Air Travel

Question:

If you are thinking of starting a pet sitting business OR you already own a professional pet sitting business I’d like to invite you to join AboutPetSitting Email list hosted by Egroups. For more information and to subscribe visit the list web page at http://www.feathersnpaws.com/aboutpetsitting.htm Before you buy.

Response:

This is an OT comment but nobody else has made it – you might seriously think about getting your cat a kitten. See if it would complicate your logistics to do it before the trip … but at least afterwards? Sounds like your cat really needs the comfort of cat-company.

Response:

: This is an OT comment but nobody else has made it – you might seriously think : about getting your cat a kitten. See if it would complicate your logistics to : do it before the trip … but at least afterwards? Sounds like your cat really : needs the comfort of cat-company. Oh, she definitely will get a kitten at least after getting to Seattle (if we move there). She needs cat compan to make her feel comfortable. I already have found that out. Tigress — The root cause of problems is simple overpopulation.  People just aren’t worth very much any more, and they know it.  Makes ‘em testy. …Bev     |    _,,,—,,_          Tigress    /,`.-’`’    -.  ;-;;,_     http://havoc.gtf.gatech.edu/tigress  ’—”(_/–’  `-’_)         Cat by Felix Lee.

Response:

I took my four year old very skittish kitty on a trip from CA to VA. We were moving here. It was a long flight with a connect and a lay over… total nightmare. I have three words of advice for you: #1 BRING HER ON BOARD! Make sure you let the airline know that you are traveling with a cat and that you intend to bring her onboard. They only allow one animal per flight, and if you are the only one with a reservation… your kitty rides inside (to the tune of about $50)! I purchased a Sherpa soft sided carrier… they cost a small fortune, but it was MUCH better than those little hard cages. #2 As mean as this sounds, have her fast (no water either) for about 12 hours prior to the trip. Cats are very clean animals and will not "relieve themselves" where they are sleeping. Can you imagine how uncomfortable it is for you to wait like 7 hours to pee!??! I had a little baggy of kitty food that I hand fed her once we were about an hour from our destination. #3 No matter how freaked out your kitty is, she is safer and happier in her bag! When people find out you have a cat they want to touch her and pet her… and that is really the last thing she needs! I hope you and your kitty have a great trip! And do not forgot your health certificate. They are only good for about a week. Best of luck! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I might be moving to Seattle (I live in Atlanta). > Problem is my cat who is super timid. I don’t know how I’m going to do > this. I’m sure no matter what I do she’s goign to end up hiding for at > least three months in the new apartment (she is a very scared cat and the > worst thing I’ve noticed you can do to her is put her in surroundings she > doesn’t know, she likes to be in surroundings she has gotten comfortable > with). To make matters worse, her playmate (my roommate’s cat) is going > to be leaving soon (whether I move to Seattle or not, roomie is moving > out) so she won’t even have him to comfort her. > What would be the best way of handling a situation like this if it does > arise? > I was thinking of tranquiliznig her for the plane trip (so at least that > doesn’t stress her out). I think for her being awake during the flight > would only make it worse. > What airlines accept animals, and which ones accept them in the passenger > cabin (I know all of them only allow one animal in the cabin)? Which > airlines should be avoided (or are there some that are bad with pets as > baggage but fine with them in the cabin)? > Anyways, thanks for any help. > Tigress > — > The root cause of problems is simple overpopulation.  People just aren’t > worth very much any more, and they know it.  Makes ‘em testy. …Bev >     |    _,,,—,,_          Tigress >    /,`.-’`’    -.  ;-;;,_     http://havoc.gtf.gatech.edu/tigress >  ’—”(_/–’  `-’_)         Cat by Felix Lee.

