Sending kitties from Egypt to the US?

Question

Greetings! I adopted a kitty in Cairo, Egypt about eight months ago. She is a former street kitty, so even though she's very sweet she's also extremely skittish and easily frightened. The flight, all told, will last about 32 hours- 16 in the air, and 16 in layover. Unfortunately, I cannot change the ticket because it was purchased by a third party. I was just wondering if anybody has any advice!!!

Answer 1

I would not do this to the cat. That is way too long to be cramped up in a carrier. If you really want to go through with everything, I would call the vet and see what they say. Also, it concerns me that it was street cat and she is extremely skittish and easily frightened. When you do recieve the cat, you are going to have to spend a ton of time with her and try to teach her and make her understand that no one is going to hurt her and not to be scared all of the time. Also, the long plane ride might also make her worse. I have never done this, but I know people who have bought cats from over seas and they totally regretted later. Good Luck!

Answer 2

Hi there again ...to import cats into the US you will be required to meet the following criteria indicated by APHIS and the CDC:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dq/animal.htm

A general certificate of health is not required by CDC for entry of pet cats into the United States, although some airlines or states may require them. However, pet cats are subject to inspection at ports of entry and may be denied entry into the United States if they have evidence of an infectious disease that can be transmitted to humans. If a cat appears to be ill, further examination by a licensed veterinarian at the owner's expense might be required at the port of entry.

Cats are not required to have proof of rabies vaccination for importation into the United States. However, some states require vaccination of cats for rabies, so it is a good idea to check with state and local health authorities at your final destination.

...please see website for further details.

Additionally, most airlines will not accept a sedated animal if you are planning to because of the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Higher altitudes increase the intensity of the drugs. Please see the following article about the dangers of sedations for flying pet animals: http://www.avma.org/careforanimals/animatedjourneys/livingwithpets/sedate.asp

Don't Sedate or Tranquilize Pets Traveling By Air

American Humane Association Cautions Veterinarians and Pet Owners

Many pet owners may decide to take the family pet along on their trips. A well-planned trip with the family pet can be fun; however, if air travel is involved, leaving pets at home with a good pet sitter may be a much better option.

Pets are just like people who sometimes become anxious when they don't travel frequently. This leads some owners and veterinarians to question whether administering sedatives or tranquilizers to dogs or cats prior to flight is a good idea. According to national and international air transport organizations, as well as the American Humane Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association, in most cases the answer is "no"!

"An animal's natural ability to balance and maintain equilibrium is altered under sedation," noted Dr. Patricia Olson, DVM, Ph.D., director of veterinary affairs and studies for the American Humane Association. "When the kennel is moved, a sedated animal may not be able to brace and prevent injury."

Whether flying in the cabin or with cargo, animals are exposed to increased altitude pressures of approximately 8,000 feet. Increased altitude, according to Olson, can create respiratory and cardiovascular problems for dogs and cats who are sedated or tranquilized.

"Brachycephalic (short-faced) dogs and cats are especially affected," noted Olson. "Although thousands of pets are transported uneventfully by air, airline officials believe that when deaths do occur they often result from the use of sedation."

The American Humane Association cautions veterinarians to carefully consider the use of tranquilizers or sedatives for their clients who are considering air transportation for their family pet.

Answer 3

Call a vet, and ask his/her advice.