Anyone ever brought your cat on a plane trip with you? Need tips!!

[kcoursolle]

I''m bringing my cat home with me for the holidays tomorrow and I''m a little nervous how it''s going to go. She''s been in a few car rides, even one that was 2 hours, and did very well. She didn''t vomit, but she did cry a great deal and seem nervous. I am set with her regulation size carrier, but I''m nervous about the day in general. I also have to take her out of the carrier at security so that the carrier can go through the scanner and it''s sometimes very hard to get her back in!

Any tips on going through the security line, keeping her happy, etc? How quickly did the security line go? Did they check all of the documents or just let you go through quickly to get you out of there? By the way, I am not allowed to take her out of her carrier or from under the seat in front of me during flight.

Thanks!!

 

[kcoursolle]

Anyone? Do you think my cat is going to have a heck of a day or do you think she is just going to fall asleep eventually? Any tips would be greatly appreciated in how to make the day a little better for her.

 

[CJ2008]

hey KC, I hope I can be of some help to you...

I flew with my cat from NY to FL and I was a wreck. I don't remember having to go through security with him, I'm sure I blocked it out of my mind! The only thing I can think of is to make sure her nails are trimmed so he doesn't scratch you and you're not as afraid to do what you have to do to get her back in the carrier. You may want to carry a towel or t-shirt, anything you can wrap around her body/legs so he can't fight you.

Sedation - my vet had recommended against it, I forget why, but I do remember it was for his safety - so even though it would have made it easier on me, I didn't give him anything.

I felt bad for the whole plane ride because of course he couldn't really stand up and stretch in the carrier, but we did survive.

You won't enjoy it, but I think you'll be fine - the calmer you try to be, the better.

 

[kcoursolle]

Hi there, thanks for responding!! I''m glad to hear both of you made it safely. My vet also recommended against sedation, because of the altitude change. Glad to hear you don''t remember much about security. I just don''t want to be standing there with a squirming cat for 5 mintues while they check things over!! I have a document showing that CA doesn''t need a health certificate, but I don''t they don''t ask for all of that stuff anyways.

 

[Kaleigh]

Date: 12/22/2008 12:14:35 AM
Author: kcoursolle
Anyone? Do you think my cat is going to have a heck of a day or do you think she is just going to fall asleep eventually? Any tips would be greatly appreciated in how to make the day a little better for her.

Allow yourself plenty of time. Traveling now is crazy enough, so with your Kitty you don''t want to be rushed. The check point person at the head of security should be able to help you, give that person the heads up. Don''t be afraid to ask for help. You can also ask for help once you check in, they will give you exta tips. Best of luck, have a safe trip!!!

 

[kcoursolle]

Date: 12/22/2008 12:41:28 AM
Author: Kaleigh

Date: 12/22/2008 12:14:35 AM
Author: kcoursolle
Anyone? Do you think my cat is going to have a heck of a day or do you think she is just going to fall asleep eventually? Any tips would be greatly appreciated in how to make the day a little better for her.

Allow yourself plenty of time. Traveling now is crazy enough, so with your Kitty you don''t want to be rushed. The check point person at the head of security should be able to help you, give that person the heads up. Don''t be afraid to ask for help. You can also ask for help once you check in, they will give you exta tips. Best of luck, have a safe trip!!!

That''s a great idea Kaleigh, I forget sometimes that those folks are actually suppose to *help* you LOL!!

Do you guys think I should sneak in some water and food mid-flight or do you think she''ll just puke it up?

 

[CJ2008]

I probably woulnd''t give her any food or water...it might make her want to go to the bathroom, or, like you said, vomit...

Kaleigh''s point was right on, too...the last thing you want to do is feel rushed...but seriously, for a squirming cat, nothing beats a towel around her body...

 

[vintagecushion]

One thing I really recommend is a body leash. Several times I had to take my cat out during check in at the airline's request and it really helped to have her wearing the harness in the carrier and to clip the leash part in when she was out of the carrier. I let her get used to the harness at home and it made traveling so much easier and I wasn't afraid to lose a nervous cat at the airport.

 

[CJ2008]

kc, how did it go?