– Adam Cope http://dcaerobatics.com

Response:

: sedative.  they could still meow and be awake if they took it.  from the way : it was explained to me it was more for motion sickness than anything else.  i : never needed it, but i would talk to the vet before getting something over the Oh, I was definitely going to get it from the vet… I ddn’t even think about over the counter (they have that? seems like a bad thing to just let people buy over the counter. I didn’t realize they were bad to give to animals on trips but I do realize they are not something to just give an animal on a whim from some one who knows little about animal medicine). But I think after reading that article, she’s jsut going to have to tough it out. I didn’t realize that sedatives + high altitudes could cause problems. Maybe I’ll talk to my vet about alternatives though. Tigress — The root cause of problems is simple overpopulation.  People just aren’t worth very much any more, and they know it.  Makes ‘em testy. …Bev     |    _,,,—,,_          Tigress    /,`.-’`’    -.  ;-;;,_     http://havoc.gtf.gatech.edu/tigress  ’—”(_/–’  `-’_)         Cat by Felix Lee.

Response:

: certainity that one should NEVER NEVER NEVER ship their animals in : cargo. I’ve interviewed many baggage handlers and every single one of I wasn’t going to. But I wanted to know if some that I have heard (I think I heard United was horrible) were not so bad if you took them in cabin. : awhile. Whatever you do, DO NOT tranquilize her. Here is an article from : the AVMA that states why this is a bad idea: Duly noted. Ah well, I was hoping to make it mentally better for her (I’m not worried about her making noise, she has a tendency to go frozen in fright when in a place she doesn’t know… it makes me feel worse cause she’s being quiet cause she’s so terrified, at least a meowing cat isn’t frozen with fear). : It’s really a shame that your kitty is going to lose her playmate, but : once you are in your new place, this may give you an opportunity to bond : with her a little more, as she won’t be distracted by another cat, and Actually, the playmate wast he only reason she would come out. She met him and became a lot braver, like he gave her backup to slowy accept this big hulking scary creatures like me. I have a feeling in the new place and no little (and braver than her) creature like her to give her comfort, she’s going to stay hidden in a closet. Before we finally let them meet, she would not come out of the closet at all, and hissed anytime anyone came even near close to her (though never tried scratching, she is a really sweet cat, just very timid. Even now that she likes me and begs me for attention she is still slightly scared of me). Tigress — The root cause of problems is simple overpopulation.  People just aren’t worth very much any more, and they know it.  Makes ‘em testy. …Bev     |    _,,,—,,_          Tigress    /,`.-’`’    -.  ;-;;,_     http://havoc.gtf.gatech.edu/tigress  ’—”(_/–’  `-’_)         Cat by Felix Lee.

Response:

> Having been behind the scenes at the airport I can say with great > certainity that one should NEVER NEVER NEVER ship their animals in > cargo. I’ve interviewed many baggage handlers and every single one of > them has said the same thing. I definitely wouldn’t recommend you ship > your kitty that way, especially considering the experience she had when > she was shipped to you as a kitten. Bring your kitty in the cabin  with > you. Even if she is a scaredy cat, she’ll do ok and settle in after > awhile. Whatever you do, DO NOT tranquilize her.

I second this.  If you decide to fly with her, do NOT allow her to go in cargo.  Take her with you into the passenger cabin.  Take her on a direct nonstop flight if at all possible.  And don’t sedate her.  Give her Rescue Remedy or Tranquility Blend instead, before you take her to the airport. She will be stressed out, no question, but at least the trip would be over with in a day.

Response:

> > awhile. Whatever you do, DO NOT tranquilize her.

when i moved my vet gave me a drug to calm the cats down, that was not a sedative.  they could still meow and be awake if they took it.  from the way it was explained to me it was more for motion sickness than anything else.  i never needed it, but i would talk to the vet before getting something over the counter.  when i was moving all i could find were things like "pet calm" with herbal stuff in them.  since i had no idea how my cats would react i talked to the vet instead(my cats have allergic reactions to alot of stuff). also herbal treatments have been found to contain more than herbal ingredients recently(animal matter). little_raven — "’Oh, the boys!’ Buttercup fairly exploded.  ’I do not care about ‘the boys’!  Horse loves me and that is quite sufficient, thank you.’"–S. Morgenstern, The Princess Bride http://littleraven.homestead.com http://nabuforpresident.homestead.com http://crow1.tripod.com/webdevelopment/

