Cattail on the Dashboard
Cattail and I have a fair amount of experience with travelling, both by car and flying. It is difficult to make a blanket statement about travelling with all cats because each kitty is different. However, here are some hints to help you, and please feel free to contact me if you would like mo information.WHEN FLYING
We've flown NorthWest Airlines between Seattle to Minneapolis and Cattail was in the cabin with me. I have heard that US Air is the best airline serving the East Coast regarding pets. KLM and SAS have gotten good reviews for International flights.
I suggest that you call airlines or the airline of your choice for further details, particularly if your cat won't be in the cabin with you or is travelling alone.
A lot of pets are flying in the cargo hold these days and most arrive OK. Get as much advance information and detail as you can from the airline, from your vet, also inquire on the Internet cat newsgroups to learn from owners who've sent their cats in the hold.
Flying in Winter in cold climates can mean a very cold cargo hold if the plane sits on the ground for any length of time before take-off ... unless the pilot is aware of a cat inside and turns on some heat. In Summer heat, the hold can become stifling hot if the plane doesn't take off immediately. It's best to fly during Spring and Autumn if possible, unless the cat will be in the cabin with you.
Ideal would be if you could carry your cat on board to be inside the cabin with you during the flight. No airline personnel would handle him and you wouldn't have to depend on strangers to be kind to your cat.
A non-stop flight is of utmost importance, not only for time, but to eliminate the possible mishandling during transfer from one plane to another.
Ask a lot of questions of the airlines you call and express your concerns about how your cat will be handled and treated at all times ... and what their specific requirements are for you.
Most airlines require a health certificate for the cat, and you will need a sturdy carrier (if you don't already have a good one) and your cat needs time to get used to being in it and feel secure.
Think through every step of the trip for your cat and get as much advance informatione.
WHEN DRIVING
My Cattail is a very seasoned car rider, but I know most cats aren't. How is your cat in the car? You may not have much time to get him used to riding if he isn't good at it. But do what you can to take him on short rides that don't end up with an unpleasant experience, i.e. the vet, to prepare him somewhat.
If your kitty is not used to a carrier, it would be a good idea if she can get accustomed to it in advance. Put a familiar article in the carrier ... something she's slept on or an old shirt that you have worn (and not laundered). Praise and play with her as a reward for going into the carrier. Cattail used to sleep in his before I actually closed it and took him somewhere in it. He doesn't use his carrier in the car, but needs to on an airplane.
Your kitty will probably need to be in his carrier or a wire pen in the car. You'll need to stop occasionally and offer kitty a chance to use a litter pan, unless he's in a pen and there's room for the pan inside. There are disposable ones at PetsMart and other pet stores that are good for traveling, or you can just put litter in a small plastic pan or plastic-lined box. He may not use it often, but will feel calmer if he knows it is available to him. Food and water available goes without saying.
Stop as often as is practical for you to give her a little change from riding. Give her some loving attention to break the monotony of the ride and then start on another lap. If you are lucky, she may drift off to sleep, lulled by the motion of the car ... keep driving!
WHERE TO STAY
Will you be staying overnight along the way? Motel 6 accepts cats without question or extra charge in nearly all locations. Several other motel chains accept small pets, also. Here is a list of some to consider (plus other good travel tips):
http://www.petswelcome.com Be sure to have his collar on at all times with your cell-phone or other phone number attached where you can be reached should he slip away from you. (Try very hard at ALL times not to let that happen!) You might want a leash along to better restrain him when he's out of his carrier in the car or motel room.
In the motel room, Kitty may meow and be noisy, keeping you from sleeping. Take her in bed and cuddle her or feed her ... whatever you can think of to settle her down so you can sleep! The first night in a motel is confusing to a cat. Plus they hear many unfamiliar sounds you probably won't notice. There might be a dog in an adjoining room.
FLYING vs. DRIVING
I tend to suggest you take him in the car with you so you have control over his well-being during the trip and you won't have to depend on the airlines and worry if he's making the trip OK if he's travelling alone. On the other hand, the driving trip is long and if he's very upset about car-riding, the flight is a matter of hours and he's at his destination. You've got to decide which method will be best for him in the long run ... there are pros and cons either way.
Be sure and talk to the vet early on when planning the trip. Tranquilizers are available, but some people report they aren't effective or seem to do more harm than good. "Feliway" is a good alternative to look into. Ask your vet about this, or purchase it on the internet (but only after you have done appropriate research into it and are aware of side-effects). You must decide what would be best for your cat after discussing the options with your vet. Make an appointment with your vet for a health exam and certificate, and ensure that vaccinations are up-to-date.
These are only some basic tips about travelling with a cat, based on Cattail's and my experience. If I can help you further, please email me. I would be happy to hear from you if you'd like to ask specific questions about our trips, or if you need some advice or help with travel plans you have with your cat.
Good Luck!
This article is Copyright © Karen Anderson, and printed with permission of the author.
See pictures of Cattail
Read Karen's StoriesEDITOR'S NOTE: For more information about travelling with your cat, read Karen's story entitled: On The Road Again.
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