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Cat Forum / Health and Behavior / April 2004Can an Old Healthy Cat Travel Successfully Internationally?
I may have to put my housecat on an airplane. This cat was relocated twice successfully in her youth, but only locally, within a few miles. She is now at least ten years old and perhaps older (she was either young or a very skinny stray when we found her). I'd almost rather die than face this relocation, and all the sites I've read say not to tranquilize *and* fly at the same time. She has been spayed, if that makes a difference. Short of ending my own life (and I am not kidding when I say this, 'cause that's how much pain anticipating my best friend's anxiety gives me), what can I do to make sure she makes the international flight successfully? I'm not entirely convinced she won't make it to the other country in one piece and I'll be dead of a heart attack worrying about her. I'd be grateful to hear from anyone on this group (and please, no comments on my emotions--unless someone knows an antidepressant to ease Pet Anxiety Disorder). Thanks. > I may have to put my housecat on an airplane. This cat was relocated > twice successfully in her youth, but only locally, within a few miles. [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > > Thanks. I would imagine that she can, though I cannot say she should or shouldn't. I have read many horror stories about pets flying in airplanes, but there have been many success stories, as well. I think if you are going to do it the best thing would be to make yourself a huge pain in the a.s to the airline staff. Try to make sure she flies in the cabin with you rather than in cargo. If impossible, insist that you have a seat where you can view her being loaded onto the plane (if possible). Insist that the people loading her into the cargo area let the pilot know exactly when and where she was placed (then s/he should let you know). Insist that the pilot or flight attendant make sure the area your cat is kept in is heated (ask for proof, if necessary). Insist that you see her being unloaded from the plane. Aside from that, make doubly sure the carrier you are using is absolutely safe and cannot possible "accidentally" pop open. And check with your vet that your cat is healthy enough to fly. If you've done everything you can to make sure she is as safe as possible, and you still feel very uneasy (it's normal to feel a little anxious, but I mean if you feel really anxious), leave her with someone you trust rather than bring her with you. At least you know she'll be safe (and alive) if you give her to a friend. rona  Signature***For e-mail, replace .com with .ca Sorry for the inconvenience!*** Yes, make sure she can fly with you in the passenger section of the plane. I would not put any pet in the cargo hold. Make sure you check regulations with the airlines over and over and confirm with them over and over. I don't think she will need a tranquilizer. Gail > > I may have to put my housecat on an airplane. This cat was relocated > > twice successfully in her youth, but only locally, within a few miles. [quoted text clipped - 39 lines] > > rona ...> > I have read many horror stories about pets flying in airplanes, but there > have been many success stories, as well. I think if you are going to do it > the best thing would be to make yourself a huge pain in the a.s to the > airline staff. ...> > rona I think you made good suggestions, except for the "pain in the a.s" part. There is a big difference between being assertive and being confrontational. Being assertive in a firm but pleasant and polite way is more likely to get you the service you want, at least that has been my experience. I suggest that the OP let the airline folks know she/he is anxious and this is a first time experience and she/he really needs the security of knowing what is going on. People are more likely to cooperate if you allow them to feel helpful instead of being bossed around. Sorry I had to snip your suggestions, but my news reader will not send if my response is shorter than the original message. Annie > I think you made good suggestions, except for the "pain in the a.s" part. > There is a big difference between being assertive and being confrontational. [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > going on. People are more likely to cooperate if you allow them to feel > helpful instead of being bossed around. True, but having worked in customer service, pretty much anyone asking for something out of the ordinary is being a pain in the a.s. When I said she should be a pain in the a.s, I in no way implied that she needed to be confrontational. How she deals with people is up to her--she can do it politely or not. rona Signature***For e-mail, replace .com with .ca Sorry for the inconvenience!