Response:

Having been behind the scenes at the airport I can say with great certainity that one should NEVER NEVER NEVER ship their animals in cargo. I’ve interviewed many baggage handlers and every single one of them has said the same thing. I definitely wouldn’t recommend you ship your kitty that way, especially considering the experience she had when she was shipped to you as a kitten. Bring your kitty in the cabin  with you. Even if she is a scaredy cat, she’ll do ok and settle in after awhile. Whatever you do, DO NOT tranquilize her. Here is an article from the AVMA that states why this is a bad idea: Don’t Sedate or Tranquilize Pets Traveling By Air American Humane Association Cautions Veterinarians and Pet Owners With summer vacations just around the corner, 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 much the preferred 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 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 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." It’s really a shame that your kitty is going to lose her playmate, but once you are in your new place, this may give you an opportunity to bond with her a little more, as she won’t be distracted by another cat, and will have to focus on you. Siamese often are "one person" cats, and the other cat may very well have interfered with her socializing process, and your relationship with her may change for the better. Give her some time, and you may be in for a pleasant surprise. Megan "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -Edmund Burke Learn The TRUTH About Declawing http://www.stopdeclaw.com Zuzu’s Cats Photo Album: http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=244574&Auth=false

Response:

I might be moving to Seattle (I live in Atlanta). Problem is my cat who is super timid. I don’t know how I’m going to do this. I’m sure no matter what I do she’s goign to end up hiding for at least three months in the new apartment (she is a very scared cat and the worst thing I’ve noticed you can do to her is put her in surroundings she doesn’t know, she likes to be in surroundings she has gotten comfortable with). To make matters worse, her playmate (my roommate’s cat) is going to be leaving soon (whether I move to Seattle or not, roomie is moving out) so she won’t even have him to comfort her. What would be the best way of handling a situation like this if it does arise? I was thinking of tranquiliznig her for the plane trip (so at least that doesn’t stress her out). I think for her being awake during the flight would only make it worse. What airlines accept animals, and which ones accept them in the passenger cabin (I know all of them only allow one animal in the cabin)? Which airlines should be avoided (or are there some that are bad with pets as baggage but fine with them in the cabin)? Anyways, thanks for any help. Tigress — The root cause of problems is simple overpopulation.  People just aren’t worth very much any more, and they know it.  Makes ‘em testy. …Bev     |    _,,,—,,_          Tigress    /,`.-’`’    -.  ;-;;,_     http://havoc.gtf.gatech.edu/tigress  ’—”(_/–’  `-’_)         Cat by Felix Lee.

Response:

If you are thinking of starting a pet sitting business OR you already own a professional pet sitting business I’d like to invite you to join AboutPetSitting Email list hosted by Egroups. For more information and to subscribe visit the list web page at http://www.feathersnpaws.com/aboutpetsitting.htm Before you buy.

Response:

This is an OT comment but nobody else has made it – you might seriously think about getting your cat a kitten. See if it would complicate your logistics to do it before the trip … but at least afterwards? Sounds like your cat really needs the comfort of cat-company.

Response:

: This is an OT comment but nobody else has made it – you might seriously think : about getting your cat a kitten. See if it would complicate your logistics to : do it before the trip … but at least afterwards? Sounds like your cat really : needs the comfort of cat-company. Oh, she definitely will get a kitten at least after getting to Seattle (if we move there). She needs cat compan to make her feel comfortable. I already have found that out. Tigress — The root cause of problems is simple overpopulation.  People just aren’t worth very much any more, and they know it.  Makes ‘em testy. …Bev     |    _,,,—,,_          Tigress    /,`.-’`’    -.  ;-;;,_     http://havoc.gtf.gatech.edu/tigress  ’—”(_/–’  `-’_)         Cat by Felix Lee.

