CAgal

I am a dedicated, trained cat person who is currently without a cat. If you live in the SF Bay Area, I may be interested in a temporary "adoption."

xxx

I'm always amazed at the vociferous complaints on this message board by people who don't like traveling with children on airplanes, as if children were some totally foreign species. Well cats for me are the absolutely worst thing I could ever encounter on an airplane. Twice I've been forced to sit on a plane with a passenger carrying a cat in one of those cages they put them in. NOTHING could be more unpleasant for me, as I am wildly allergic to cats, and NO, I don't think to take my allergy medicine before boarding a plane. The cats stink and, if they're not totally sedated, are often agitated and that seems to release more of their dander. It's bad enough enduring an 8-hour flight without getting hives, having your eyeballs swell up and turn red, and getting itchy and hard-of-breathing because of some foul-smelling feline (no, the owners don't change their diapers during the flight). I'll take a crying baby ANY day!! And by the way, people who prefer animals to children need a major reality check.

Dina

xxx, <BR>Thanks for sharing, as always.

Michael Strickland

By the way, if anyone's interested (xxx surely isn't, but oh well), here's a picture of my wonderfully playful cat, Europa:<BR><BR>http://strick.net/images/europa.jpg

Santa Chiara

xxx: I am with you on this one. I cannot be in the same house with a cat, much less the same room. If I were forced to sit next to one on the plane, my allergies (eyelids so swollen they turn inside out, throat stopped up) would turn into a sinus infection, and I would be sick for days. It amazes me that people could be so selfish and self-centered as to subject other people to something that is totally unnecessary in the first place. I mean, it's not like the cat has to see the David, does it?

Amy

I flew my dog from the States last July to where I live now (Riga, Latvia). He had to fly in the animal hold. I flew Lufthansa because they are known for having good air conditioned animal holds that are just for animals. It was a long flight with a layover in Frankfurt. He chewed and licked his hind leg/paw the whole flight. It took him about 3-4 months (and minor surgery) to get over the flight and adjusting to his new home here in Riga. I of course felt extremely guilty for putting him through all of that. He is fine now, but what stress to put him through! I am here for at least 2 years though and I am glad he is here with me. All animals are different and deal with things differently though. Do NOT sedate your pets...they have enough trouble dealing with the air pressure...sedation will only make it worse. FYI, there is an embargo on flying animals in the holds of aircrafts for domestic US airlines during the summer months. But you said that your animals would be flying in the cabin...so that wouldn't apply to you. I had to drive up to Atlanta to get my flight so that we would be flying directly out of the country. They would not allow my dog on a flight from Florida to Atlanta because it would have been a Delta or United flight...a domestic US airline. <BR><BR>I assume you have already found out everything you need to find out about bringing an animal into Italy. Probably a lot of paperwork...I had a lot of documents for Latvia (and even had to have documents translated into German for Lufthansa)...although NOBODY asked for a shred of the paperwork I collected for my dog. Nevertheless, be sure that everything is in order. Murphy's Law applies overseas as well! <BR><BR>I don't know if you have ever been to Naples...I was just there last month...there are loads of dogs there...so your dog will be welcome! There are lots of stray dogs there as well...probably the largest amount of stray dogs I have ever seen was in Naples. If your dog is on Heartgard heartworm medicine, bring it with you...you will probably not find Heartgard overseas. Also...when flying over here, I believe your animals will have to be in quarantine while in a layover in Europe. For example, my dog had to be in quarantine while we were in Frankfurt for the layover. I am not sure how that works or if it applies to animals traveling within the cabin of the aircraft...maybe someone else can answer that for you. <BR><BR>Final thought...when traveling with animals to europe, I would recommend using Lufthansa or British Airways. This comes from many animal owners I know that live overseas and have transported their pets from the US. I am an international teacher and the teachers I know that travel with their pets strictly use these 2 airlines. Also...book your flights WELL IN ADVANCE, because you will need to reserve space for your pets. If you have any other questions...feel free to ask away!