*** > I may have to put my housecat on an airplane. This cat was relocated > twice successfully in her youth, but only locally, within a few miles. [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > on my emotions--unless someone knows an antidepressant to ease Pet > Anxiety Disorder). First, this is the place to be totally, irrevocably "stupid" in love with cats! Never apologize! :-) Second, I would only do it on an airline that allowed me to purchase a seat for her right next to you on the plane. Get a nice comfy carrier and put a teeshirt that you have worn several times, unwashed, inside it. Maybe a favorite catnip toy, too. I hope this is not one of those 12+ hour flights, if so, I have no idea what to do about elimination problems. As for her emotions, I think you should be able to soothe her with your presence and words. I would make sure she is very well hydrated the week before, maybe giving her wet food that she really likes more than usual. Airplanes are so drying. Certainly, ask your vet about this. And do some careful research into airline policies. "Mary" <rosefan@email.com> wrote in message news:<w%%4c.100075 > "tioga 0630" <tioga0630@yahoo.com> wrote in message > > First, this is the place to be totally, irrevocably "stupid" in love > with cats! Never apologize! :-) Dear Mary, Dennis, another Mary, and everyone: G-O-D B-L-E-S-S Y-O-U. You have no idea how you've all helped ease my mind. Back "in the day" I was a bird lover, and I quit school in sunny LA because I live on the east coast and the only way to fly the cheepers to California with me (I was pretty young and afraid to drive) would have been in the cargo hold, and I was assured by my vet they would never have made it. Now at least I have some background of information to proceed with, and curiously the one airline I bothered to look up before making this post *was* Continental. Thanks for the tip about a t-shirt with Mommy's scent on it and wet food (of course Dorrie gets wet and dry). Again, thank you, thank you. I'm what they used to call a spinster, and I rely on my toe-lickings and attention from Dor the way she relies on me. At least now, if I make all the preparations I can and something should go wrong, I'd feel God needed His toes licked a little more than I do. > I may have to put my housecat on an airplane. This cat was relocated > twice successfully in her youth, but only locally, within a few miles. [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > > Thanks. I don't know what the rules are for international travel, but I have flown on domestic airlines with my cats (one catsat a time). I always selected an airline that permits pets in the cabin, made reservations for myself *and* my cat well in advance, and my cat travelled in a carrier that fit under the seat in front of me. I never tranquilized mine except the very first flight I took. Never again! The tranquilizer made my cat ill, and all of my cats made the trip in fine shape when not tranquilized. Check with all available airlines that make the flight to the location you need. Ask if there is any way to take a cat in the cabin with you. Be sure to get a *printed* copy of all rules and follow them scrupulously -- size of carrier, certificates of innoculation, health certificate, etc. MaryL > I'm not entirely convinced she won't make it to the other country in > one piece and I'll be dead of a heart attack worrying about her. I'd > be grateful to hear from anyone on this group (and please, no comments > on my emotions--unless someone knows an antidepressant to ease Pet > Anxiety Disorder). Might I suggest chamomile? =^_^= To follow up on MaryL's post, I personally recommend flying Continental Airlines if they serve where you're going. Not only do they have you carry the pets in the cabin, they specifically will not carry animals in the cargo hold. SignatureDennis Carr - ke6isf@spamcop.net | I may be out of my mind, http://www.dennis.furtopia.org | But I have more fun that way. ------------------------------------+------------------------------- "Dennis Carr" > To follow up on MaryL's post, I personally recommend flying Continental > Airlines if they serve where you're going. Not only do they have you > carry the pets in the cabin, they specifically will not carry animals in > the cargo hold. This is great to know! > > To follow up on MaryL's post, I personally recommend flying > Continental [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > This is great to know! They don't accept pets as checked baggage but they do take them as cargo. I wouldn't think anything other than a small cat would be comfortable under the seat in front of you for a long trip (a couple of hours would be fine). The cat must be able to stand up and turn around inside the carrier, which must fit under the seat and remain there at all times. You can see all their information on their website - the main pets link is http://www.continental.com/travel/policies/animals/default.asp Hilary >I may have to put my housecat on an airplane. This cat was relocated >twice successfully in her youth, but only locally, within a few miles. [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > >Thanks. To add to the good advice already given, do fly with her in the cabin with you under the seat. Get a soft-sided carrier. Those will scrunch up enough to fit under a seat and can be pulled out to sit by your feet during the flight. Make reservations early for both you and the cat. There is a limit on the animals permitted in the cabin. Have a halter, leash and tags on your cat. You will be required to remove the animal and carry it through the metal detector while the carrier goes separately through X ray. Frightened cats have escaped in airports. Check with immigration of the destination country on required documents. Don't depend on what the airlines tell you. A health certificate is usually good for ten days and a copy of the rabies certificate will be required. BarB > I may have to put my housecat on an airplane. This cat was relocated > twice successfully in her youth, but only locally, within a few miles. [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > > Thanks. A very real concern. Cats are not that adaptable.. Can anyone help this man...? > I may have to put my housecat on an airplane. This cat was relocated > twice successfully in her youth, but only locally, within a few miles. > She is now at least ten years old and perhaps older (she was either > young or a very skinny stray when we found her). > > Thanks. I