Following are all selected posts to the Holisticat (TM) Mailing List on the subject of traveling with cats. There's a lot of information here, and the posts are arranged in ascending chronological order. If there is a particular word you're looking for, it's probably best to utilize the "Find in Page" function in your edit menu!

Happy hunting :)

<28 June 98 From: Vick Re: leaving cats w/ sitters>

One thing I thought I'd mention is something I see clients do all the time:

Call your vet, let them know the dates you will be out-of-town, and ask  that it be noted in your chart that you authorize any and all  treatments and procedures should they not be able to reach you. Or  spell out exactly what you do and don't want done, and drop off a note.  Most vets will go ahead and treat your animal and leave it on your  bill.

This is a standing order w/ my vet, and the people who watch my cats  (and I watch theirs) use the same vet I do, so they know where to go. I want no red tape standing in the way of emergency treatment for  my babies!

I read in _The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care _ that w/ flower essences

"potency is increased not by taking more drops but by giving the remedy more often, especially in an emergency or acute
situation....The easiest way to administer a flower essence is by placing the drops on your finger and massaging the animals gums or by diluting several drops in water and spraying the solution on and around the animal.  They can be applied topically, behind the animal's ears, on the bare skin of the abdomen, on the upper thigh or underarm area, on the paw pads or wherever seems appropriate."

Later on the author says you can put the essence in the animal's water but it will evaporate in an hour or so so it's better to do it the ways listed above unless your kits are going to drink right away.  I found this interesting since I often put the essences in the water.

<<Any other essences or aromatherapy or whatever I can give Booey to help w/ the move?  He too is getting the Deva one..too early to tell if it is helping him.>>

My favorite flower essence right now is Cosmos for enhanced interspecies communication. I think the more strongly connected I am to my kits the better able I am to  take care of them. Also (in natural pet encycl.) Walnut essence is listed for to help animals make transitions and moves.

My kitties are veteran movers, having moved 6 times in 8 years, 2 of those  moves were over 1200 miles in a Ryder truck!  In preparing for these moves  I had started feeding them all their meals in the crate, gradually getting the bowls closer to the crate and finally inside it, so they think the crate is an OK place.  On short notice like this you could see if someone has a big d*g crate you could borrow, a big VariKennel works best and that way they have a little *room* to wait in and it's big enough for a litter box too.  Wash out the d*ggy smell though <VBG>.

If you are going to sleep in the new house Friday night, I would take the kitties over on the last trip you make to the new house that day. Or if one of you is going to stay there and the other go back to the old house, you could move them earlier. What I usually do is leave the kitties in their crates in a somewhat quiet place until all the furniture is moved in and things have quieted down some. This may mean taking them over after the heavy movers are done.  If I think they are stressing just alittle I will put their litter box in my bedroom, which probably has the most scent of their *Mom* and close them in for a day or two. Lots of times they will hide under the bed , but will  come out when I call them.  Usually I can open the door that night and let them explore, with the d*gs There too they may howl alittle, but usually snuggle up on the bed and are fine.

Then I will put their litter box where it will be permanently <usually the bathroom> and I may close them in there for a few hours so they know *where* the litter box is.  They have always settled down just fine, I think not letting them out to explore until most of the things are moved in < I have also done the *run* back to the old place to get more clothes, etc.> and you can relax alittle with them helps.  If I thought everyone was riled up or we had to move a bunch of stuff more in, I will close them up in the bedroom and they usually just nap.

I dread moving everytime it happens and with my Dad in the Air Force I stopped counting at about 2 dozen moves.  My thoughts are with you, it always takes me six months to get things back the way I want them.

Leah, I've had both good and bad petsitter experiences. The bad experience I had last summer, and I hired a friend of a woman I volunteered with. BAD move. I had a bad feeling about it right from the start. But being near desperate and anxious to ignore my gut, I hired her anyway. She wasn't accredited with anyone, BTW. First, the agreement we had was that she'd stay
here. She didn't. She was completely unavailable the whole two weeks I was gone. I talked to her once. Which ruined my trip completely, I was so worried. When I got home she blithely mentioned that Annie had had a coughing spell that seemed to be caused by cat litter dust. But she didn't DO anything about it. She mentioned it in passing, just like she mentioned that "BTW, your smoke detector kept going off so I took out the battery." Bright light, this woman. Oh yeah, she also mentioned that "Annie likes cheezies and I had a great time feeding them to her!"

