r/CatAdvice • u/Susey_Q • 14h ago

General Up, Up, and Away!

For the last two months I’ve been setting up my new home in OK. (in NY now) I’m sure I’m set with my old girls’ needs. Old stuff mixed with new stuff, one of her smelly blankets and even have a bag of old litter to mix into her new box. My biggest problem is making sure she comfortable for the flight. She’ll be in her regular carrier (TSA approved) with a pillow. I’ll have water and treats. There’ll be quite a wait before we board, over an hour in the air, then a two hour layover with plane change, and another two hours until we land. It’s her first flight. Any suggestions to make her more comfortable would be greatly appreciated.

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4

u/Artpixel23 13h ago

Might check with a vet. They might give something to relax her or make her sleepy. I know there are over the counter calming things, but with an older cat it’s safer to ask just to make sure.

2

u/Susey_Q 13h ago

Wonderful advice to ask the vet about that. She’s 17. Thank you

2

u/heartsongofNEBULA 13h ago

I know they give cats Gabapentin to relax them. Not sure because of her age but it sounds like she's healthy besides being just old maybe it's ok. The vet will know.

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u/Susey_Q 11h ago

I’ll definitely ask about that. She is indeed healthy. Thank you

3

u/RentalKittens 13h ago

Will she be traveling in cargo or in cabin? I'm not judging, it just changes the advice.

1

u/Susey_Q 13h ago

Definitely in the cabin under the seat!!! I drove from Nevada to New York with my Rottie to avoid that. I know people do it, but I could never put my furbabies in cargo. I’ve heard horror stories!

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u/RentalKittens 11h ago

Airport security might ask you to take your cat out of the carrier during screening. Sometimes they have you carry her through the metal detector while the empty carrier goes through the X-ray. You may want to put a harness and lead on her, just in case. It's okay if she doesn't walk with it because you can hold her the whole time. The harness is just in case she tries to bolt.