Re: need advice on flying with a cat

"edie humperdink" <markdemers15@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message 
news:1179383320.416381.135590@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>I am moving across the country and will take my 5-year-old cat on
> American Airlines.  He will be traveling in the cargo hold for a 5.5
> hour flight (assuming no delays).  Should I feed and try to water him
> right before the trip?  Should I leave some food pellets inside the
> cage for him to munch on?  Should I worry about bathroom "accidents"?
> Any advice from experienced travelers will be greatly appreciated!
>

It's better to withhold food and water for several hours before starting
to 
travel, assuming that you will be traveling for less than a day (as you
have 
indicated here).  Also, set your cat on his litterbox shortly before you 
leave and see if he will use it and empty his bladder.  Have food and
water 
with you, and offer them to your cat as soon as you are on the ground. 
Most 
cats will not eat or drink while they are traveling, and placing them in
the 
carrier opens up the possibility of having it spilled all over your cat.

Have you looked into taking your cat in the cabin with you?  When I
traveled 
with my cat, I sent him by cargo (and what a word to associate with a
living 
pet!!!) because that was so many years ago that cats were not permitted in

the cabin.  He was always sick for a few hours afterward.  Once airlines 
began to permit cats in the cabin, I traveled that way -- and he was 
completely normal the instant we reached home or a motel room and I opened

the carrier.

Not all airlines permit cats in the cabin, but many do.  It's well worth 
researching.  You need to make a reservation for you cat because many 
airlines only permit one pet per cabin (or possibly one in first class and

one in coach).  Your cat will need to be in a carrier that fits underneath
a 
seat, so it's im****tant to check the dimensions in advance.  I always
tried 
to get an aisle seat because it was easier to position the carrier under
the 
seat without needing to tilt the carrier.  On the other hand, you need to
be 
aware that there is slightly less width for a carrier under that seat 
because of the bar that extends down from the outer edge of the seat.  You

will have to pay the same fee as if you sent the cat in cargo even though 
your cat will now replace the piece of carryon luggage that most people
put 
under the seat in front of them.  *Do not use a seat in the first row* 
because you need to have a seat in front of you where you can put the 
carrier.  You certainly cannot stow your cat in an overhead compartment!!!

MaryL

Photos of Duffy and Holly:      >'o'<
Duffy:  http://tinyurl.com/cslwf
Holly:  http://tinyurl.com/9t68o
Duffy and Holly together:  http://tinyurl.com/8b47e