Anyway, my current petsitter is *so* opposite! She came over to meet the cats, and Kashmir went to her and sat by her without hissing (a big feat). She had a contract drawn up that specified what to do in eventualities. Vet name, number, when to take, when not to, ways to contact me at all times. The contract specified the times of day she'd be here, how long each visit
would last, what the animals' special concerns might be, brief notes about the animals' temperament and notes on how the animals usually handle the stress of owner absences. She gave me ways for *me* to contact *her* and encouraged my phone calls. She took my extra long "need-to-know" lists without batting an eye, and if she was the least bit put off by raw food feeding, she gave no hint. The best part about it was that she *was* available when I called and everything went well. Part of her services were checking our answering machine, watering plants, rotating lights, etc., and she left the radio on for the kitties when she wasn't here. She was very thorough and very professional. She also gave references, which is important.

I hope some of this helps. I hope you can find someone you're comfortable with. Till last year I'd always had roommates or friends who could watch Kashmir. But being out of town, and having friends who don't have vehicles, it sure is nice to know that the animals are in good hands. I think one good indication is how the animals respond to the petsitter, especially if it's an extraordinary reaction either way, like Kashmir's. Anyway, I don't know the difference between the organizations, but mine is  accredited with one of them. Good thing, cause never again will I hire anyone just by word of mouth unless they're accredited.

I'm a pet sitter, but unfortunately I live in California.  Have you checked with your vet?  Another place to check is with groomers and humane society shelters (many times vet techs will do pet sitting).  Many times pet sitters will leave cards there, or in pet stores.  Make sure they are licensed, bonded and insured and ask the pet sitter you interview for references from other clients.  Also meet with the prospective pet sitter to make sure they get along with the kitties (I agree totally with Kathy, this is very important) and will follow your instructions, re: feeding, care, house care, plants, mail, etc.  They work for you since you hired them.  Check with several pet sitters to find an average of rates.  Here in So Cal, rates usually run somewhere between approximately $25 - 45/ night's stay, depending on how long a stay it is and what the pet sitter has to do.  Most pet sitters have  forms for a client to fill out listing all the information they will need at a clients' house.  Don't know if this is what you wanted or not.  I don't know about pet sitters associations you mentioned, since I usually work for friends or for a friend who's a licensed pet sitter.  The pet sitter should be caring and sensitive to the pets' needs, since in many ways they are the clients.

One more thing,  my vacation was also slightly ruined because one of the people I had coming over only to socialize my kittygirls took it upon herself to gorge my kitties with food.  Make sure there is excellent communication between you and the pet sitter.  Your cats are important to you and should be just as important to the person taking care of them. Good luck finding a caring pet sitter for your special furry kids.

Hugs & purrrrrrrs from,
Michelle
Libby, Tana, & Squirt   >^..^<  (MEOW!!!)

I know there are several other professional pet sitters on this list, but here are my thoughts.

There's no difference between NAPPS and PSI -- many pet sitters belong to both organizations. Both have toll-free locator lines where you can get referrals to pet sitters in your area. Also try the pet sitters yellow pages, www.petsitters.com. Or, if you send me your exact location, I'll post a message to the pet sitters list.

Keep in mind that anyone who can afford the annual dues can join NAPPS and PSI. These organizations do not screen or credential members. You might find a wonderful pet sitter who doesn't belong to either group. And yes, your pet sitter should be willing and able to give your cats whatever diet they happen to be on in September.

Most professional pet sitters have insurance and are bonded. However, the most important "qualification" to me would be excellent references. When you find a potential sitter, ask for references and check them. Find out whether the people returned to a house that was at least as neat as they left it and happy, calm pets. The way your cats  greet you at the door is the best indication of the kind of experience they had with their pet sitter.