Response:

I took my four year old very skittish kitty on a trip from CA to VA. We were moving here. It was a long flight with a connect and a lay over… total nightmare. I have three words of advice for you: #1 BRING HER ON BOARD! Make sure you let the airline know that you are traveling with a cat and that you intend to bring her onboard. They only allow one animal per flight, and if you are the only one with a reservation… your kitty rides inside (to the tune of about $50)! I purchased a Sherpa soft sided carrier… they cost a small fortune, but it was MUCH better than those little hard cages. #2 As mean as this sounds, have her fast (no water either) for about 12 hours prior to the trip. Cats are very clean animals and will not "relieve themselves" where they are sleeping. Can you imagine how uncomfortable it is for you to wait like 7 hours to pee!??! I had a little baggy of kitty food that I hand fed her once we were about an hour from our destination. #3 No matter how freaked out your kitty is, she is safer and happier in her bag! When people find out you have a cat they want to touch her and pet her… and that is really the last thing she needs! I hope you and your kitty have a great trip! And do not forgot your health certificate. They are only good for about a week. Best of luck! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I might be moving to Seattle (I live in Atlanta). > Problem is my cat who is super timid. I don’t know how I’m going to do > this. I’m sure no matter what I do she’s goign to end up hiding for at > least three months in the new apartment (she is a very scared cat and the > worst thing I’ve noticed you can do to her is put her in surroundings she > doesn’t know, she likes to be in surroundings she has gotten comfortable > with). To make matters worse, her playmate (my roommate’s cat) is going > to be leaving soon (whether I move to Seattle or not, roomie is moving > out) so she won’t even have him to comfort her. > What would be the best way of handling a situation like this if it does > arise? > I was thinking of tranquiliznig her for the plane trip (so at least that > doesn’t stress her out). I think for her being awake during the flight > would only make it worse. > What airlines accept animals, and which ones accept them in the passenger > cabin (I know all of them only allow one animal in the cabin)? Which > airlines should be avoided (or are there some that are bad with pets as > baggage but fine with them in the cabin)? > Anyways, thanks for any help. > Tigress > — > The root cause of problems is simple overpopulation.  People just aren’t > worth very much any more, and they know it.  Makes ‘em testy. …Bev >     |    _,,,—,,_          Tigress >    /,`.-’`’    -.  ;-;;,_     http://havoc.gtf.gatech.edu/tigress >  ’—”(_/–’  `-’_)         Cat by Felix Lee.

– Adam Cope http://dcaerobatics.com

Response:

: sedative.  they could still meow and be awake if they took it.  from the way : it was explained to me it was more for motion sickness than anything else.  i : never needed it, but i would talk to the vet before getting something over the Oh, I was definitely going to get it from the vet… I ddn’t even think about over the counter (they have that? seems like a bad thing to just let people buy over the counter. I didn’t realize they were bad to give to animals on trips but I do realize they are not something to just give an animal on a whim from some one who knows little about animal medicine). But I think after reading that article, she’s jsut going to have to tough it out. I didn’t realize that sedatives + high altitudes could cause problems. Maybe I’ll talk to my vet about alternatives though. Tigress — The root cause of problems is simple overpopulation.  People just aren’t worth very much any more, and they know it.  Makes ‘em testy. …Bev     |    _,,,—,,_          Tigress    /,`.-’`’    -.  ;-;;,_     http://havoc.gtf.gatech.edu/tigress  ’—”(_/–’  `-’_)         Cat by Felix Lee.

