Cats on long airplane trips | ExpatWoman.com
 

Cats on long airplane trips

200
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 November 2011 - 21:12

Fortunately, I'm not in this position, but if I ever needed to move my cats from here to the U.S., what are the actual logistics? I don't mean the laws. I mean, what about their bathroom needs, food, water, the stress? I can't imagine just sticking them in the travel crate and checking them in. How does it work? Do they give them kitty quaaludes?How do the poor kitties deal with the travel? In my case, it would be a 14-hour flight, plus a transit and a second, one-hour flight. Just curious....

348
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 December 2011 - 16:46
We came here on a 6 hours flight with Emirates, our 2 cats were two years old at the time, they had to fly cargo of course but they did not show signs of eccessive stress. . We were supported by two pet relocation companies anyway, one back home and the counterpart here (Kennels and Catteries) for a door-to-door service, including advices and information for the European Passport and for the vaccinations required here. We spent more money to relocate the cats than for us :D but it was worth it. If you can afford it, I strongly recommend this solution, also because these professionals have contacts inside the airport staff and can ease things. I appreciated the fact that Emirates moved our cats on a different flight because they avoid having stranger cats and dogs travelling on the same flight, and a dog had booked the same flight before us. When travelling cargo it is not allowed to sedate the pets, because the company can not be held responsible if something happens due to side effects. For the same reason some companies do not accept specific breeds such as persian cats because of potential breathing issues.
3804
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 21 December 2011 - 21:10
Actually I don't think any airline will allow you to sedate an animal as if there's a problem you can't get to them to reverse the effects.
1601
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 19 December 2011 - 21:04
Agree with previous posters KLM are excellent.BA are also really good.My cats have always settled in very well and are just so happy to see us.Having them with us really helped with the kids feeling more at home. Please remember most importantly have ALL innoculations up to date esp RABIES as depending on where you are re locating to this can be a big ssue. As I have said before ( like a broken record LOL) put a bit away every month in a "kitty fund" as it can be very expensive when re locating animals. You are wise to think ahead.;)
3
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 December 2011 - 14:57
I recently relocated from USA to Dubai with two, 9 year old cats. This was the first time they ever flew. They flew KLM, starting in Florida with a stopover in Germany, before they arrived in Dubai, safely, clean, fed and watered. KLM took excellent care of them, including cleaning out crate on stopover.
1759
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 20 November 2011 - 12:21
I have done this several times to and from North America - 1. I always fly KLM even if it means a less convenient passage for me because KLM is very good with both the animals and the nervous mothers. KLM has a pet hotel in Schipol where all flights for North America connect - they are fed, watered, access to litter box and a vet is available to inspect the health of the animals. 2. You are not supposed to give your pet food before the flight - invest in a water bottle (like hamsters use) and train your cat to drink from that before flying - not an issue for mine as they like to drink from the tap. 3. You can buy what are called "pooch pads" to put in the bottom of the crate - I see there are doggy training pads now available in some outlets here as well - they will absorb any liquid (pee or water) but the poop can't be handled - another reason why I choose KLM - they don't have to sit in filth for too long at that rate. 4. Most vets recommend you do not tranquilize the animal as it reduces their ability to "brace" themselves in case of turbulance and they may be injured as a result. Hope that helps
67
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 November 2011 - 21:38
My cat just came here from australia, so on a trip of similar duration. He is 7, and a very neurotic cat at the best of times. when I picked him up at the airport, his cage just stank - there was urine and faeces all through it, the food had been tipped out, the stench was incredible. I got him home, and gave him two baths, then had one myself and then we were OK. He was so happy to see me that he settled in really quickly and has not suffered from any ill effects. They are pretty resilient, and they need to go to the bathroom. Cats I think are sealed in their cages until their destination so its pretty inevitable that they get soiled.....the long and short of it is he was OK and there was no after effects of his travel - he did not have any sedatives as it was a bit of a pain to arrange - there are rules with airlines and pet companies to navigate. I do pity the cat or dog who had to sit next to him during the flight.....
 
 

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