Flying/move across U.S.

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Caitlin M

Caitlin M

Member Since 2017
Hey all! I am officially moving from MA to CA next Wednesday (9/13). Pita and his brother Brat will be flying (direct flight) with my boyfriend and I, in cabin. We have their vet checks tomorrow at 11:30 am Eastern.
I bought them soft sided carriers almost two months ago and they have been in the bedroom ever since. As much as they may not enjoy being confined in them, the carriers are extremely familiar to them at this point which is great.
I bought a Feliway plug-in a couple months ago as well and have refilled it once. I also bought the travel spray and have been spraying the inside of the carriers.
I bought them both vest harnesses which almost look like a thundershirt to me. They don't love them, but deal with them. They also have leashes for security!
I'm planning to bring all Pita's diabetic supplies and insulin onto the plane with me. I've looked up info for diabetics (people) and they seem to have no issues. I will wrap the insulin (ProZinc) in tinfoil and bubble wrap to keep it as cold as possible. It will remain as upright as possible the entire trip as well.
My main concern is sedation. Pita is not a great traveler. Brat is only slightly better. Our flight is at 4:40 pm, which means we will probably leave the house around noon to get to the airport and make sure security goes smoothly. I have Cerenia (sp?) which I plan to give them both for motion sickness/nausea. I'm guessing I can still feed them in the morning at their regular 8:30 am time? I'd hate to starve them from dinner the night before. Originally I had wanted to sedate them because I wanted them to not be as stressed. However, I realized that I would be stressed if they were sleeping from them and good forbid stopped breathing while in the air. I was thinking instead of Benadryl. I know it may still have drowsiness side effects but I'd like something to at least take the edge off for them.

Any thoughts, advice and ideas about carrying insulin, sedation or anything else would be greatly appreciated! I'd like to be able to speak with my (amazing) vet tomorrow about sedation ideas. Thanks for reading!
 
In 2015 I flew from Vancouver to Denver and back with Neko. In my carry on was a small bag of litter (carry it in the original litter bag!), a small cardboard box with plastic bag to use as a temporary litter box, and a small cooler with a gelpack and Neko's insulin and medications that needed to be kept cool. I also had a letter saying what medications I had and why, along with the health certificate from the vet. The security staff didn't even look inside the cooler after I told them what was in there, but I did get the second degree on the litter. :p I also had a small can of food plus HC/small serving dish/spoon/water/collapsible bowl. And of course the test kit, syringes, wipes, a towel and some toys. And one or two small things for me. Which was good, cause the checked luggage took a different flight. :rolleyes: Plan for that to happen.

I fed Neko in the morning, and gave her shot. I knew we would be on the ground before nadir so could test/feed if needed. The flight was 3 hours after her meal, and since she ate raw, I knew it would be mostly digested by the time we took off. You should be fine leaving so late. Neko also got some Rescue Remedy for Pets and I used the Feliway spray in the carrier and tossed in a small catnip toy. Catnip relaxed her. You can get Feliway wipes, which might go through security better than a spray bottle. I didn't bother with sedation. I had travelled on the road with her so knew she'd be OK. She also had a harness that sounds similar to yours and a leash as you have to take the cats out of the carrier and carry them through security with you while the carrier goes through X-ray. I think the harness also relaxes them. I also got a tag at Petsmart with her name, my phone number and the word Diabetic on it. Make sure you have a record of any microchip info or tattoo.
 
I second all of Wendy's recommendations, especially the one about litter supplies. I did the same trip in the reverse order, and even going non-stop, that's a long time without access to facilities, so the sooner you can set them up after the flight, the better!

Not sure there's much more you can do to reduce the stress of the trip than you are already doing. Good luck with the move!
 
Nan & Amber said:
I second all of Wendy's recommendations, especially the one about litter supplies. I did the same trip in the reverse order, and even going non-stop, that's a long time without access to facilities, so the sooner you can set them up after the flight, the better!

Not sure there's much more you can do to reduce the stress of the trip than you are already doing. Good luck with the move!
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See, from everything I read, I wasn't planning on having any litter facilities. I was planning to get pee pads and change those out as necessary, but I hadn't wanted to remove them from the carriers other than through security. Also, when and where would I put a pan/litter for them to use? Thanks!
 
Caitlin M said:
See, from everything I read, I wasn't planning on having any litter facilities. I was planning to get pee pads and change those out as necessary, but I hadn't wanted to remove them from the carriers other than through security. Also, when and where would I put a pan/litter for them to use? Thanks!
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Oh, yeah-- I wasn't thinking on the plane itself (you really won't have room/opportunity, nor would fellow passengers appreciate it!). I was just talking about after you land and get into your ride/rental car/whatever (some big airports might also have a "pet area" when you land?). Pee pads are a good idea-- my cats never used them, they just "held it", but boy were they happy to see the litter box!
 
I set up the temporary LB in a single washroom at the airport at the far end. She didn't use it, held it instead. And we still had a long car ride after. Anyway, like Nan said, first thing she wanted when we hit the hotel room. I didn't have an LB with me - see part about checked luggage taking another flight - so had to go out and buy a proper LB when I arrived at my destination.
 
Wendy&Neko said:
I set up the temporary LB in a single washroom at the airport at the far end. She didn't use it, held it instead. And we still had a long car ride after. Anyway, like Nan said, first thing she wanted when we hit the hotel room. I didn't have an LB with me - see part about checked luggage taking another flight - so had to go out and buy a proper LB when I arrived at my destination.
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That makes sense! The litter box will be set up and ready for when we arrive at the apt.
 
Just got back from vet. God I love her. Told her how bummed I was too not be seeing her anymore. She told me we could email for as long as I need! All set with all the documents I need. Spoke about Benadryl/sedation. She said unless they're big meowers, she didn't recommend it. Just got a new prescription for Cerenia to help with nausea. Otherwise I'll continue with Feliway! Wish I had ordered some Rescue Remedy drops too but when I looked I don't think they'd arrive to me in time. Any idea if it's sold in stores? Or something similar in stores? Thanks all!
 
I have seen Rescue Remedy for Pets in pet food stores and even vitamin shops. You don't want the regular Rescue Remedy cause it has alcohol in it - unless you want some for you!

Good luck - bummer on losing a good vet.
 
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