Cattail

Yes, he did ... after 5000 miles in the sky (and being a perfect passenger), Cattail was awarded his wings by NorthWest Airlines!

Our vacation in WI, IL, and MN is over and Cattail was a wonderful traveler. He had to always use his litter box (SwheatScoop, of course) and be on leash the first 2 weeks.

But in northern WI, the last week, he was able to go outside alone and was back at the door within 20 minutes with a mouse in his mouth. He discovered a heavenly "field full of mice" and I often saw him with a fresh catch. The last 3 days he didn't eat any of the meals I prepared ... he was enjoying fresh mouse!

So his vacation ended on an especially happy note!

NW Airline personnel at Sea-Tac (Seattle) were all extremely pleased to have Cattail as a passenger and made him feel welcome and special. Minneapolis was a drastic change, however. Keep in mind when flying with your cat, airport personnel have a different attitude from one city to another.

NW Airlines requires a health certificate that is no more than 10 days old. Since we were away 23 days, Cattail had to see a vet in Wisconsin for a new exam and certificate.

He was in his carrier under the seat in front of me. I happened to be assigned the same seat on both flights on a DC-10. We were on the aisle and Cattail could see out all around through the mesh sections of his carrier. The underseat area was open around the supports.

The only time he meowed a couple times was when the plane actually lifted off the ground during take-off. On the return flight he meowed occasionally during the flight, but I don't think it was because of flying ... he just wanted out of his carrier.

He was a welcome guest in several homes we visited and behaved perfectly. A young dog (who had never seen a cat before) thought he was a furry plaything and he took as much pestering as he could. Then he gave doggie her first quick lesson in the art of good behavior around cats! But she forgot her lesson later outside when Cattail was briefly tied to the fence. He just sat back and displayed his sharp claws in all their glory ... no contact necessary! She took one look and retreated!

Except for unseasonably hot and humid weather in June, all went well during a very busy, active 23 days of traveling. No escapes, no problems. He is one special cat!

Back home, we saw his vet because of mosquito bites and eating so many mice. He got a dose of worm medicine for the mice and HeartGuard for the mosquitos. No negative reaction to either medication and he will take second doses in a month.

Motel 6 is very pet friendly. Cattail doesn't want to eat his meals or drink water when the dishes are on the carpet ... must be the deodorant the maids spray on it. So I let him eat and drink on the vanity or table. He often just ate in the car as there was always dry food and water available.

I had to transfer his litter box often between the car and motels ... what a blessing to have SwheatScoop. It is quite lightweight, never any odors, clumps are so easily flushed away. We've traveled with clay litter and it was most unpleasant for me to deal with.

Cattail's air fare was $100 round-trip and his 2 health certificates cost $20 each. I had a wonderful, memorable trip and it wouldn't have been possible if Cattail hadn't gone along with me and been so co-operative and patient!

But we are both VERY glad to be back home and in our old routine!

Copyright © Karen Anderson
July 20, 1998