opinions needed

[Gadzukz]

Okay, we are planning to drive to pick up Gummi, from SC to WA looks like about a 40 hr trip. We decided to drive so she wouldn't have to have the stress of shipping. We are actually excited about an awesome road trip BUT I am starting to wonder if it would really be less stressful, 40+ hrs in a car. How would she potty? as opposed to a quick flight? Another option is my husband flying alone to get her and bring her back. The concern is really for her well being, (though I would LOVE to see Montana, I have always wanted to be a cowboy!) If he flew there can she ride up front with him?

What say you friends?

 

[Inferno12]

I personally think that him flying and bringing her back with him would be best but it depends on the airline. Some airlines will let them fly under the seat and some wont. You would have to call around and see what the policies are.

I think the 40+ hour ride might be a little much, then what would you do with her if you wanted to do a little site seeing? It might be harder on her?

Good luck with your decision!

 

[Mews2much]

I agree the 40 hour trip will be to much for her.
Remember 2 of my sphynx came from North Carolina to California wth no problems.
If your husband goes and gets her I believe it will cost $150 for her to ride in the cabin.
I know that is what it used to cost.
That is not counting the carrier or vet certif.
You can do cargo also.
Also remember the weather is starting to get hot.

 

[Jinxlover]

I'm telling you she will be okay with the drive. Nothing bugs her, she is so outgoing. I would get one of those little cat boxes and put it o the floor in your van and she will use it. She will run around the van and be fine.

Now if you were getting Mulberry I would tell you to fly her, she is shy and not outgoing at all.

But Gummi will do just fine in the car...

 

[dragynflye]

i'd fly out to pick her up. i flew out to get kimo and his sister. i used southwest because they had the most reasonable prices for an in cabin pet. both kittens in one carrier cost $75 on top of the price of the ticket. it was a low stress trip, over and done with quickly. while i think road tripping with a kitty who knows you and is use to you and car trips would be awesome (and is something we will probably do with kimo), i think it would be lots of stress on a tiny little kitty who has just been taken from her mama, siblings, and the only home she's ever know. a short flight would get her to her new home sooner so she can start settling in.

 

[Gadzukz]

I agree the 40 hour trip will be to much for her.
Remember 2 of my sphynx came from North Carolina to California wth no problems.
If your husband goes and gets her I believe it will cost $150 for her to ride in the cabin.
I know that is what it used to cost.
That is not counting the carrier or vet certif.
You can do cargo also.
Also remember the weather is starting to get hot.

Thanks Mews, I didn't know it cost extra for her to ride with him.

 

[Gadzukz]

I'm telling you she will be okay with the drive. Nothing bugs her, she is so outgoing. I would get one of those little cat boxes and put it o the floor in your van and she will use it. She will run around the van and be fine.

Now if you were getting Mulberry I would tell you to fly her, she is shy and not outgoing at all.

But Gummi will do just fine in the car...

Sounds like I am gonna have my hands full with this little girl

 

[Jinxlover]

Sounds like I am gonna have my hands full with this little girl

She's a firecracker....

(and I still think she would do fine in the car)

 

[Gadzukz]

Yikes, I should have done a little research before asking this question. Turns out air fare is way expensive! So unless hubby's dad will come off of some frequent flyer miles, flying to get her probably won't be an option.

 

[Mews2much]

Remember we drive to place with my cats for shows.
We went drove 7 hours to get my sisters sphynx last year.
She threw up in the car and got sick.
Then we hit heavy rain going to a cat show in Monterey with my sphynx and they got scared.

 

[Jinxlover]

Yikes, I should have done a little research before asking this question. Turns out air fare is way expensive! So unless hubby's dad will come off of some frequent flyer miles, flying to get her probably won't be an option.

Don't feel bad about it. I could not afford to fly and pick one up. It costs quite a bit.

 

[Mews2much]

If she flies by herself it is cheaper then driving.
I paid $275 for shipping.
If you drive the gas will cost way more then that.

 

[lemmysmommy]

I think that by the time you drive, buy gas, eat and stay in a hotel, it might be cheaper to fly her there. Less stressful too!! I don't really know, just my own thoughts. Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[Jinxlover]

I don't have anything against shipping, I'm okay with it. People ship pets all the time.

 

[Cathie]

i would ship her out. WAY less expencive!

 

[klreese]

i personally think the flight may be better. a flight would be maybe a 1 day process, maybe try a light sedation from the vet? i know they make kitties treats with a calming/sleeping affect?- just an idea.
My one kitties, bronx-e does NOT travel well AT ALL. whenever he's in a carrier he gets SO nervous and goes potty EVERYWHERE such a mess! which is why i would suggest a sedation of some sort.
enjoy your new kitty. i think in the long run, driving won't be any cheaper. if you stay at hotels you'll have to pay a pet fee which can be anywhere from $15-$45 ontop of your hotel room charge.
Spend the money and fly out. i think it'd be MUCH less stressful way for kitty to travel
Just my opinion!

 

[Mews2much]

I am sorry but you do not sedate cats when they fly it can kill them.
Also it is against most of the airlines rules.
She will be fine if you choose to fly.
When Cleo got her the first thing she did when we got her was come straight to us purring.
Polar Bare was the same way.
BTW my husband used to work for a airline and he was the one that took the pets off the planes.
This is my sister holding her less then 5 minutes after we got her.

 

[klreese]

oh sorry, didn't know. was just a suggestion. i have never flown with an animal. understandbly so for not sedating. just thought maybe it'd help with nerves. i have never sedated either, but then again, we dont travel with our cats. Just an idea

 

[Gadzukz]

Can someone who has shipped pets before please PM me as to how we would arrange it? Shannon nor I have never done it, and I have many questions! What airline? What do they need from the vet? I guess I can pay the airline online? ok lair family, help get this Bare-y home! lol

Hubbby is still dead set on driving! I love him for it, but am thinking I will have to veto him!

 

[Mews2much]

Do not worry you did not know.
You can not have a litter pan on a plan but you can put something in the carrier just in case the cat pees.
None of my peed.
Cleo was dropped off at 4 am EST and we got her at almost 12 pst.
It was after 2 when we got home.
Her flight had a stop in texas.
She also came with a thick snuggle sac.

 

[Gadzukz]

She also came with a thick snuggle sac.

I got her a brand new snuggle sac waiting!:Laugh:

 

[Mews2much]

That is great.
What does it look like?

 

[admin]

If you decide to drive here is an article from Sphynxlair i published about travel with your Sphynx cat The Sphynx Cat :Laugh:

 

[ilovemysphynx]

I think continental is the best airline for shipping a pet, I know the kitty would need to see the vet 10 days or less from flight time and have a letter from the vet saying that it is ok to ship, and also a airline approved pet carrier.
here is some info i found.
Continental Airlines - Procedures for Animal Shippers

 

[Gadzukz]

I just talked to Delta's reps, it looks like the same requirements. Do you think Continental is a better choice? I have never flown so don't know anything about different lines