Can my cats handle a very long trip by airplane? Around 20 hours :(?

Question

I have two cats. I currently live in Jordan and i'm moving back to the states in February. I want to take my 2 cats with me and I have alot of questions about them being on an airplane. From Jordan to Frankfurt is a 3 and a half hour flight, then I have to wait for 6 hours for my plane in frankfurt. The flight from Frankfurt to Houston is 11 hours. Can my cats handle all that? How about the food and water? Will they be able to not go to the bathroom the whole trip or is there somewhere they can go and do it? Will they panic or meow alot from staying in the carrier for around 20 hours? Details please because I am so worried about them. Also add some additional information if you have some. I want to know everything about a cat traveling by plane.

Thanks alot for your helpful answers :)

Answer 1

First off:
Most airlines will not let you tranquilize your cats before you fly, and the American Veterinary Medical Association says not to do it: it leads to pets being injured or killed.

If you are checking your cats, you will have to get each of them a crate that is large enough for them to stand up, turn around, and lie down in. They will not be able to leave this crate for the entire flight. Put down absorbent material (newspaper or kitty litter) in the crate so that they can go to the bathroom. Also - and I know it's hard - the less they eat the day before they travel, the less they'll have to go to the bathroom.

You'll need to supply them with all the food and water they need before you leave. Some people say to fill a dish with water and freeze it; it will melt in flight and give your cats water as they need it. Others say to use a water bottle that gets strapped to the side of the crate, with a nozzle that points into the crate (kind of like a hamster water bottle).

They will probably be cranky about the whole experience. But if your choice is to have them be cranky for a day or not have your cats...I know which one I'd pick.

I've written a step-by-step guide about flying with your cats - it even has audio!
http://www.mahalo.com/How_to_Fly_With_Pets
This will tell you everything you need to know. And I do mean EVERYTHING.

Answer 2

Contact the airline that will be handling the cat. Many cargo centers have transit services for animals while waiting between flights. The airline will know about these services and advise you how to proceed. Cats will not have a need for food in a 24 hour period, they can go several days without eating but water will be required in transit.

Answer 3

I would find a local vet and ask them. I suspect that he/she will tell you to tranquilize the cats for the ride. A friend was moving across country, and planned to drive for about 12 hours. His vet recommended this.

It would be a good idea to test whatever medications that your vet recommends BEFORE you go, however. My friend had one cat that was allergic to the meds. He found out by giving it to them several days before they left. If he had found out on the road, the cat may have died.

Be sure you find out the quarantine rules before you bring the cats into the states. If they are not quarantined, and the authorities find out, you may face a hefty fine, and the animals confiscated and euthanized.

Answer 4

I wouldn't do it without giving them a sedative. Cats are anxious creatures. Being in a car makes my cat howl for the two-hour trip to see my mom. Can't imagine my cat wanting to be near me after subjecting him to such a far-away place. You may be able to find a veterinarian who can give you a sedative for them. Otherwise, they'll be nervous wrecks when you get to your new place.

Answer 5

yes, but your cat will be in cargo section and confirm the food what they giving to your pet , for 20 hrs in flights !