Response:

: certainity that one should NEVER NEVER NEVER ship their animals in : cargo. I’ve interviewed many baggage handlers and every single one of I wasn’t going to. But I wanted to know if some that I have heard (I think I heard United was horrible) were not so bad if you took them in cabin. : awhile. Whatever you do, DO NOT tranquilize her. Here is an article from : the AVMA that states why this is a bad idea: Duly noted. Ah well, I was hoping to make it mentally better for her (I’m not worried about her making noise, she has a tendency to go frozen in fright when in a place she doesn’t know… it makes me feel worse cause she’s being quiet cause she’s so terrified, at least a meowing cat isn’t frozen with fear). : It’s really a shame that your kitty is going to lose her playmate, but : once you are in your new place, this may give you an opportunity to bond : with her a little more, as she won’t be distracted by another cat, and Actually, the playmate wast he only reason she would come out. She met him and became a lot braver, like he gave her backup to slowy accept this big hulking scary creatures like me. I have a feeling in the new place and no little (and braver than her) creature like her to give her comfort, she’s going to stay hidden in a closet. Before we finally let them meet, she would not come out of the closet at all, and hissed anytime anyone came even near close to her (though never tried scratching, she is a really sweet cat, just very timid. Even now that she likes me and begs me for attention she is still slightly scared of me). Tigress — The root cause of problems is simple overpopulation.  People just aren’t worth very much any more, and they know it.  Makes ‘em testy. …Bev     |    _,,,—,,_          Tigress    /,`.-’`’    -.  ;-;;,_     http://havoc.gtf.gatech.edu/tigress  ’—”(_/–’  `-’_)         Cat by Felix Lee.

Response:

> Having been behind the scenes at the airport I can say with great > certainity that one should NEVER NEVER NEVER ship their animals in > cargo. I’ve interviewed many baggage handlers and every single one of > them has said the same thing. I definitely wouldn’t recommend you ship > your kitty that way, especially considering the experience she had when > she was shipped to you as a kitten. Bring your kitty in the cabin  with > you. Even if she is a scaredy cat, she’ll do ok and settle in after > awhile. Whatever you do, DO NOT tranquilize her.

I second this.  If you decide to fly with her, do NOT allow her to go in cargo.  Take her with you into the passenger cabin.  Take her on a direct nonstop flight if at all possible.  And don’t sedate her.  Give her Rescue Remedy or Tranquility Blend instead, before you take her to the airport. She will be stressed out, no question, but at least the trip would be over with in a day.

Response:

> > awhile. Whatever you do, DO NOT tranquilize her.

when i moved my vet gave me a drug to calm the cats down, that was not a sedative.  they could still meow and be awake if they took it.  from the way it was explained to me it was more for motion sickness than anything else.  i never needed it, but i would talk to the vet before getting something over the counter.  when i was moving all i could find were things like "pet calm" with herbal stuff in them.  since i had no idea how my cats would react i talked to the vet instead(my cats have allergic reactions to alot of stuff). also herbal treatments have been found to contain more than herbal ingredients recently(animal matter). little_raven — "’Oh, the boys!’ Buttercup fairly exploded.  ’I do not care about ‘the boys’!  Horse loves me and that is quite sufficient, thank you.’"–S. Morgenstern, The Princess Bride http://littleraven.homestead.com http://nabuforpresident.homestead.com http://crow1.tripod.com/webdevelopment/

Response:

Having been behind the scenes at the airport I can say with great certainity that one should NEVER NEVER NEVER ship their animals in cargo. I’ve interviewed many baggage handlers and every single one of them has said the same thing. I definitely wouldn’t recommend you ship your kitty that way, especially considering the experience she had when she was shipped to you as a kitten. Bring your kitty in the cabin  with you. Even if she is a scaredy cat, she’ll do ok and settle in after awhile. Whatever you do, DO NOT tranquilize her. Here is an article from the AVMA that states why this is a bad idea: Don’t Sedate or Tranquilize Pets Traveling By Air American Humane Association Cautions Veterinarians and Pet Owners With summer vacations just around the corner, 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 much the preferred 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 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 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." It’s really a shame that your kitty is going to lose her playmate, but once you are in your new place, this may give you an opportunity to bond with her a little more, as she won’t be distracted by another cat, and will have to focus on you. Siamese often are "one person" cats, and the other cat may very well have interfered with her socializing process, and your relationship with her may change for the better. Give her some time, and you may be in for a pleasant surprise. Megan "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -Edmund Burke Learn The TRUTH About Declawing http://www.stopdeclaw.com Zuzu’s Cats Photo Album: http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=244574&Auth=false

