Moving Cats Across the Country! Help!!

I flew with my cat from California to Florida - 6 hours. She was more confused than anything. It took her a few days after to get used to a new environment, but she did a lot better than I expected. She was under my seat though, not in cargo. Its hard not to worry, but as long as you do your research, you can be confident they will do great!

We moved our cats and it was a 5hr drive. Honestly they cried for the first 20 minutes or so and then fell asleep. Once we got to the new house they just sniffed it out and were fine! Dont worry too much, Im sure they will be happy when they get to the new place and see you there!

Awe Ana i can tell how much your babies mean to you. i feel the same about my kitty. I was going to suggest an anti anxiety medicine but I see you got one, a herbal one at that which sounds perfect. 6 hours won't be that bad, do they like to sleep because I'm sure that's what they will do especially being all doped up That's all mine will do is sleep...

Hey Ana,

Our cat flew in the cabin with us on WestJet, rather than under the plane... though i actually regretted this and would put him in the cargo hold next time. I don't think that seeing us was at all calming for him, and all the other people around made it more stressful. I know people that work on Westjet and they say that the animals are really well treated on their trip to cargo, and that most animals do really well down there. I suggest taking a little sedative for yourself instead of giving it to the cats :-)

oh i'll be using my own meds thats for sure that and wine! hopefully I'll just pass out and sleep the whole way :S

this thread is starting to make me feel a bit better. I will take my cats on trips to FI parent's house because it's only 3 hours away and I'm such a worrywart that i hate leaving them home, even for a weekend. I am the "what if" girl, "what if there's a fire? What if someone breaks into our apartment? what if there's a tornado?" etc. it drives my FI insane. lol I hate the idea of flying any pet in the cargo hold because of stories that I've heard BUT i've also heard good stories where pets arrive safe and in one piece. I know how sick you must feel, especially because it sounds like you have kitties with similar personalities to mine. In the car they ride in the same cage because the nervous nelly kitty is quieter and feels safer with her big sis near.

 

It's not for sure but there's a possibility that we could move to South Africa for FI's work. the ONLY reason I don't want to go is because of our babies. I think that one of them would be OK but the other one would freak out so much I imagine her having a heart attack or something equally as bad. Then we'd come back to the States once a year and would be bring them or have someone babysit them? It's so stressful to me it makes me feel sick to my stomach and like i'll start bawling any second.

 

I could pay $2500 for my ticket and only travel for 19 hours total or pay less but travel for 27-35 hours. I could NOT put them through that, especially with the plane changes and the fact that they have to ride in cargo because SA doesn't allow incoming pets to be anything but cargo. I can't decide what's more important, my babies or a once in a lifetime opportunity. Nothing is for sure yet, but my FI is pretty sure if he really wants the spot he can get it because his bosses love him so much.

Hey Ana.. I don't have any experience with cats travelling by airplane.. but my cats hate their carrier and my boy baby yowls the WHOLE way to the vet, which gets my girl baby all freaked out. As much as you would like them with you in the airplane as a carry-on, I would probably put them in cargo in case they react to being in the carrier for so long.. if the sedatives don't work.. heh.

 

Good luck with your move.. I'm sure it will all go smoothly And let us know how your babies did when you get there!

My best friend moved to Russia last year (and now the Ukraine) to teach English. She took her cat with her, and put the crate in the cabin with her. She didn't have any problems at all. I'm sure some cats would get nervous and cry. Have you had your cats in the car much? That might give you an idea of how they would do in a plane.

Before I got my foster babies this past spring I was driving with my two babies in the same carrier back and forth when my FI was living out of state. They got fairly used to it which was nice. BUT when you fly on most airlines your cats are required to be in separate carriers. One of mine is decent on her own but the other one is HATES it and gets so scared she shakes and pants. It freaks me out. SO i'm trying to think of a way to get them both more used to traveling on their own in carriers. Russia is far away so it makes me feel better that your friend was able to bring hers. Basically any country that was owned by Britain doesn't allow cats to fly into the country in the cabin, so the UK, AU, China, South Africa, etc. So one the flights before we reach South Africa they could fly in the cabin with us but once we are on the last leg they have to go in cargo, which i wouldn't trust in the US, let alone other, non Westernized countries.

I have looked into hiring pet specific travel agents if it comes down to it.

Well the flight went well. The baby cat was totally cool, she was super curious and tried to figure out exactly what was happening. Our older boy was pretty freaked out though. I pretty much refused to get on the plane until they sent one of their guys to check on them and make sure they were in there, and turn their cages towards eachother...which they did lol and probably secretly cursed me for it...haha! Anyways, they arrived safe and sound. Minggis the boy was meowing from start to finish, Abby the girl was ok though...but when we got home, he was the one that was curious and exploring, while Abby freaked and hung out under a chair for a few days they're so funny lol