Sphynx (or in my case Peterbald) international travel

[Caroline Levy]

Hi everybody. Been a member a long time, but have never written. Now I have a big problem and wonder if there are any solutions out there. We got our rescue Peterbald, Nicko, a couple of years ago from his terminally ill mother/owner. He'd obviously been her most beloved pet (she had several other peterbalds and a couple of dogs) because he is very spoiled. His transition into our home was quite rough, particularly with our Singapura and Ragdoll cats, with pooping and peeing in the wrong places but he's settled in and is a cherished member of the family. I am from the US but live in the UK with my English husband. My elderly mother has gotten very ill, so we are moving back late this year/early next year and the thought of how best to transport Nicko without traumatising him is really stressing me out. Thought about a cruise, but the only one that takes pets is booked 12-18 months in advance. Thought about just carrying him in a carrier on the plane, but for an 8 hour flight, I'm concerned the other passengers will toss us out the door because of what I'm sure will be his nonstop howling. I have considered rehoming him, but feel like at his age (he's almost 10) and with his eccentricities, it would be near impossible. Plus, I love the wrinkly little bugger and know he would love all the sun he'll have access to once we're back in Missouri. Any ideas? Help!

 

[Catzzzmeow]

@Caroline Levy Hello! I am sorry to hear your mother has fallen ill. The stress of that alone is a lot on you. I suggest you speak to your vet about possibly finding something that will safely take the edge off of travel day for your baby. Usually they eventually settle down with a cover over the carrier. You will also want a heating pad the time you warm in a microwave possibly to help keep him warm because planes are so chilly. Also you can spray Feliway spray on the blanket. Have you looked to see if there are any guidelines for taking your animals into the US? Is quarantine necessary, what vaccinations do they all need etc? It is great you are planning now and that you know your baby will do best if he travels with you.

Patti

 

[Caroline Levy]

We're actually moving from the UK to the US, so luckily, as long as he has all the required shots, etc. there is no need for quarantine. I've not had good luck with sedatives and pets but that was decades ago, so maybe it's worth discussing. I know that if he were travelling in the hold of the plane (which I'm trying to avoid at almost any cost) experts recommend you don't use sedatives as it's more dangerous. Thanks for your help!

 

[Catzzzmeow]

Here is more info as well. How to prepare for a trip with your Sphynx cat I would still ask your vet, they might have a natural recommendation as well to help destress. @Lickleone I believe has used something with her boys,that helps and is natural. I have tagged her for you.

Patti

 

[celsei]

I think there's natural/over the counter calming pills that aren't full on sedative. Serene-UM Cat and Dog Calming Tablets 30 Pack | Pets At Home that's the one I've seen here but a clinic/pet store might have more info. I was recommended to use something like that for travel but it was too close to pick up to have time to get any, was just a 2 hour drive though. I think having him with you on the plane won't be a big problem, all the cats I've had to drive/take buses with make a fuss at first and then settle down and sleep (Including my whiny rescue peterbald) - I think they adjust to their circumstances pretty fast I'm sure he won't yell or panic 8 hours straight and honestly with all the people travelling with babies and unruly toddlers you have every right to take your cat baby, I'd much rather hear that than screaming babies! Consider training him to stay in the carrier with treats praise etc for increasing periods of time starting from like 5 minutes up to a few hours maybe to make it easier. Sweaters/t-shirts are also calming and will keep him warm on the plane, having you nearby and talking to him will help too. Or if you can train him to behave in one of those carry bags where you can put your hand in to soothe him that might be nicer as long as he won't try to dash out.

Edit: If you're super worried about other passangers I've seen some people with babies take bags to offer with earplugs and candy for nearby passangers

 

[Yoda mom]

@Caroline Levy , ((hugs))) so sorry to learn your mum has fallen ill , positve vibes and prayers sent .

