:
>>
>> Mike wrote:
>> <snip>
>> > Has anyone had any experience in this? Does anyone know of a better
>> > way or a more kitty friendly airline? Are the calming drugs OK? I need
>> > help!!
>> > Thanks for the advice....
>Hello!
>I have traveled many times with my car via airplane.
BanBrana
> >I have traveled many times with my car via airplane.
>
> <snip>
>
> >Janice Wolfe
>
> Is your airplane a freighter?
>
> Ray
>
>
>Very funny!!! Now you know I meant CAT not CAR!!!! Thanks for the
>laugh!!
>
>Janice and my CAR Treasure
Wow! You mean I now have 8 CARS??? Cool!
Bill & Marianne Magner
In article <31E6BF...@worldnet.att.net>, Para...@worldnet.att.net wrote:
>Rich wrote:
>>
>> Mike wrote:
>> <snip>
>> > Has anyone had any experience in this? Does anyone know of a better
>> > way or a more kitty friendly airline? Are the calming drugs OK? I need
>> > help!!
>> > Thanks for the advice....
I had my three cats flown from Anchorage, Alaska, to North Bay Canada two
years ago. They were en route for 17 hours, travelling in the cargo area of
the planes. They switched planes three times!
The one thing to keep in mind if you are not travelling with the cats, to
ensure that the air in the plane circulates through to the cargo area. The
airlines will be able to tell you this. Also, some airlines have restrictions
on when and how many animals they allow to be transported, e.g. in our case
the cut off date for our cats to be 'shipped' was mid november (due to cold
weather).
By the way, when the cats finally made it in, they were in perfect health, and
looked as great as ever!
Merrie Gail Foerster
We drove, caravan style, to Seattle from Los Angeles in March '92 Friends halped us make a "Kitty Confinement" board.
We used 2x4s and hardware cloth with a half inch web and tucked ths ends of the cloth under
the front seats. The result was that the entire back seat area was open to our five cats. We put the
litter box on the floor on one side. Their large water bowl and a bowl of dry food sat on the other side. We
arranged pillows so that they had a varity of pearching places and Cheryl took off with the rented
truch while I followed with the 1969 volvo and the cats.
The siamese sang for 5 and a half hours. Bear, our smoke manx longie
headed into the bottom pillow and refused to come out. Jane sat in the litter
box and shivered. The two black cats, scherezade and Svartalf lounged in the
back window scaring the H*** out of people driving along side by
yawning at the cars.
Cheryl was altitude sick for three days. the motel said we could bring the ccats in, but had to leave a $50 deposit
incase they wrecked anything.
We finally got located in Renton, WA, thanks to friends, and the
cats all adjusted well. Bear left us the following February, she was 19
and it was just old age. The other 4 are 19-22 and doing well.
Unfortunately we had to have the car euthanized this last December.
In short, yes you can, but try to be prepared for all eventualities.
"From Time's Beginnings to Eternity's Endings..."
Blessed Be!
Merrie
Lorraine Covenant
dgabriel
BanBrana (banb...@aol.com) wrote:
: > >I have traveled many times with my car via airplane.
Well, it'll be cool until you see your new car insurance rates, anyway. :)
Donna
Para...@worldnet.att.net
Donna,
How 'bout my insurance rates, I am the one who has to insure a freighter!
Janice
W. DuBois
Rich <lrz...@goodnet.com> wrote:
>Mike wrote:
><snip>
>> Has anyone had any experience in this? Does anyone know of a better
>> way or a more kitty friendly airline? Are the calming drugs OK? I need
>> help!!
>> Thanks for the advice....
>>
>> Mike Mike,
>When I moved from Arizona to Illinois I flew my cat out, she seemed to
>have no ill affects either from the flight or the calming drugs. If you
>chose to take this route, make sure you pick the cats up right away. Have
>plenty of water as they will be thirsty(mine was)
>--
>That which does not kills us,
>annoys us.
I flew several times with my cat cross country, and even once cross
the atlantic.
With Delta Airlines and Continental I was able to take him with me
into the cabin.
Cross country it costed me $50 extra, and the carrier had to fit under
a seat, but that way, your cat can smell you all the way, and you know
exactly where it is.
I don't mind having my baggage found in Honolulu, but my cat is
something different.
That way you don't need to depend on other people, if they handle
your cat right, and the cat doesn't need to deal with pressureproblems
or temperatureproblems in the baggageroom.
you have to make sure, that there is a place on your particular flight
for it, since there are regulations, that there are no more than two
pets per flight allowed in the cabin.
Good luck