Sam

One more thing: the cat owner was fine with the entire situation. SHE was rational. And yes, kitty arrived back in Texas in one piece.

XXX

This is a very enlightening exchange of ideas. Thank-you to all. I have a related question with which you might help me. My very elderly parents are nervous about flying. Soon, they are moving to Buckeye, Arizona where they will live in a very large retirement home--presumably until they die. To calm their nerves, I am going to fly down with them. I arranged to get three seats together, but now I feel badly for the family rabbit--I didn't buy a seat for little Fluffy. After reading this thread, though, it occurred to me that perhaps I could check my mother at the baggage counter and let little Fluffy sit between my father and me. That, I'm sure, would have a calming influence on the rabbit. It would also help my nerves, since my mother drives me crazy with her nonstop, unintelligible chatter. I am worried about my father, however; whenever he loses sight of my mother, he gets a very downcast, worried look on his face--I think he's concerned about who will be bringing him his dinner. Maybe I would be better off with four seats? Perhaps I should take a later flight? Should we just leave the rabbit in Pittsburgh? Opinions?

L

Now, Sam, stay calm ... if it makes you feel better, it was not just in your head. And the kitten arrived okay ... that's nice. And the owner wasn't upset with you ... good. You're really a case! And you've got some gender confusion going as well. Jeez, what a mess.

L

Jeez, Sam and XXX on one thread!! Pass me the white bag.

Catlover

This is a very interesting thread. I have a question though. Lisa, have you thought how you cats are going to react while you are traveling? I love my cats but I also know that they are not the calmest travelers. Put my cat in my lap on a plane?? NEVER!! The poor guy would freak out! Why subject any one else to that? The best way to travel with my two guys is:
See the vet before we go.
If necessary we'll give them something to calm them down, usually we do that.
Give them the meds long before we go so that they are calm before being put the the carrier they both travel in. I do not separate them. It is better for them to stay together.
Do not put food or water in the carrier. That just creates wet, dirty, unhappy cats.
Definitely try to get a non stop flight.
Be sure the person who takes your cats from you sees you and speaks with you. I find that they are very compassionate, even though they may think I am being obsessive.
Worry about them but know they are probably fast asleep.
They are going to be disoriented and groggy upon your arrival. Let them come out of the carrier when they are ready. Don't try to pull them out because you are anxious to see them.
Relax and everything will be fine.
PS I have a friend who can not even come into my house because of allergies. Eyes close, throat contricts. It is really scary what happens. I do not take that lightly.
My cats are my family and I love them. However, that does not mean that everyone else does. So we need to repect that. Good luck!

S

Catlover, Your response is awesome!

Ess

Thanks, XXX, for the laugh! I'm an animal lover, but I think we sometimes take ourselves too seriously here.

LT

Lisa:

America West has nonstops to Phoenix from Detroit, as well.

Agree w/the other posters who say to try to pick early morning/late evening flights if you're concerned about the heat in PHX. Also, if you pick an early morning flight, you have a much better chance of not being delayed, etc.

But one thing that nobody has addressed is the fact that animal policies tend to vary greatly from airline to airline. NW & Am. West may not even allow you to carry pets on-board. Check w/the airline & get the COMPLETE details BEFORE buying a ticket.

I have had 2 dogs who have flown before (always in the cargo hold), and had little problems... the only problem being a missed connection, so you are smart to only look at non-stop flights. Talk to your vet about what he/she recommends, and I'd advise that you tranquilize your pets the day of the trip..IMO, it's better for them than being stressed out from all of the noise, etc.

Hope this helps! Good luck!

upsydaisy

upupupupupupupupupupup for L

Jason

I unfortunately sat next to a cat whose owner carried it onboard in first class. It made so much noise that the airline insisted that it ride below on the next segment. The owner was not happy, but everyone else was!

upsydaisy

upupupupupupupupupupup for Jason, Sam, Ess & S

upsy daisy

HeY:
Who is using my "TAG"?? LOL!

Caught

Dear U. Daisy ... HeY back .. won't repeat .... cha-grin. Sorry & s'long.

Fred

Doesn't FedEx, Airborne or one of those companies ship live animals? How do they get all those show dogs to Westminster? IMO, a company that deals with shipping live animals would do better than the airlines.

S

People with show dogs drive and fly. A small dog can be carried on-board in a Sherpa bag. (Thats a small sturdy fabric bag that is made to carry around small animals.) But do you realistically expect they can take a Champion Old English Mastiff on board? Or take all of the dogs they are showing that day on-board an airplane? These dogs are worth thousands of dollars and they are transported in the cargo area with your just as much loved mutt.

Granted, the owners probably worry the baggage handlers silly. But the baggage handlers are aware their owners are vitally interested!

Shanna

My sister shipped a kitten cargo in the middle of summer (years ago) and it arrived fine because it was in a carrier designed for a great dane. A big carrier will allow for air movement no matter what gets shoved up against it. Also, cats can drink out of those little gerbil water bottles so you don't have to have a mess. If you sedate, try the sedative a couple of times before you go to make sure they don't have a bad reaction. Can't you put them in the kennel while you fly, then rent a car, drive back and pick them up? Good luck - I know just how you feel and my little whookie isn't going in cargo unless I'm certain he'll fly happy.

pooh1bear43113

Lisa:

I have a much loved himmy. The thought of putting him a an aircraft - be it FIRST CLASS or coach (let alone the cargo hold??????) is something I would NEVER, NEVER consider for a moment.

Two reasons:

(1) I don't want him exposed to the dirty air in the cabins/hold
(2) An aircraft is not safe enough for my "kid".

If at all possible, rent a car and drive to Phoenix if you have to, but DO NOT, REPEAT: DO NOT subject your cats to an unsafe method of travel!

Yes

Thanks be to PoohBear ... finally a humane voice speaking on behalf of cat care. Frankly, all this talk about stuffing cats into dog cages is giving me a rash. IF I'm ever in control, I'll locate everyone of you pro-cargo hold'ers and see that you make at least one trip (long trip) down there, while your cats (if they're still alive) are taken away and adopted by a wonderful family on an island full of mice. I have loved this thread, but now must move on. Have a great weekend, and lets keep the cats up top where they belong. Just ask them whether they would want to fly in a cargo hold ... and do you know what they would answer? Me? Ow!!

Allan

Dirty air? Just so I know for sure: these responses are about animals--correct?

Puurrrrr

DO NOT send your cats as cargo. I have heard so many horror stories over the years I would never chance it. As for all the comments about allergies--there have to be dozens of things on an airline that travelers are allergic to; perfumes for one. I've had to sit next to women and men who've doused themselves with so much it's sickening--next time maybe I'll demand they be moved to cargo. I'd prefer sitting next to a cat anyday. If you're allergic to them, just ask to move.