Great advice given -
I would defintely take him in the passenger area with you and not cargo -
I would bring a small blanket and cover three sides of his carrier while in the terminal and on the plane -

I practiced road trip traveling with my kitties ahead of time -
We rode around the block with the kitties in their carriers draped with a blanket -
Treats and a catnip banana toy in the crate (supposedly cat nip can be calming )
they Meowed the first time .. Within a couple of days it went smooth -

Ps - the kitty I was most worried about with traveling turned out to be the best traveler
Head smooches to Handsome Nicko
((Hugs))

 

[Toa and Ross]

So sorry to hear your mother is ill. Hope you can be with her soon.
I think best is to take Nicko with you on the plane in a carrier. Maybe he can get some meds to calm his nerves.
If he meoows and the passengers get irritated I would just explain the reason your moving.

When I go on international flights they're always a lot of human babies aboard a plane and they do cry a lot. That's something that's normal. I always think it's worst for the parents cause their baby is stressed. I would think the same if I heared a cat meoow. Mayby you can take earplugs with you for people who get really annoyed.

 

[GoldHazel]

@Caroline Levy so sorry to hear about your mother's health being poor. Please don't put Nicko in with the cargo. It's way too cold there anytime of year, let alone during the time you will be traveling back to the U.S. I've heard enough horror stories about hairless cats freezing to death while traveling alone by plane (not in the cabin).

I have traveled many times with all of my sphynx cats, but not overseas and for less than 8 hour flights. They all stayed with me in the cabin and I have taken them out and put them on my lap with a blanket or a jacket. Do you feel confident that if you put him on your lap with a blanket or jacket, he will be content with that? Some flight attendants knew about me doing that and they were absolutely ok with it. While others (the ones not fond of animals) asked me to put them back in the carrier. I didn't! But if they asked me a second time, I would have and nothing would have happened such as legally.

Can you tell me what cruise line allows pets as I haven't heard of that?

Best of luck with your move, with Nicko and your mom's health. Please let us know what you decide to do and how it works out for you and Nicko.

 

[admin]

Hello @Caroline Levy and welcome to Sphynxlair! Good luck on what ever decision you make! Great advice thus far! Please enjoy the community!

 

[Lickleone]

Try Zylkene

Zylkene

It's a natural derivative found in milk (no giving them milk doesn't have the effect ) you have to start giving it a time before to build up but works I'm currently in my own country and where as they didn't deal with me being away they are now thanks in big part j believe to Zylkene. Worth a try doesn't do any harm

 

[Caroline Levy]

@Caroline Levy so sorry to hear about your mother's health being poor. Please don't put Nicko in with the cargo. It's way too cold there anytime of year, let alone during the time you will be traveling back to the U.S. I've heard enough horror stories about hairless cats freezing to death while traveling alone by plane (not in the cabin).

I have traveled many times with all of my sphynx cats, but not overseas and for less than 8 hour flights. They all stayed with me in the cabin and I have taken them out and put them on my lap with a blanket or a jacket. Do you feel confident that if you put him on your lap with a blanket or jacket, he will be content with that? Some flight attendants knew about me doing that and they were absolutely ok with it. While others (the ones not fond of animals) asked me to put them back in the carrier. I didn't! But if they asked me a second time, I would have and nothing would have happened such as legally.

Can you tell me what cruise line allows pets as I haven't heard of that?

Best of luck with your move, with Nicko and your mom's health. Please let us know what you decide to do and how it works out for you and Nicko.

Hi. Sorry for not getting back with you sooner. The Cuinard company that runs the Queen Mary 2 cruise ship is the one that allows pets. However, it's really not that simple. They are confined to a room with kennels, and play areas and staffed. They have visiting hours when you can go in, though I don't know if that means you get to take them out of their crates and play/cuddle with them, or what. Part of the long wait is that from what I understand there are only 6-10 crates in this room. As well, if you bring a cat, you must book another, empty crate for their litter box. The really bad news is that the cheapest crate is £800 (or over $1000) and the bigger one a little more expensive. As well, the one you pay for for it's litterbox is the same cost as if there were a pet in it. Very expensive, but if I could have done it, I would, at least for Nicko is so sensitive.