just realized that I did not address the issue of age in my original reply. Only your vet could adequately discuss the issue of health with you because your vet will know specifics about your cat's health. However, ten years old really is not old for a cat that has been well-cared-for (and I am sure yours has been). I made four trips (two round-trips) a year with my first cat for many years. The last one was when he was 19 years old. He was in the cabin with me for each trip, and that is important. His carrier was under the seat in front of me, and he could look up and see me at all times. I would lean over and talk to him frequently, but he also slept through a lot of the trip -- with *no* tranquilizer (except for the first time, which I mentioned in my original reply to you -- something I would never do again). My trips were not as long as yours, of course. Each one lasted about 3 hours each way. MaryL "MaryL" <carstan101@yahoo.comTAKE-OUT-THE-LITTER> wrote in message > I just realized that I did not address the issue of age in my original > reply. Only your vet could adequately discuss the issue of health with you > because your vet will know specifics about your cat's health. However, ten > years old really is not old for a cat that has been well-cared-for (and I am > sure yours has been). Mary and Barb (and anyone else!). Reading all your kind replies, I realized I omitted some very important information about Dorrie. I was neither her original "finder" nor "keeper." I actually was a cat...disliker until I sold my home and moved in with an elderly parent last year. Dorrie was left with this parent and resided primarily in the (cold) basement until I arrived. I started taking care of her, and--well, now I almost love her more than I love life. I trained her to live upstairs; she sleeps with me every night. Not to be (WAH! WAH!) a baby, but the situation is very complex. The parent in question is extremely difficult to live with and fairly unkind. Being unemployed and by training an English teacher, I have applied for work overseas. I've jettisoned literally everything I own except my laptop and Dorrie in order to accept work. Having said that, Dorrie has not been to a vet in 6+ years. As a former stray, she is extremely frightened of strangers, and even I have to guard my neck when I try to pick her up and carry her. The sister who found her, rescued her, and had her spayed and given routine initial shots, agrees that it might be useless to try to transport her to a vet who is literally an earth-angel (the kind who lets you bring your pet to him on gorgeous Saturday afternoons and charges, like, ten dollars). This sister, who no longer lives with our parent, is of the opinion the stress on Dorrie involved in picking her up and sticking her in a car, let alone a carrier, would be at least as bad as whatever ailment she might have. I do agree with this. When a previous poster on this thread warned that I'd have to remove Dorrie from a carrier at customs, I got heartsick. Dor has never worn a collar let alone a leash. She just "is what she is": a cat who was born wild. Anyway, those of you who are religious, please say prayers that God, or Y--weh, Allah, Buddah, or Whoever will look on me in my situation. I do not put Dorrie's life above mine (and my happiness has never been less). On the other hand, God (or Y--weh, or Allah, or Buddah, or Whomever) knows that Dorrie and Dorrie alone "rescued my life from the pit." I can't be separated from her. Not to sound too weird, but she's the only proof I've had for the past 12+ months that the Almighty hasn't forgotten me. Currently, TESL (teaching English as a second language) jobs seem the only that can 1) get me away from a parent who no longer deserves compassion, and 2) keep me gainfully employed in the vocation I trained for. Dr. Phil and folk like him aside, God bless them, it's impossible for me to mow lawns or flip burgers. Okay-- Major apologies for this overly weepy tearjerker of a post. The only reason I'm making it is because I cannot leave Dorrie. I'm not a wimp; I just can't leave her. So please just say some prayers for her and me. We're both middle-aged ladies who never had kids, and now we have each other, and I will no more say goodbye to her and give her away than I will say goodbye to myself. As far as giving her back to the sister who left her with our parent, my sister has other animals and for various reasons would be unable to give her the care she needs. (That's actually where I entered the picture to begin with.) But I'm too embarrassed to read any replies on this thread, because I'm afraid someone will write in and make fun of me. So if you have anything more to say (and you've all been so kind), please email me. tioga wrote: <Snip> 1. Take your cat to the vet. While it may be stressful for her you NEED to have her checked out. Do bloodwork to make sure she doesn't have any health issues cropping up. I have many cats, some ferals, and some of them hate the vet, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't go. Just like children, their health and welfare is more important than what they may like or dislike and I won't allow stress they might feel to stand in the way of their getting medical care. Believe me, the cat will get over it and be happy to be back home. You have to stop putting your emotions on the cat because it doesn't help her or you. 2. With the influx of immigrants to this country, and the need for them to learn the language in order to function in society, I'm surprised you can't find something right here in the USA. I would think there would be a real need for people that teach English as a second language