I am relocating from one US coast to another and need to take my cat. Yikes - how do I do this?

Question

I will be flying. I have no idea how to do this. I think it will work that she can actually fly with me. But she's a poor traveler. Can the vet help with tranquilizers, etc.? How much does it cost to fly a cat? What else do I need to know that I'm not thinking of? Thanks!

Answer 1

Call the airline to get info on flying pussykins with you, it can be done. The vet CAN prescribe tranqs. I only did it one time and I was more of a nervous wreck than my kittykin. Anytime I've moved after that I've driven (yes even coast to coast). Ask the vet if there is anything else to think of and ask the airline too, never too many questions.

Answer 2

Different airlines are going to have different restrictions. Every airline I looked into required that the weight of the pet and the carrier be less than 15 pounds. The size restrictions for the carrier differ quite a bit from airline to airline. The best website for this is: http://www.sherpapet.com/airlines/index.php?air_type=
This lists just about any airline you could possibly think of, their restrictions, and their phone numbers.

Start preparing early for your move. Buy a good carrier. I recommend a soft-sided Sherpa carrier (www.sherpapet.com). They are a bit expensive, but worth every penny. Practice driving around with your cat in the carrier, gradually increasing the length of time that your cat is in the carrier. This should hopefully ease its fear and get it more used to being caged in.

Make reservations with the airline. You can find the phone numbers on the website I listed before. Most U.S. airlines charge $80 each way (you only pay one fee even if you have multiple flights to get to your destination). I have travelled on some that were $50 and one that was $85. You will pay this fee when you check in for your flight.

Your airline will tell you if you need interstate travel documents. These are easy to get from your vet. My vet would not give tranquilizers. I don't know the exact reason, but it was something to do with the cat's reaction to the pressure changes while being tranquilized. After traveling with my cat, I realized tranquilizers are really not necessary.

On the day of your flight(s), feed your cat about 3 hours before you leave. You don't want too much food in its stomach in case it gets sick while traveling. Freeze some water to put in its cage. That way it can have a little water without it spilling all over. Your cat will likely be too scared to worry about food or treats during the flight.

When you go through security, you will have to take your cat out of the carrier and walk it through the metal detectors. You definitely want to hold on tight to your cat, but your cat will likely be holding on tight to you as well. That's the scariest part of flying with a cat. The rest is easy.

Just board the plane, put your cat underneath the seat in front of you, and enjoy the flight. If you have a carrier like the Sherpa ones, you can unzip the top a little and pet your cat to reassure it. You can do this during the flight to ease some of the panic.

When I flew with my cat, she was the most calm when she was actually on the plane. She seemed completely content throughout the flights. She was very quiet and rubbed her head against my hand whenever I put it in the carrier. The parts she hated were driving to the airport and being taken out of her carrier while going through security.

The preparation is the hard part, so don't panic on the day of the flight. It really will not be difficult. Good luck!

Answer 3

I relocated from Puerto Rico to Florida and brought my cat with me. You will need to have a health certificate from the vet stating that her vaccines are up to date and she is in good health, he can also prescribe a pill to tranquilize her during the trip. It is best that you check with the airline as to what their specific requirements will be regarding a pet carrier and the transport price, depending on the cat's size she might be able to be with you in the cabin. Mine had to go in the cargo area, and I was terrified, but he was fine because of the drugs I gave him. The tranquilizer should be administered right after you check in (if flying in cargo) or like half an hour before you board if flying in cabin with you. Good luck to you!

Answer 4

My sister-in-law flew from Texas to Calif. with her cat. She was able to get a small enough cat carrier at a pet store so he could be with her on the flight. That way the cat didn't have to be where ever else they put pets that fly on planes. She called me the next day saying her cat did fine, with no problems. Vets can give you tranquilizers. The price for flying pets varies with airline. Call your airline to see how much.

Answer 5

You need to be sure that the airline you choose allows pets in the cabin. Not all do. Definitely go with one that will allow them in the cabin, not in cargo. You will have to pay extra to bring her, and the arrangements will have to be made in advance--don't just show up with her. Find out the airline's requirements as far as immunizations/health certificates, and the type of carrier you can use.

Yes, you can get tranquilizers, but be sure you talk about them in depth with the vet. Not all vets recommend them, and others prescribe them too freely. I almost killed my cat with an overdose driving across country because the vet was too cavalier about whether she really needed drugs, and how much to give her.

Answer 6

I have driven cross country OR to FL with a cat. Go to your local vet and ask for Cat Tranquilizers. Beleive me, they work. Just dose your cat up good before you put it on the plane.

Most airlines have flights for animals, but you have to check thier websites or something.

If you give it enough tranquilizers you may be able to get it on as a carry-on, on second thought that isn't such a good idea...

Answer 7

Call the airline. Many will make special accomodations for a travelling animal. And yes, a vet can give you tranquilizers and maybe something to settle her stomach.

You will want to make sure she is fed and waterred, and has had time to relieve herself before you go. But that goes without saying. Oh yes, one more thing: Make sure she's caught up on her shots.

Good luck!

Answer 8

I would consult your vet for tranquilizer info he/she may suggest against it or may think it is a great idea. Contact the airline you will be using for information on the traveling cat. Many people ship animals using airlines everyday, you will just need information from the specific airline you will be using.

Answer 9

your vet is your best resource for a sedative.the airline would be able to tell you how much it will cost,and you will need an acceptable cat carrier for her safety- usually the one she goes to the vet in. for a long flight you will need to also restrict fluids prior you trip and also consult your vet -that is why they are their. good luck.