Flying with your Sphynx

[Inferno12]

So I think we have decided that we are going to take the two naked boys with us to California when we go for Christmas. We will be gone for two weeks and I cant bare to leave them here. Especially with Johnnys coughing (even though he hasnt coughed in a few days but thats the excuse I am using ). He has to have meds twice a day and Diego has to be fed twice a day. They are so emotionally needy compared to our hairy cats who could really care less. (you see I am justifying this)

Any advice? Have any of you flown with your babies? Do I give them something to sleep? What kind of carriers do you recommend?

I worry about them not because they dont travel well but because they are going to be pissed that they cant get out and roam around the plane. My mom has cats and Johnny doesnt get along with others very well but we can separate them and I think as long as we are with them, they will be ok. What do you guys think? Am I over protective and should I just leave them at home?

 

[Mews2much]

Are the cats going in the cabin with you?
You need to get a health check saying the cats can fly.
It is good for 10 days.
Cats can not be given anything to make them sleep.
It is dangerous and a violation.
I like the sturdi carriers they are are great for flying.
Flying may set Johnnys asthma off also it is hard to say.

 

[holly_savage]

I brought Hibou home in the cabin with me, and apart from a whole lot ot of meowing on her part she was fine. Just make sure you book them when you book your tickets, there is something about making sure there aren't any allergies on the plane.
Also, check with the airline with their carrier dimensions. The carrier must fit under the seat in fromt of you and there is also a weight restriction...20 lbs I believe.
Oh yeah, and the airline I flew with charged $125/cat! Highway roberry if you ask me.

 

[ckutkuhn7]

No advice but please keep us informed. Most of us will be able to learn from your experience.

My family lives in NC and I'm defintley wanting to go down once finances allow it, and my kitties go everywhere!!!! lol

Atleast they won't have to strip naked for their security check/scan. If they do get scanned and are microchipped you might want to bring that paperwork with you to prove you didn't put a bomb in your cat. lol Sorry - a lil airline humor for ya!

I hope they don't make it too much of a hassle for you!

 

[Cathie]

I brought home piglet home from Vegas in the cabin, then brought them all back from California in cabin. I like the soft sided carriers. They are easier to carry and lots of ventalation. But if they scratching, it will but a hole in them. Piglet did cry and scratch part of the flight from California, but not bad. My girls didnt care a bit, they just slept. I would put them in the carrier of your choice and get them used to it asap. Make it a good place to be. That was my problem with piglet, he never goes in the kennel. He is always just in his harness and leash. You will need to let the airline know as there is a limit of in cabin pets. Delta I think is 10, but not sure. Also, if they will, see if you can put both in 1 kennel. as long as they were under 20lbs, mine could go in 1. So my furry cats in 1, Piglet in his own. when my hubby and I came back.
They didnt need a health certificate, just had to have their shots and rabies, but that is because Florida does not require one for incoming animals. But check to make sure. I had one the first time we flew into florida, but was told we didnt need one, so i didnt get one the 2nd time.
I didnt feed or water before the flights, but had water and treats for the layovers.

 

[lawgrl]

I've taken Twiggy in the cabin before. I didn't have any problems at all but she really likes to travel and just isn't phased by it at all. I do agree that the soft-sided carriers seem to be better for flying (in the cabin) and that's what I've used. I put one of her blankets in the carrier and carry a sweater for her, just in case it's really cold on the plane .

Also, I bring her harness and leash with me and let her out of her carrier while we're waiting in the terminal, I always carry a small container or zip-loc bag of dry food for her, and I bring another small container for water (I use extra small, round tupperware containers). I also put one of those collapsable litter "boxes" (the vinyl kind that expand and fold up) and a zip-loc bag of crystal litter (hey, when a girl's got to go, she's got to go!) in my carry on for pay overs and emergency bathroom breaks. And, whatever you do, don't forget the baby wipes! I've never had a problem going through security (I just buy a bottle of water once we get to the terminal) with any of this stuff, but I haven't flown with her in over a year.

Maybe try some Rescue Remedy for a few days before the flight if you're worried about them being stressed out...sometimes this seems to help decrease the stress level a little bit (although I know people have mixed success with it, it might be worth a try).

 

[Marnasobsession]

Dawn it depends on what airline you fly...for instance Air Tran doesn't require any health cert or anything. Most do tho. I have one of those warming discs you can put in the microwave for 9 min and it lasts 10 to 12 hours I put in the bottom of the carrier. Usually one animal per ticket also. Put the carriers out and put treats etc in them to make them a fun place to be before you go.

 

[Chameleon924]

Different airlines have different rules. Check with the airlines you are traveling with. Book early!!! They only allow a certain # of animals in the cabin. Once those slots are filled up, they will not allow any more animals in the cabin. I would NOT recc. flyng them cargo!

Also, you vet will need to give you a health cert saying the kitties are ok to travel with you. Best of luck with your travels!

 

[Inferno12]

Thanks for all the info. Diegos old mom works for Southwest which is the airline we are flying on so we have a little in there. She has given me all the info so we can try and make this work. First things first, we are going to get carriers and drive them around in the car to see how they do and also make sure the vet is ok with them flying. If all that works out then we are a go! Ill keep you guys updated