Amy

One more thing...<BR>In case you do have to put your animals in the animal hold, be sure to tape a large note on top of the carrier saying that your dog is a friendly dog and does not bite (assuming that is the case!). My teacher friends and I have found that this will encourage people (that your pet will meet in transit) to be nice to your pup! I wrote my note in English, German, and Latvian...."Hi! My name is Addison! I am a friendly dog and do not bite!"

Dave

This is one weird thread! I have flown frequently throughout the UK, Europe and less often to Asia and throughout N. America and I have never once encountered a pet on board... or if I did I was totally unaware! The people on this board speak as though sitting next to a cat is a likely occurrence! (my personal feelings are that I'd rather a cat than any child under 12 anyday!)<BR>My only worry is for your beloved puss; is there not a good chance that it will suffer with the pressure changes in his inner ear? I understand (though am no expert) that cats have extremely sensitive eardrums. I hope the journey won't hurt him in any way even if it is likely that he will be rather uncomfortable in not being able to roam around. Alternative: fly Air India... most of their planes could do with a good mouser on board!!<BR><BR>Actually, more seriously have you looked into a surface crossing. I've not done it but I believe there are ways of travelling quite comfortably over the Atlantic on a commercial freighter at very reasonable rates. Pets would be far more comfortable... you could walk them both on a lead and think of all the extra stuff you could take for your 9 month sojourn. The more I think of it the better this idea sounds! And what an experience as well... it's not everyone who can say they've sailed to Europe and back!!<BR>Dave.

jenny

Took my 2 cats to USA from UK while over there for 3 years. Used British Airways and my cats were fine. The airline really looked after them, but they had to go in the hold in an approved carrier. British Airways are on of the few airlines that will carry pets. They have a special animal handling centre in London Heathrow and will check animals in transit. The cats were quarantined back in UK for 6 months. Neither were sedated (not recommended - airline will check pre boarding-is the highest reason for death in transit).For 9 months would explore cat sitter option as cats will suffer sress from journey and strange country. It took mine about 3 months to acclimitize to new home.

Lori

I've already answered this somewhere up above, but another thought, Michael, is if you life in a city were there is a PetsMart store go in and ask one of the managers about people who "foster cats". These are people that take in cats that are up for adoption, now I realize in your case this is not the case, but you might get someone willing to take kitty for 9 months all by her/himself.<BR><BR>We too have cats, 3 of them, we board them when we go away, but it's only for 2 weeks at a time (we simply can't be gone longer then that because of the cats). You could look into long term boarding, again not a very ideal situation but feasible with the right place. A house sitter is also a good idea, but they must LOVE cats and be very very responsible. They need to live in your house too. Right now my neighbor is on a 4 week cruise - she has 2 dogs and a person comes to check the dogs each day - for about 3 min. This is not what I call "sitting". They would be better off boarded and have more attention (the place we board is very very good and large quarters for animals).<BR><BR>I understand completely your wanting the cat with you, but remember if you travel around in Europe you will run into a problem with finding a responsible person to cat sit for you there too and kitty can't go about with you.

Chris

We took our cat to France when we were sent there for 2 years. She went in-cabin, sedated (she hates being in the car too -- from what I've read and been told, the problems with sedation are when the pet is in the hold of the plane). She handled the trips well (4 round trips total, in 2 years), no problems. <BR><BR>There are restrictions on the planes -- Continental will not allow pets in-cabin on their tickets (even if the plane is an Air France plane). I was ticketed by Air France on an Air France plane (so she was my "excess baggage"), my husband ticketed by Continental on the same Air France plane (frequent flyer miles a consideration). <BR><BR>When we took trips in Europe, they were weekend trips so we were able to leave her an automatic feeder for the duration of the trip (all but one or two for only 3 days). We frequented two restaurants and became friends with some of the servers and they offered to check in on her when we took our longer trips. You'll most likely be able to take your dog on trips within Europe.<BR><BR>Elizabeth did not "stink", nor was she agitated or noisy except when the pill started to wear off (disembarking). She did not have to use her box either. We didn't give her any food after 10pm the night before the trip. <BR><BR>We tried to be among the first to board so that she would be less stressed while everyone else was settling into their seats. <BR><BR>

willie

I like animals, but I do notice that none of the animal lovers on this thread address the issue of airline passengers with pet allergies (which are common.) They would be subjected to a miserable environment for the duration of the flight. It's not like they can walk away.<BR>I guess that doesn't matter.<BR>Allergy sufferers, keep your meds handy at all times!