Response:

I might be moving to Seattle (I live in Atlanta). Problem is my cat who is super timid. I don’t know how I’m going to do this. I’m sure no matter what I do she’s goign to end up hiding for at least three months in the new apartment (she is a very scared cat and the worst thing I’ve noticed you can do to her is put her in surroundings she doesn’t know, she likes to be in surroundings she has gotten comfortable with). To make matters worse, her playmate (my roommate’s cat) is going to be leaving soon (whether I move to Seattle or not, roomie is moving out) so she won’t even have him to comfort her. What would be the best way of handling a situation like this if it does arise? I was thinking of tranquiliznig her for the plane trip (so at least that doesn’t stress her out). I think for her being awake during the flight would only make it worse. What airlines accept animals, and which ones accept them in the passenger cabin (I know all of them only allow one animal in the cabin)? Which airlines should be avoided (or are there some that are bad with pets as baggage but fine with them in the cabin)? Anyways, thanks for any help. Tigress — The root cause of problems is simple overpopulation.  People just aren’t worth very much any more, and they know it.  Makes ‘em testy. …Bev     |    _,,,—,,_          Tigress    /,`.-’`’    -.  ;-;;,_     http://havoc.gtf.gatech.edu/tigress  ’—”(_/–’  `-’_)         Cat by Felix Lee.

Response:

If you are thinking of starting a pet sitting business OR you already own a professional pet sitting business I’d like to invite you to join AboutPetSitting Email list hosted by Egroups. For more information and to subscribe visit the list web page at http://www.feathersnpaws.com/aboutpetsitting.htm Before you buy.

Response:

This is an OT comment but nobody else has made it – you might seriously think about getting your cat a kitten. See if it would complicate your logistics to do it before the trip … but at least afterwards? Sounds like your cat really needs the comfort of cat-company.

Response:

: This is an OT comment but nobody else has made it – you might seriously think : about getting your cat a kitten. See if it would complicate your logistics to : do it before the trip … but at least afterwards? Sounds like your cat really : needs the comfort of cat-company. Oh, she definitely will get a kitten at least after getting to Seattle (if we move there). She needs cat compan to make her feel comfortable. I already have found that out. Tigress — The root cause of problems is simple overpopulation.  People just aren’t worth very much any more, and they know it.  Makes ‘em testy. …Bev     |    _,,,—,,_          Tigress    /,`.-’`’    -.  ;-;;,_     http://havoc.gtf.gatech.edu/tigress  ’—”(_/–’  `-’_)         Cat by Felix Lee.

Response:

I took my four year old very skittish kitty on a trip from CA to VA. We were moving here. It was a long flight with a connect and a lay over… total nightmare. I have three words of advice for you: #1 BRING HER ON BOARD! Make sure you let the airline know that you are traveling with a cat and that you intend to bring her onboard. They only allow one animal per flight, and if you are the only one with a reservation… your kitty rides inside (to the tune of about $50)! I purchased a Sherpa soft sided carrier… they cost a small fortune, but it was MUCH better than those little hard cages. #2 As mean as this sounds, have her fast (no water either) for about 12 hours prior to the trip. Cats are very clean animals and will not "relieve themselves" where they are sleeping. Can you imagine how uncomfortable it is for you to wait like 7 hours to pee!??! I had a little baggy of kitty food that I hand fed her once we were about an hour from our destination. #3 No matter how freaked out your kitty is, she is safer and happier in her bag! When people find out you have a cat they want to touch her and pet her… and that is really the last thing she needs! I hope you and your kitty have a great trip! And do not forgot your health certificate. They are only good for about a week. Best of luck! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I might be moving to Seattle (I live in Atlanta). > Problem is my cat who is super timid. I don’t know how I’m going to do > this. I’m sure no matter what I do she’s goign to end up hiding for at > least three months in the new apartment (she is a very scared cat and the > worst thing I’ve noticed you can do to her is put her in surroundings she > doesn’t know, she likes to be in surroundings she has gotten comfortable > with). To make matters worse, her playmate (my roommate’s cat) is going > to be leaving soon (whether I move to Seattle or not, roomie is moving > out) so she won’t even have him to comfort her. > What would be the best way of handling a situation like this if it does > arise? > I was thinking of tranquiliznig her for the plane trip (so at least that > doesn’t stress her out). I think for her being awake during the flight > would only make it worse. > What airlines accept animals, and which ones accept them in the passenger > cabin (I know all of them only allow one animal in the cabin)? Which > airlines should be avoided (or are there some that are bad with pets as > baggage but fine with them in the cabin)? > Anyways, thanks for any help. > Tigress > — > The root cause of problems is simple overpopulation.  People just aren’t > worth very much any more, and they know it.  Makes ‘em testy. …Bev >     |    _,,,—,,_          Tigress >    /,`.-’`’    -.  ;-;;,_     http://havoc.gtf.gatech.edu/tigress >  ’—”(_/–’  `-’_)         Cat by Felix Lee.