 

[Caroline Levy]

And for everybody, thank you so much for all this wonderful advice, which I will absolutely take. I have never felt good about putting pets in the hold of a plane, even when they aren't special, like our hairless kids. I really felt like Nicko wouldn't survive the journey just because of the stress, let alone the cold.

Now, if my husband and I could just figure out how to deal with the other 3 (1 Pekingese, 1 Ragdoll, and 1 Singapura). I have permanent nerve damage in both arms due to overuse, and can't carry a whole bunch without extreme weakness and pain, so each of us, carrying 2 pets won't really work. But, I'm sure we'll figure it out! Thanks also for your well wishes for my mother. : )

 

[GoldHazel]

@Caroline Levy wow, I'd never think that Cuinard/Queen Mary 2 has a kennel room on board! Good to know, but honesty, IF I ever want to take a pet on boards with me, it would probably be a small dog and I would want it right with me all the time. LOL But thank you for that information, like I mentioned, it's really good to know that.

It doesn't surprise me one bit how expensive the crate would be and same for the empty side for the litter box! Cruise ships rates are insane in general.

Again, I wish you the very best with Nicko and traveling if that's what you decide is best for him to be with you when you return to the U.S. Best wishes for your mom as well.

 

[GoldHazel]

And for everybody, thank you so much for all this wonderful advice, which I will absolutely take. I have never felt good about putting pets in the hold of a plane, even when they aren't special, like our hairless kids. I really felt like Nicko wouldn't survive the journey just because of the stress, let alone the cold.

Now, if my husband and I could just figure out how to deal with the other 3 (1 Pekingese, 1 Ragdoll, and 1 Singapura). I have permanent nerve damage in both arms due to overuse, and can't carry a whole bunch without extreme weakness and pain, so each of us, carrying 2 pets won't really work. But, I'm sure we'll figure it out! Thanks also for your well wishes for my mother. : )

@Caroline Levy I may have the purrfect answer how to carry all your pets when traveling!

I use this carrier for ALL my pets (two medium size dogs and all my sphynx cats):

PetGear 'I-GO2 Escort' Carrier (Up to 15 Pounds) | Overstock.com Shopping - The Best Deals on Cat Carriers

This carrier comes in a few different sizes and colors...you need to check with the airlines the size max allowance for the cabin. This carrier is ONLY for the cabin while traveling by plane.

It's like a wheeling piece of luggage with a telescoping handle for pulling or pushing carrier around.
It's a backpack. It has hidden, comfortable straps for your shoulders ... freeing up your hands/arms.
It's a car seat. Attaches quickly and easily to a car's seat belt.
It's a bed. Lay it down and it becomes a perfect bed for traveling and visiting.
It's got a thick, comfy shoulder strap which allows you or hubby to wear the carrier on a shoulder or for even more hands-free, wear it crossbody while traveling through the airport.

You can google this carrier brand and find all the places that sell it looking for the best price. They are made very well and last and last.

I hope this helps you made a decision and makes traveling easier for you.

 

[Bogeycat]

Hello.. what was your solution to this trip? (And I hope you were able to spend quality time with your mother)
I am travelling UK to US in a few weeks and am terrified since I can't find an airline that will let me keep him in the cabin with me. He is very sensitive and will NOT like to be near other scared pets in the cold cargo area of the plane. Let me know what you ended up doing! Thank you!

 

[Catzzzmeow]

@Bogeycat this postvwas from 2016 and the member has not been active in some time. Please feel free to start a new thread.

 

[Bogeycat]

@Bogeycat this postvwas from 2016 and the member has not been active in some time. Please feel free to start a new thread.

Thank you so much, yes new thread is started but just in case she still has notifications on maybe she can tell us the end of the story ! thank you for being so attentive