What can anyone tell me about flying with a CAT.

[gristy]

She's a pretty nervous scaredy-cat.

Will she need some meds?
Will she need her own seat?
Do you think she'll be allowed to use the bathroom on the plane?
If not, do you think she can she go 6-8 hours without going to the bathroom?
Anyone here flown with a cat before?

BTW, here she is, in all her glory. Sorry for the rotated, too-big picture. I just cannot figure out how to fix it.


on edit: Ahhh. Looks like it takes photobucket a few minutes to update its database after a rotate/shrink. The picture is correct now.

[merwin]

1. Unless it's a private jet, she'll have to go in the cargo hold

[gristy]

4. Are you sure?

I had inquired a couple years ago, and the lady said the cat could go with me in the cabin (under the seat in front of me) as long as no one else had made a reservation for their pet. They don't want any fights, apparently.

I would probably buy her a ticket and strap her into the seat next to me.

[merwin]

9. I spent about 4 years on an airplane spending each week in

a different state... never once saw an animal in the cabin. They're all checked into the cargo. Special section for them I guess.

I think the main reason is because of allergies. They don't want to be responsible if someone sitting next to you is severely allergic.

I'm sure the policy varies from airline to airline, but the large ones most definately won't let you.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

11. yes certain airlines allow cats in the cabin in "Sherpa bag" that fits ...

under a seat for $80...call the airlines and ask ...thay also require proof of updated shots and a health certifacate from the vet for the cat

some airlines don't allow any anumals at all even in baggage because of the extreme temps and a danger to the animals

while some airlines do allow animals in baggage for $200

[ronnykmarshall]

7. That's not true ..

If she can fit in a cat carry bag she can fly w/ you. Consult your vet.

[merwin]

12. Hm, you may be right...

It's a wonder I never saw any...
http://www.petsonthego.com/transairlineregs.html
http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6722,51255,00.html

[gristy]

15. Thanks for the links.

[SharonAnn]

13. No, some airlines allow them under the seat with the right carrier.

i've traveled with cats both ways. I much prefer having them with me on the plane. they're not fond of it but they tolerate it.

Well, except for Mabel. She yowled until we got on the plane, then she shut up. I've tranquilized some but I'd rather not unless they're really a nervous cat.

[CanuckAmok]

2. They have to flap like hell, because their bones aren't hollow.

All in all, I'd prefer to fly with an airplane.

[A HERETIC I AM]

14. The real problem in flying WITH a cat is they hog all the airspace

and tend to bank and turn unpredictably, as well as diving and climbing without warning much like they run from room to room as if they have some business that needs to be attended to NOW!!!

NEVER fly with cats. They know nothing about formation flying and they don't respect their wingman.


Don't ask me how i know this.

[BlueJazz]

3. This sounds like a job for r r r r r r r r r....

SUPERCAT!

[BrklynLiberal]

5. I would think if she is in a small enough carrier she can go with you as

carry-on. You can give her some water, but I think no food before the flight.

Try giving her some rescue-remedy. Bach's Foral Essence Herbal Calmative. Available at health food stores and at The Vitamin Shoppe.

check out this pages and call your airlines.
http://www.xs4all.nl/~myranya/flywcats.html

http://www.familysafety.com/travel/airline/air.shtml
Above link has lots of links to airline sites and info about travel with pets...

[ElsewheresDaughter]

6. some airlines allow you to carry on in "Sherpa" bag that....

fits under the seat but charge you about $80 to do so and you will need records of updated shots and a health certificate from your vet.

some allow in baggage for $200
while other airline don't ever allow cats even in cargo

call airlines to ask...they all have different rules.

[flamingyouth]

8. Usually you can take cats aboard with you.

I would talk to my vet about getting some tranquilizers. Don't feed her but make sure she has some water beforehand so she doesn't get dehydrated. Good luck! :hi:

[nutshell2002]

10. Flying with cat

I have flown with both of my cats several times. Most cats will fit in an airline-approved carrier (available at most supply stores.) Your cat can fly in the cabin with you. She will have to stay in the carrier at all times. You will also need a vet certificate indicating that your cat is healthy. Fees vary among airlines. Check with the airline for rules/requirements. I have mildly sedated (get from your vet) my cats for their comfort, and neither had a problem remaining continent for the multiple 7 hour trips. Hope you both have a good trip!

[Patchuli]

16. Never ever ever put your cat

in the cargo hold!!! It is very dangerous as the other poster said due to extreme temperature and baggage handlers that are not always very careful or gentle with live animals. I have heard of pet carriers being shoved off a two story high baggage ramps and the animals being killed.

I flew with my cat years ago and I am sorry to say on the way to where we went, I trusted the airline to put her in the cargo hold. On the way back, I kept her with me in the cabin under the seat in front of me. I gave her sedatives that the vet gave me and she did fine.

Do not, put your kitty in the hands of strangers!!

[DELUSIONAL]

17. Yes I fly with my cat

it depends on the airline -- some allow it -- others don't. American Airlines does allow cats in the cabin -- under the seat in their carrier.

My cat didn't need to go potty until we got to the motel room -- he was able to hold it.