– Adam Cope http://dcaerobatics.com

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: sedative.  they could still meow and be awake if they took it.  from the way : it was explained to me it was more for motion sickness than anything else.  i : never needed it, but i would talk to the vet before getting something over the Oh, I was definitely going to get it from the vet… I ddn’t even think about over the counter (they have that? seems like a bad thing to just let people buy over the counter. I didn’t realize they were bad to give to animals on trips but I do realize they are not something to just give an animal on a whim from some one who knows little about animal medicine). But I think after reading that article, she’s jsut going to have to tough it out. I didn’t realize that sedatives + high altitudes could cause problems. Maybe I’ll talk to my vet about alternatives though. Tigress — The root cause of problems is simple overpopulation.  People just aren’t worth very much any more, and they know it.  Makes ‘em testy. …Bev     |    _,,,—,,_          Tigress    /,`.-’`’    -.  ;-;;,_     http://havoc.gtf.gatech.edu/tigress  ’—”(_/–’  `-’_)         Cat by Felix Lee.

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: certainity that one should NEVER NEVER NEVER ship their animals in : cargo. I’ve interviewed many baggage handlers and every single one of I wasn’t going to. But I wanted to know if some that I have heard (I think I heard United was horrible) were not so bad if you took them in cabin. : awhile. Whatever you do, DO NOT tranquilize her. Here is an article from : the AVMA that states why this is a bad idea: Duly noted. Ah well, I was hoping to make it mentally better for her (I’m not worried about her making noise, she has a tendency to go frozen in fright when in a place she doesn’t know… it makes me feel worse cause she’s being quiet cause she’s so terrified, at least a meowing cat isn’t frozen with fear). : It’s really a shame that your kitty is going to lose her playmate, but : once you are in your new place, this may give you an opportunity to bond : with her a little more, as she won’t be distracted by another cat, and Actually, the playmate wast he only reason she would come out. She met him and became a lot braver, like he gave her backup to slowy accept this big hulking scary creatures like me. I have a feeling in the new place and no little (and braver than her) creature like her to give her comfort, she’s going to stay hidden in a closet. Before we finally let them meet, she would not come out of the closet at all, and hissed anytime anyone came even near close to her (though never tried scratching, she is a really sweet cat, just very timid. Even now that she likes me and begs me for attention she is still slightly scared of me). Tigress — The root cause of problems is simple overpopulation.  People just aren’t worth very much any more, and they know it.  Makes ‘em testy. …Bev     |    _,,,—,,_          Tigress    /,`.-’`’    -.  ;-;;,_     http://havoc.gtf.gatech.edu/tigress  ’—”(_/–’  `-’_)         Cat by Felix Lee.

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> Having been behind the scenes at the airport I can say with great > certainity that one should NEVER NEVER NEVER ship their animals in > cargo. I’ve interviewed many baggage handlers and every single one of > them has said the same thing. I definitely wouldn’t recommend you ship > your kitty that way, especially considering the experience she had when > she was shipped to you as a kitten. Bring your kitty in the cabin  with > you. Even if she is a scaredy cat, she’ll do ok and settle in after > awhile. Whatever you do, DO NOT tranquilize her.

