Have you discussed the move with your vet? I'd be concerned about the 20
hours without water.

Wendy

I posted some time ago about moving cats from Europe (Germany) to the
US and got many helpful replies. It has taken longer than initially
expected but finally we will be moving in three weeks. This cat move
is costing me a fortune (about 1K USD --> a lot of money for us these
days) and everybody thinks I am nuts for not simply giving them back
to the shelter and get new cats in California. Anyway, I have a few
questions though. We are downsizing from a 1300 square feet apartment
in Germany to 750 square feet in San Jose is that going to cause
problems? We will be moving at least two more times within the next 4
month (potentially 3 times) is that going to be a problem for the
cats? Total time in transit is somewhere around 20 hours and the
airline does not allow food or drink in the cat transport unit (aka
cage) is that OK? I will be taking some of their toys their bowls etc.
I am thinking about taking the Nico's basket and Kali's favourite
sleeping contraption. Is it worth it --> will it make it easier for
them to adapt or should I simply get them new things in the US? Both
cats hate cages and hate leaving the house, Nico usually doesn't eat
for a day after a vet visit. I have been thinking about taking them
and driving them around every other day or so to get them used to
traveling. Will that help?

These are the two travellers....
http://photos.yahoo.com/i_hear_the_lampire_down

Matt,

We are downsizing from a 1300 square feet apartment in Germany to 750 square
feet in San Jose is that going to cause problems? We will be moving at least
two more times within the next 4 month (potentially 3 times) is that going
to be a problem for the cats?

--The size of your residence isn't going to cause a problem for your cats.
The stress they will endure will be from the flight to the U.S. and the
uprooting that you may have to do three more times before you settle. You
are going to have your hands full.

Total time in transit is somewhere around 20 hours and the airline does not
allow food or drink in the cat transport unit is this ok?

--Its going to have to be, if you want to get your cats into the U.S. One
problem you are going to have to face when you arrive in the U.S. is
Customs. Granted your cats will be without water for almost a day, they will
be showing the initial signs of dehydration. The problem is that when
Customs examines your cats and they seem to look sick they will quarantine
your cats. The water concern may be a setback. You may want to seek advice
regarding how to properly hydrate your cat so that they will endure the trip
without becoming dehydrated.

I will be taking some of their toys their bowls etc. I am thinking about
taking the Nico's basket and Kali's favourite sleeping contraption. Is it
worth it --> will it make it easier for them to adapt or should I simply get
them new things in the US?

--DO NOT BRING ANY TOYS FROM GERMANY TO THE US. This will hold you up in
customs. You can throw a blanket into their cages, but that's about it. U.S.
Customs is very stringent regarding the importing of anything that an animal
has eaten from, or may have come in contact with. Customs has become as
strict about this, as they are regarding the importing of food or fruit
without approval. You can purchase new toys and bowls when you are settled.

You may want to consider leaving your cats with a friend in Germany until
you are settled in the U.S. I understand your bond with your cats is very
strong; however, you may want to explore other options.

20 hours without water seems a little much.  If you have a stopover,
airlines (Ithought let you deplane the animals during layover) but I would
be careful about making sure they are put back.  Also, are you sure airlines
won;t let you take them in cabin? Most airlines let 2 or 3 small animals in
carriers that fit under seat.  I have traveled with a cat that way...

Beautiful cats!

I have decided to change the strategy, I will be using the services of
www.petair.de. They are able to provide the cats with water in transit
and will also take care of them if anything unexpected (delays etc.)
happens. This would reduce the time without food and water to about 11
hours (flight time) which I think is, while not pleasant for them,
reasonable.

"> Beautiful cats!"

Thanks, those cats are living like kings. Loads of attention, great
food, and healthcare etc. Both of them are very people friendly and
really affectionate. I will let you guys know how it goes......