Julie

Just to clarify - I volunteer with one of the foster organizations that holds adoptions at PetSmart stores. These are volunteer animal welfare organizations that foster stray or abandoned animals until they can be adopted into loving homes. They might be able to recommend a good pet sitter, but definitely will not take in someone's pet while they are out of the country.<BR><BR>Michael, I think you need to check with your vet and your airline. I too would have concerns about the stress of travel on a cat.

VickiV

Take your cat, get the soft sided carrier. Put a potty pad down in the carrier, don't worry about it going without water. We sedated ours, but that is up to you. The most stressful part for our cat was the car ride to the airport. Don't worry about breaks, do it all at once. Leave the cat in the carrier at all times. People get a little nuts about pets, but cats are MUCH easier to travel with than dog! Relax, it's not THAT big of a deal.

Susan

Michael, I really can appreciate your dilemma. Our 2 cats are truly part of our family and I would dread leaving them behind. I have thought about what we would do if we were to relocate for any length of time - I know Alex would not deal with a move very well, nor would she adjust all that well to a new family. (Maybe that's just projection on my part.) Cleo might fare better since she seems to deal with changes better. If it were me, I would try to find someone who could care for them until you return. Maybe someone who loves cats, but doesn't own one? My father is like that - he doesn't have a cat anymore, but I know he'd love to 'foster' one. Maybe you can find someone like that. <BR><BR>BTW, I checked out the picture of your cat - she's a little sweetheart!

cat

You've certainly gotten lots of responses and information. I forgot to mention my two cats were orphaned as well, and I raised them from quite a young age (had to use an eye dropper to feed them since they couldn't eat solid food yet).<BR><BR>I peeked at the picture of your cat--she's a cutie. My brother & sister cats that I took across country have passed away and I miss them very much. <BR><BR>We were on the plane for many hours and didn't get one complaint about smell. Didn't hear a single sniffle or sneeze. We would have been happy to move to a different part of the plane if anyone had complained. <BR><BR>I agree that you shouldn't take your pets out during the trip. Though I think they would most likely be too stressed out to run, if they did out of fear you might have a heck of a time getting them back. That kind of trip is very traumatic for animals--we were moving and didn't anticipate coming back, even though we did about 6 months later. The return trip was less stressful than the trip out. <BR><BR>Again, good luck with everything!

BettyBoop

Susan, "A little sweetheart"? <BR>All I saw was a glowing, glaring, demonic-looking pair of eyes!<BR><BR>By the way, check my favorite amusing website for cat lovers. I dare you not to laugh!<BR>http://www.mycathatesyou.com/

maris

As long as the cat stays in its carrier the fur and the dander aren't going to go anywhere so to those that are allergic whether it be real or in their minds they will be fine. What about all the people that take their children on the plane and do nothing to stop their bad behavior. That's worse

cat lover

Michael:<BR>God, I sympathize with you. Anyone who does not understand the love of cat and the person they own has never had a cat own them .<BR>My 2 cats are definitely my children. I love them and they love me.<BR>I cannot offer you any advice though the suggestions of a "foster" seem to be reasonable. I took in a foster cat about 10 years ago. A friend was expecting a baby and was concerned about cat litter, etc. So while she was pregnamt I took in her cat. Though It was hard to return him afterwards, it was a rewarding experience and she knew that her cat was well taken care of. Maybe this helps you.

Shanna

Michael, what an informative thread you started! Your concerns mirror mine because I have two little doodles I can't live without and I still want to live overseas for a while. I'll be looking into the surface - boat - travel as someone suggested for a relaxed trip for all. And foster care for cats is something I'm planning once I'm too old to consider another 15-20 year commitment to a cat, so surely others are out there willing to do the same. Checking with PetSmart or your vet,or looking on the internet might produce fostering results. Get references of course. Good luck and let us know how it works out. And now I'll go admire your kitty's picture!