I second this.  If you decide to fly with her, do NOT allow her to go in cargo.  Take her with you into the passenger cabin.  Take her on a direct nonstop flight if at all possible.  And don’t sedate her.  Give her Rescue Remedy or Tranquility Blend instead, before you take her to the airport. She will be stressed out, no question, but at least the trip would be over with in a day.

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> > awhile. Whatever you do, DO NOT tranquilize her.

when i moved my vet gave me a drug to calm the cats down, that was not a sedative.  they could still meow and be awake if they took it.  from the way it was explained to me it was more for motion sickness than anything else.  i never needed it, but i would talk to the vet before getting something over the counter.  when i was moving all i could find were things like "pet calm" with herbal stuff in them.  since i had no idea how my cats would react i talked to the vet instead(my cats have allergic reactions to alot of stuff). also herbal treatments have been found to contain more than herbal ingredients recently(animal matter). little_raven — "’Oh, the boys!’ Buttercup fairly exploded.  ’I do not care about ‘the boys’!  Horse loves me and that is quite sufficient, thank you.’"–S. Morgenstern, The Princess Bride http://littleraven.homestead.com http://nabuforpresident.homestead.com http://crow1.tripod.com/webdevelopment/

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Having been behind the scenes at the airport I can say with great certainity that one should NEVER NEVER NEVER ship their animals in cargo. I’ve interviewed many baggage handlers and every single one of them has said the same thing. I definitely wouldn’t recommend you ship your kitty that way, especially considering the experience she had when she was shipped to you as a kitten. Bring your kitty in the cabin  with you. Even if she is a scaredy cat, she’ll do ok and settle in after awhile. Whatever you do, DO NOT tranquilize her. Here is an article from the AVMA that states why this is a bad idea: Don’t Sedate or Tranquilize Pets Traveling By Air American Humane Association Cautions Veterinarians and Pet Owners With summer vacations just around the corner, 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 much the preferred 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 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 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." It’s really a shame that your kitty is going to lose her playmate, but once you are in your new place, this may give you an opportunity to bond with her a little more, as she won’t be distracted by another cat, and will have to focus on you. Siamese often are "one person" cats, and the other cat may very well have interfered with her socializing process, and your relationship with her may change for the better. Give her some time, and you may be in for a pleasant surprise. Megan "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -Edmund Burke Learn The TRUTH About Declawing http://www.stopdeclaw.com Zuzu’s Cats Photo Album: http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=244574&Auth=false

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I might be moving to Seattle (I live in Atlanta). Problem is my cat who is super timid. I don’t know how I’m going to do this. I’m sure no matter what I do she’s goign to end up hiding for at least three months in the new apartment (she is a very scared cat and the worst thing I’ve noticed you can do to her is put her in surroundings she doesn’t know, she likes to be in surroundings she has gotten comfortable with). To make matters worse, her playmate (my roommate’s cat) is going to be leaving soon (whether I move to Seattle or not, roomie is moving out) so she won’t even have him to comfort her. What would be the best way of handling a situation like this if it does arise? I was thinking of tranquiliznig her for the plane trip (so at least that doesn’t stress her out). I think for her being awake during the flight would only make it worse. What airlines accept animals, and which ones accept them in the passenger cabin (I know all of them only allow one animal in the cabin)? Which airlines should be avoided (or are there some that are bad with pets as baggage but fine with them in the cabin)? Anyways, thanks for any help. Tigress — The root cause of problems is simple overpopulation.  People just aren’t worth very much any more, and they know it.  Makes ‘em testy. …Bev     |    _,,,—,,_          Tigress    /,`.-’`’    -.  ;-;;,_     http://havoc.gtf.gatech.edu/tigress  ’—”(_/–’  `-’_)         Cat by Felix Lee.

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