I am contemplating relocating from California to Southern England, flying LAX - Gatwick. then a train. I will not leave my cat behind and she'll travel with me. I know she'll be drugged. Has anyone traveled this distance with their pet? I have not yet spoken to the vet about how long the drugs last and how to keep her in a drowsy state.
2007-03-02 08:55:46 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
I have heard that drugging them is bad because of the elevation. I admire you for your resolve to bring your kitty. It will be rough, but she will be okay. Can you stop at a hotel that accepts pets once in England so she can stretch a bit and recover?
All the best to you and good luyck
2007-03-02 09:04:20 · answer #1 · answered by Gwen 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a pretty long move. I think that when you do ask your vet they might actually tell you that there is a limit to how long the cat can be drugged. Also, they do not recommend giving cats tranquilizers for flying on planes as this has been a cause of death for some. Sorry, I can't tell you why that is but its not advisable. You are going to have to figure out some way for the cat to go to the bathroom. Any chance you'll be staying at a hotel after you get off the plane - before the train. That would probably be ideal. Many animals will not eat, drink or use the box until they are settled and relaxed. You might take that into consideration when making plans. I did a two full day road trip with my three cats, spending the night at a cat friendly hotel. I wouldn't have wanted to travel any further than that with them however. It was stressful for them.
2007-03-02 09:19:04 · answer #2 · answered by ineeddonothing 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She will have to be approved for the PETs Process to go to England. Which includes a Rabies Titer test that takes 4 month or more to get the results. You must also get the cat Micro chipped with an International chip before any Rabies vaccines and tests are done. Then each time she goes to vet they will scan this chip and confirm it is the same cat. Then the last visit she will get her Flea and Tick treatment not more than 24 hours before she flys. Kind of complicated and it usually takes 4-6 months to complete. This will keep her from being quarranteened for 6 months in England. They have lots of info at Ipata.com which I am a member of all though I do not arrange any overseas transports but many of the other members do it all the time. Oh ya you will probably fly Continental so that will be a good start.
2007-03-02 10:25:57 · answer #3 · answered by KittyCondos 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No to the drugs, because that messes with their equilibrium and they could get hurt in the crate. They will also be unable to drink and that could harm it too.
You should also check with your airline on their policies concerning shipping animals. Some refuse to take them on account of the liability. Also temperature concerns to the safety of the animal as well.
My brother has travelled by air with his Chesapeake dog and has had no big complaints. The crew are usually really good with animals and take good care of them. Sometimes problems arise because of delays and such and the animals are cooped up in the hold longer than they are planning and that adds extra stress on them.
You'd better check England's rules on bringing pets into the country too.
2007-03-02 09:08:35 · answer #4 · answered by parsonsel 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