The BIGGEST problem -- is the god damned security check points. My cat is laid back -- but his halter has metal which will set off the damned sensors -- the some idiots working do have fits. So you have to remove the halter. If your cat is a easily frightened and need the extra holding points that a halter gives you -- you can remove all metal hooks. This halter is for you to hang on to her. Find a way to hang on to her -- so that you won't get scratched up. The problem is that you have to take her out of her carrier -- and CARRY her through the metal scanners and then place her back in the carrier.

You will need to figure out how to calm your cat and keep yourself calm -- and if she is badly frightened you will have to HOLD ON to her. You may need to put a set of nail guards (what ever they're called) so you don't get scratched when she is frightened. You may need to put her in a towel -- in order to get past the check point -- so you don't get scratched because the noise and people will frighten her. She will probably pick up the negative emotions at this check point.

My cat is very laid back -- and even he was bothered by being removed from his carrier and all the noise really bothered him. I held both him and his buddy closely and got through the checkpoint. On the other side the security worker did open the carrier for me and held it while I put him and his buddy back in. I did this twice in May and once in December.

I had a German Vet who gave the cat a very mild sedative -- because he get car sick. This would be like a benadryl -- very mild.

You need an airline approved carrier -- and a health certificate.

You will need to practice getting the cat out of the carrier -- and get the cat used to a harness (with no metal) and lead connected to the harness (no mental) -- and then getting the cat BACK in the carrier.

There is a really neat wheeled carrier -- that is also a back-back and this fits nicely under airline seats. I used this carrier the last time I flew with my cat -- I highly recommend this combination carrier!

The other option is putting your baby in cargo -- my baby is 6 pounds and I wouldn't never consider putting him in the hole of an airplane.

Yes you can fly with your cat -- I've done it. In fact my cat did really well.



Some advice here

http://www.petswelcome.com/milkbone/frameairtrav.html

At the left on this website above you'll find a list of airlines.

It will cost between $50 and $100 to take your cat with you.

Good luck -- start practicing -- get her used to the carrier and used to noisy places now.

[gristy]

18. thanks for all the info, del

I have a harness for her somewhere around here. She is very used to a carrier. She rides with me in the car a LOT. I use a carrier to get her to/from the car. Inside the car I just open the carrier door. She comes out to visit me some, but mostly just sleeps in the carrier. She is also quite boat-worthy.

No scratch worries - she is de-clawed up front. She was found as a stray and this had already been done.

I've gotten pretty good at holding on to her. I get to practice very day when I brush her.

[DELUSIONAL]

19. It sounds like you have half the battle won

Taking them to and from places -- like a boat is a very good idea.

If she's used to this -- then you should be able to get through the security check points. The halter (mental rings removed) is a way for you to hook your finger onto something.

One year when I boarded the co-pilot told me that when she went through the security gate someone had lost control of the cat -- and they were still searching for the poor thing. I never did hear what happened. Anyway -- I want to make sure I have firm control of my cat when we go through that check point. Normally my cat is laid back -- he loves attention -- but EVERYONE is so up-tight about that check point -- that he is picking up on the anxiety level of the humans.

Since you cat already sees the carrier as a place of security and goes into the carrier to sleep -- you should have an easy time getting back into the carrier -- instead of the usual all paws on 10 directions.

Rescue remedy works nicely -- as does benadryl to keep her calm. Actually I like putting them under the seat -- it's like a den and they quiet down. They feel safe seeing my feet -- I think.

Oh -- I put the cat litter pan in my checked luggage -- and put that in the bathroom before I let my cat out of his carrier.

If your cat gets stressed -- bring a straw -- put the straw in water, put your finger over the top, and pull the straw out of the water -- then dribble the water into the cat's mouth. I learned this trick from a woman who travels with an elderly and sickly cat. Cats dehydrate quickly -- and many won't drink water when they are stressed so you may need to hydrate your cat.

Remember that there are a whole lot of cat shows -- and many of the cats fly to the shows with their people (rather than being driven to the shows by their people).

Just HANG ON TO YOUR CAT. That's the best advice I can give you -- especially after I was warned by a co-pilot that someone had lost their cat at the security check point.

As much as I hate the security check points -- the personnel seem to be better trained and more professional than the jerks I had to deal with in earlier years. Especially the bitch that freaked because I forgot to remove the halter and the metal in the halter set off the metal buzzer. Or the bitch that grabbed my pet carrier and started beating it because she couldn't open it -- I had the zipper secured with a twist tie. My pet wasn't badly injured -- but she was very ill for a week after her treatment by a semi-literate female human idiot. I've not had a bad encounter like this for the last couple of years. That's why I like the backpack/carrier on wheels -- no one can rip the carrier out of my hands and start beating on it. I have two free hand to defend my pet!

OH ONE LAST THING -- secure the zippers of the carrier (use twist ties). Some pets are very smart and can unzip the carriers. A flight attendant told me that a small dog went zooming around the airplane when his person went to the bathroom. The dog unzipped his carrier.

Mostly relax and stay calm -- for the sake of your cat.

[chaska]

20. Is there room enough on the broom?

[uppityperson]

21. Cats can go long time without toileting

She won't be drinking and probably won't have to go. Cats can go long time.

Make sure she has a quiet place and water after you arrive wherever you are going. And a fresh litter box.