Flying Cats. Help?

[Cind11]

Driving them there-yeah! That''s great. I definitely vote for a large crate. It''s dangerous letting cats loose in a car. As Sumbride said, it could be hazardous if they get under your feet. Also, if you get out of your car, then you have to make sure one of them doesn''t accidentally get out of the car too. Loose cat could equal cat who freaks out, runs and gets lost for good. I think they will feel safer in their own little space.

 

[firebirdgold]

I''ve driven with two cats and two dogs in the same car, I''ve driven with my cat from LA to Seattle, from LA to new mexico and back again multiple times. My parents have driven with a cat for 14 hours for uncountable trips. Not once have we had a cat in a crate or bag for more than an hour.

Sure there''s been a time or two when a cat has tried to slink under the driver but it was easy to head the cat off at the pass. It''d be even easier with a second person.

 

[clammer]

I was just going to post a similar question. My husband has run-off in various countries for four months next year. I''m coming home to Michigan, and desperately want to bring our new puppy. They just don''t treat pets the same here in China so I really don''t trust anyone watching him for that long. From the sounds of it, I better start talking to the airlines and immigration now.

 

[diamondfan]

I flew out mu dog when she was 4 months. Tried for days to get her on US Air from California direct to Philly but the weather restrictions they put on were not allowing it. Even though she was not a snub nosed breed and was larger and a cold water swimming dog, it just was not happening. (I forget the temp but it had to be over 45 degrees where the plane was landing)...anyway, got her on United direct to Newark and drove there to get her. She was fine. Sedating is not always good, the vet/breeder I got her from (she is my cousin too) was opposed to sedation since they can react adversely and if they are in a plane without assistance it could be dangerous. East to west temperature wise should not be an issue, and you need to check the airline websites for more info. I am sure there are forms to be filled out. I recall there are certain more fragile breeds that they will not transport as live cargo...

 

[FireGoddess]

A good friend of mine drove to TX from CA for a new job and took the 2 cats loose in the car. Didn't have any problems, but locked 'em in the crate when she had to go for rest stops. (I should also mention she took them on 'training rides' beforehand to prepare.) I personally would keep them in the vehicle in a large crate, but I'm easily worried.

 

[Mara]

i wouldn''t even let my well-behaved pup loose in the car, it''s very unsafe for the driver and the pets themselves. if there is an accidents, those cats are windshield-meat. i''d definitely use a carrier. as to all of them all together, well how do they get along? i''d say 3 separate carriers would work the best. maybe you can take one of them out every hour or so and spend a bit of cuddly time with that one then put it back so they don''t feel totally freaked out. but it really depends on the pets themselves. portia has her own seatbelt in the car so she''d definitely be driving with us unless we were flying, in which case i''d take her on the plane with me as she fits size requirement for cabin as long as she''s in a crate.

 

[curlygirl]

Gypsy, I''m glad you''ll be driving them. It will save you a lot hassle and $$! I think a crate may be the best thing just for the sake of safety. And since you still have some time, I would get them used to being in a car now so they don''t get freaked out for the actual move. Maybe take them on little rides here and there just so they can get adjusted and help them realize they have nothing to be scared of. Just a thought...

 

[AdaBeta27]

link to long-distance transport of cats topic on another board:

http://ultimatedressage.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=43651&highlight=

I keep mine crated for their protection and mine.

 

[LAJennifer]

I read that you''ve decided to drive, but perhaps there is another option. When I got my cat, Seth, a few years ago - the breeder was in Ohio and I am in Los Angeles. She shipped him to me on a service with Delta Airlines called "Quick Pack". He did not go in cargo - but was placed in the flight attendants area. I picked him up at the airport - a flight attendant brought him out to me. She said he was very sweet, and that he talked during the whole flight. That was few years ago and I think it cost me $135. So, maybe you could fly with two of your kitties and have your mother send the third.

I also would not recommend putting them all in the same crate. I have 2 cats who adore eachother - and I bought a big carrier to make trips to the vet easier on me. Bad idea - turns out that when Electra is stressed, she beats the crap out of Seth. Its a very scary thing to experience.