Question:
I always enjoy reading your column. I need your expert advice regarding international air travel for my pet. He is a 1-year-old Persian neutered male cat in good health. We live in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and plan to relocate to Thailand in several months.Is it too risky to take our cat with us because of the long flight (about 24 hours)? Will it be too stressful for him? I am searching the Internet for all possible information. I would appreciate your help.
K.K., Fort Lauderdale, FL Mar 05, 2006
Answer:
First, when you book your flight, ask what health and vaccination papers you will need for your cat. Then get confirmation that your cat will be in a pressurized and heated compartment in the baggage hold. Make sure you have direct connections, with no stopovers or delays. Ask to have your cat couriered/carried from check-in directly onto the plane and not go on the baggage conveyor.Ask if you can take the cat in the passenger section with you (the carrying cage would have to fit under the seat) if you have a short flight connection before the long flight.Get him used to eating and sleeping in the flight crate (leaving the door open most of the time) so he becomes habituated. He might even see it as his den of security. Train him to lick water (initially flavored with chicken or fish juice) from a securely suspended dropper-bottle wired to the crate door. Do not give him any tranquillizer drug prior to the flight, since it could make him uncoordinated and more vulnerable, and possibly more susceptible to the
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