and if I were you I would start by calling the INS and local schools to find out what's available or needed. You may be able to work out something with a library, get space there or get some donated for your use a few times a week, and start your own teaching gig. I don't think you have to resort to moving out of the country to do what you do, and it sounds like you have abilities that you can capitalize on. Megan Signature"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -Edmund Burke Learn The TRUTH About Declawing http://www.stopdeclaw.com Zuzu's Cats Photo Album: http://www.PictureTrail.com/zuzu22 "Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way." - W.H. Murray > tioga wrote: > [quoted text clipped - 43 lines] > > - W.H. Murray To add to what Megan has written: In addition to the need to have your cat checked by a vet in order to care for her health properly, you will find that you *must* have a rabies certificate and a health certificate in order to travel with your can on any airline (or, at least, any that I know of). Are you certified to teach in the public schools (any state)? If so, you may have given up too quickly on finding a job. I am an educator and live in Texas, and TESL is in high demand. MaryL In case the original poster is still reading definitely to go abroad your cat must have certain shots and certificate, depending on which country you are going to. I believe you can teach your cat to wear a collar with ID and a harness which is easier on the cat. Make sure the harness is attached to the collar in case one slips off. A little time with this every day. Leave the carrier out opened up all the time so the cat gets used to it. You are the boss and you know what's best for your cat. It seems to me that you are determined. Best of luck, Barb We have a ton of immigrants around here (NY) and they are always looking for ESL teachers but they want you to volunteer. (No pay!) Barb > We have a ton of immigrants around here (NY) and they are always looking for > ESL teachers but they want you to volunteer. (No pay!) > > Barb I'm sure that is true is many areas. However, ESL is part of the curriculum in many Texas schools. TESL eachers (not volunteers) must be certified. Here is the URL for the State Board of Certification. This link describes the test framework for certification. http://www.sbec.state.tx.us/SBECOnline/standtest/testfram.asp?width=1024&height=768 The OP could click on items in the left-hand frame to look up requirements, rules and other information. I hope this helps. MaryL "MaryL" <carstan101@yahoo.comTAKE-OUT-THE-LITTER> wrote in message > I'm sure that is true is many areas. However, ESL is part of the curriculum > in many Texas schools. TESL eachers (not volunteers) must be certified. > Here is the URL for the State Board of Certification. This link describes > the test framework for certification. [SNIP} Well, I got so many nice replies via email I came back and read the thread. I think the first thing I have to do is buy Dorrie a big carrier, so whether I relocate to another part of the country, the world, or just take her to the vet, I won't experience the degree of trauma some of you kind folk have written about privately to me (hopefully!). Dorrie's big because she's had a hysterectomy early in her life; her underbelly sort of sweeps the floor. So if anyone has any suggestions for reasonably priced BIG carriers, I'd appreciate hearing about them. Secondly, in regard to various suggestions about teaching jobs I've received here as well as via email, I've written to some of the schools/agencies that have been suggested and wil definitely investigate this Texas site. I do not have certification to teach in public schools and can't afford to return for full-time study and student teaching. Just as last note-- I'm kind of rethinking my priorities. I got an extremely encouraging email from a Central European school, but if I can't "whip Dorrie into shape" (and I'm of course speaking very ironically, 'cause how can you change a little cat with maybe 12+ years of habits), I may look for the lawn mowing jobs or burger flipping positions after all. I don't want Dorrie to suffer, and this thread has helped me clarify that, specifically that, as my utmost priority. Thank you all. > "MaryL" <carstan101@yahoo.comTAKE-OUT-THE-LITTER> wrote in message > [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > > Thank you all. One thing to think about before you buy that "big carrier": It may be helpful to have a large opening when you try to get your cat in the carrier to take her to a vet. However, (1) cats usually travel more comfortably in a small space -- think of the little spaces your cat manages to squeeze herself into, and she also could not be bounced around as much in a small carrier; (2) if you plan to go by air and want to take your cat in the cabin with you -- which is the only way I would do it -- then the carrier must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you, and you need to check the airline for maximum dimensions. MaryL > "MaryL" <carstan101@yahoo.comTAKE-OUT-THE-LITTER> wrote in message > [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > public schools and can't afford to return for full-time study and > student teaching. I wasn't sure if you were certified. The site I posted will probably not be of much value to you since you have now confirmed that you are not certified; it is a web site maintained by the Texas Education Agency. However, you still may be able to get emergency certification if you have a Bachelor's degree. You should be able to get information if you contact the College of Education at any university that offers