Tips for Flying with the Pook (my kitty)

Well - I made my plane reservations yesterday to move down to Florida for me and the Pook

Any suggestions from cat mommies to make the trip more bearable for her? I know she is going to be MISERABLE in the carrier, which will make me upset. I was surprised that Jetblue does not require ANYTHING - no vet papers, recent shots papers, etc. She had her check-up in the winter and I was going to take her back if I had to, but it seems I don't.

I bought her a harness and leash the other day because the vet had told me they would make me take her out of the carrier at security and since DH is not flying down with us and I have no extra set of hands - I don't want her to go running!
I'm going to leave the carrier around her open this next week to see if she explores it and I might take her for a ride in the car in it. I'm also going to make sure I practice with the harness this week.

I just don't want to listen to her sad cry for hours

Mommy and Pookie - leaving on a jet plane - August 7th

Re: Tips for Flying with the Pook (my kitty)

You could try asking the vet about sedating her (mildly) as the trip to FL is not so long. When my two came from UK they were not allowed in the cabin -they had to go in special hold & couldn't be sedated. I was terrified something awful would happen, but they were fine, they are very resiliant.

I think taking Pook in the carrier for a couple of dry runs is a good idea, maybe put the harness & leash on and take her for a walk outside just so she gets used to it, and again maybe ask the vet about some mild sedation

Good luck, I'm sure she'll be fine, but it is a worry (on top of everything else)

Re: Tips for Flying with the Pook (my kitty)

we also had to sedate my cat when my mom moved to FL... she would make all kinds of messes in the carrier... she HATED it!

Re: Tips for Flying with the Pook (my kitty)

give her a sedative.

hows puppydog getting there?

Re: Tips for Flying with the Pook (my kitty)

Check with your vet about the sedative. Sometimes the combo of altitude and sedatives isnt a good idea. You are lucky that you can bring her with you and you don't have to put her in cargo. When I move out of Australia (whereever we might go) I am dreading this trip with my kitties.

Try wearing the same shirt at nite for 2-3 days straight. Put it in the carrier with her. It might give her some sense of comfort. Also get her used to being in the carrier for periods of time. So she isnt completely shocked.

Re: Tips for Flying with the Pook (my kitty)

Thanks for the suggestions, ladies!

Jes, PuppyDog is going down the week after with DH and my bro in the Uhaul truck when they move all our stuff down.

Re: Tips for Flying with the Pook (my kitty)

I am not sure you can sedate a pet before getting on a plane anymore, but I could be wrong.

Maybe even just some benedryl so she sleeps?

Good luck

Re: Tips for Flying with the Pook (my kitty)

I'm going to talk to the vet and see what he thinks but in all honestly - I'm not too keen on the idea of drugging her - I think I remember the vet saying something about lavender spray that I can spray in the carrier to help calm her - will check with him this week!

Re: Tips for Flying with the Pook (my kitty)

i think even if you just give her alittle bit of benedryl she will be better. she wont appear totally drugged, just tired. maybe a tad groggy.