How do cats respond to moving to Hawaii?

I will be moving my two cats, about 2 and 3 years old, from California to Hawaii in around a year. They are indoor only and have never moved. They are very mellow, but I am concerned about keeping them healthy and happy. I've read almost universally that sedation is NOT recommended, but I have to wonder, is even a very mild tranquilizer to simply calm them (not knock them out) hazardous? Even if they remain in the cabin?

I am relieved to hear that ATA allows your pets to ride with you in the cabin! If your pet gets lost while in storage, you can't sue the airline because pets are considered "lost luggage". Riding in the cabin with you will make it easier on your feline friends during the flight!

I think you should talk to your vet about safe sedations or other ways to make your pets enjoy (as much as a cat can enjoy) the ride. Your vet may even surprise you and say that your cat should just be fine on it's own!

Many pets travel by plane every year and I don't think they get all that tramatized. I think your kitties will be a little nervous when the plan ascends and descends and probably a little jumpy when you first arrive in your new home. But do remember they're getting use to this new adventure and life too - do not try to push them into something quickly. They need time to adjust!

I see many cats that travel by plane in a roomy carrier, they're usually a mesh fabric so the people in security can see through the carrier (making it easier for them to check it). And I see many cats with collars and leashes. I think this is a great thing for your kitties! Just in case they get loose on the plane, having a leash on them will be able for you to get them back safely without upsetting fellow passengers by crawling on your hands and knees looking for your kitty!

Get your kitties use to collars/harnesses/leashes now, since you have a full year to prepare for this. When my cat first was trying out his harness he'd flop over and become deadweight. Do not let this deter you! Put the collar/harness/leash on at first for five minutes. And slowly move up the time every week (put this on daily!). By the time you finally move, your kitties should be use to wearing their "equipment" for many hours and be comfortable with them on during the flight.

When it starts getting closer to "move-time" start putting your kitties in the carriers with their leashes on. Start the same way as you did with the leashes, little time at first and moving it up. You can probably start off with 15 minutes and move it up from there. You want to make sure your kitties are comfortable sitting in their carriers for a few hours while they (and you!) make the flight.

Also, when you first arrive on the plane (or even call the airline before you leave) ask the stewardesses if it's alright, if your cats get too nervous if you can open up the carrier a little so you can pet your kitties to calm them down. They might not let you hold your kitties because people might have allergies (and they might not want your kitty to accidently escape!). Explain that they have leashes on and you have complete control! No sneaky kitties will get past you!

The stewardesses have probably also been trained to handle pets in the cabin and might even be able to suggest some tips (another good reason to call the airline before you move, to see if they suggest anything).

So, ask your vet about things that could make your kitties feel better about the move. Ask the airline (and/or stewardesses) about what they're experience is and what they suggest. And use your best judgement! Your kitties will depend on you to be calm during this move - so if you're nervous the whole flight, odds are they will feed off of that and be nervous as well.

Good luck with your move and I hope your kitties love Hawaii (I know I would!)!

Mean Kitty - Flying Loki 8.7.09

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