teacher education. Of course, the "rules" vary greatly from one state to another. > Just as last note-- I'm kind of rethinking my priorities. I got an > extremely encouraging email from a Central European school, Be very cautious about going to Central Europe only on the basis of "encouraging email." I would not want to make such a move unless I had a signed contract. "Encouragement" can disappear in an instant. You should also make sure that you can legally work in whatever country you have chosen. Just as with the U.S., they may have some stringent rules about foreigners getting work permits. MaryL > Thank you all. > Well, I got so many nice replies via email I came back and read the > thread. [snip] Just wanted you to know that I am rooting for you and know that you'll feel great when you have your independence. In terms of income, that "think outside the box" thing can help. There are even places online where you bid for clerical or word processing jobs that you then do at home. Good luck. My vet doesn't consider a 10 year old cat old, if that's any help. Make sure your cat can travel in the cabin with you. Check this well in advance and you may need to contact more than one airline. Good luck, Barb Hello, This thread was god-send, as I am faced with a very similar problem. My wife and I will be leaving the US to emigrate to Australia. Our 4 beloved critters, our "kids", will be coming with us. As some may know, Australia has some very strict quarantine rules (though, thank goodness, no longer the 6 months, they once required). By having them get all their bloodwork and vaccinations done, we can reduce the time to 30 days. Also, we will use a reputable (with lots of references) animal moving company. So far, so good. Our 2 dogs should do just fine, knowing them. Merlin, our Russian Blue, as well. On trips to the vet, he tends to complain once or twice about the general injustice of being in a carrier, then curls up and watches the world go by. Give him a catnip toy and he'll be stoned out of his little eyeballs. ;) My worry, nay, my nightmare is Phoebe, our Himalayan. Smart, social and affectionate, yet, she absolutely *HATES* being penned up in a carrier or travelling. Our vet measured her heartrate shoot up to 200+ coming out of the carrier. She will not stop crying through-out the ride. Oh yes, she's about 8 or 9 - a rescue cat, we can't be sure. What can I do, to not have her die of stress? Our options are somewhat limited - animals *must* travel as freight. :( The carriers are prescribed and they must be sealed before departure. Everyone I've spoken to, says that tranquilizers are a BIG nono, so I won't touch them. What alternatives are there? Hope that the catnip lasts? Which may raise other problems and issues, as importing plants to Australia is illegal and they may take a dim view of the dried catnip. Are there homeopathic or other organic/natural/non-dehydrating/safe calm-her-downs? (I don't want to knock her out!) I loved the suggestions made in the thread, but as stated above, because it is not allowed to take them in the cabin, many of them won't work. The critters may not even be on the same flight as we. Help! Mike SignatureAm I the only one who's noticed that the discovery of the accelerating expansion of the universe coincides with the discovery that more than half of email, and rising, is now spam? >From: Michael Hoffman michaelh@SPAMBEGONEbarahir.com >Are there homeopathic or >other organic/natural/non-dehydrating/safe calm-her-downs? (I don't want to >knock her out!) When I take my cats to the vet, I give them Rescue Remedy and it seems to help calm them. How soon are you leaving? Maybe you could try the RR beforehand to see how your cat reacts. Here's a website I came across: http://www.flowersociety.org/Animals.htm Lauren ________ See my cats: http://community.webshots.com/album/56955940rWhxAe Raw Diet Info: http://www.holisticat.com/drjletter.html http://www.geocities.com/rawfeeders/ForCatsOnly.html Declawing Info: http://www.wholecat.com/articles/claws.htm >>From: Michael Hoffman michaelh@SPAMBEGONEbarahir.com > [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > http://www.geocities.com/rawfeeders/ForCatsOnly.html > Declawing Info: http://www.wholecat.com/articles/claws.htm Thanks for the info! Also, thanks for your sig - my wife and I had talked about feeding our critters better and your links are good resources! Mike SignatureAm I the only one who's noticed that the discovery of the accelerating expansion of the universe coincides with the discovery that more than half of email, and rising, is now spam? Hi Mike, I'm in Oz and catnip is sold here. You probably can't bring it with you but you can get it once you're here. > >>From: Michael Hoffman michaelh@SPAMBEGONEbarahir.com > [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > > Mike > Hi Mike, > I'm in Oz and catnip is sold here. You probably can't bring it with > you but you can get it once you're here. Thanks! There is of course a certain non-logic in that policy, but that's governments for you. :) Mike SignatureAm I the only one who's noticed that the discovery of the accelerating expansion of the universe coincides with the discovery that more than half of email, and rising, is now spam? Hi, Why don't you email Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service and ask them if you can bring in some dried Catnip with your pets. The email address is: - animalimp@aqis.gov.au Regards, Sharon. > Hello, > [quoted text clipped - 45 lines] > expansion of the universe coincides with the discovery that more than half > of email, and rising, is now spam? |
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