By the way, I've really enjoyed lurking on this wonderful list. I confess, I'm a Well-Pet drop-out. So it's nice to see some familiar names again -- including yours.

Since I founded Le Concierge Personal Services, Ltd. in 1982, which is one of the oldest, if not the oldest petsitting service in the northern suburbs of Chicago, IL. , I believe that I am qualified to answer your question.

Both NAPPS and PSI are "industry groups" which is to say that they do not have any authority to certify and/or license that is not self-authority, (PSI runs courses, but the industry is totally unregulated by local governmental bodies... so "certification" through PSI means that a petsitter has "successfully" completed the course by PSI standards). That is not necessarily a BAD thing, since some training and oversight is better than none at all, but the whole point is that membership in either organization is not a guarantee that the sitter in question is a quality sitter.

To help you, (and others who might be in the same boat) I would suggest that you use the following checklist;

1) How long has the petsitter been in business? (Just because she/he is new doesn't mean that she/he is a bad sitter... but it does mean that she/he doesn't have very much experience running a petsitting business).

2) Is this her/his primary source of income or a part-time "gig" for extra spending money? (The whole point of hiring a PROFESSIONAL petsitter is to have the peace of mind that your precious fur-kids are in competent hands).

3) Is she/he willing to give you verifiable references? (If they are unwilling or unable to give you the names and phone numbers of three-five satisfied clients you need to pass on that particular sitter. Also, while on the subject of references, once you get 'em, CALL 'EM! The whole point behind references is to assure yourself that this is the person you are willing to trust with your animals and your home).

4) Does she/he handle her/himself in a professional manner? (It's not always necessary to use a written contract. In 16 years of being in the business, we have NEVER had a written contract with a client... but we do have a client card that has all of the particulars of the job, [special meds; special foods, etc]. We require two sets of keys, (screw-ups DO happen); a release to the animals' vet authorizing emergency treatment; a list of local emergency phone numbers [plumber; electrician; relative... disasters DO happen and a professional petsitter WILL be prepared. Find out if your petsitter is insured... this is mostly a liability issue. Bonding on the other hand is bulls**t... it insures a business owner against theft of an employee... IT DOES NOT PROTECT YOU, THE PET OWNER. IF YOU HAVE TO MAKE A THEFT CLAIM YOU WOULD HAVE TO SUE THE SITTER, (sorry to shout but the
bonding issue gets my oysters fried!)

5) Do both you and your animals feel comfortable with the sitter? (A true professional will arrange a visit prior to the start of the assignment... which should be no-charge. This gives you both a chance to size each other up... gives the pets a chance to inspect the prospective sitter and is just good business. Also, there will be times when a professional sitter will decline a job, [ the proverbial client-from-hell]. A professional does the business because they love animals... the fly-by-night does it for the money.)

Bottom line is, trust your gut! You wouldn't leave children with a sitter you didn't trust... and most kids over the age of two know how to diall 911 if they're in trouble. Pets are totally at the mercy of their human care-givers,. It is up to us to protect them.

If you have any questions about petsitters I haven't covered, feel free to email me at bosscat@cats-by-pat.com and I will respond as best I can. For more holistic COMMON SENSE CAT CARE(tm) check out my website at http://www.cats-by-pat.com

Good luck to you in your search for an appropriate sitter.

Pat Kansoer - Certified Feline Specialist (certified animal care instructor - State of California)
http://www.cats-by-pat.com

Along with the Rescue Remedy, you might try a homeopathic remedy per Pitcairn's advice, _Natural Health for Dogs & Cats_,p. 178:

Begin Quote
Aconitum napellus 30C is very useful for minimizing fear and upset before traveling.  Give one pellet of this homeopathic remedy an hour before leaving home; give another pellet just a few minutes before actually leaving the house.  This usually is enough for most animals on most trips.  If nervousness returns, give your pet another dose (one pellet) during the trip itself.  Rarely will this remedy be needed more than three or four times.  in fact, most animals travel well with just the two doses given before leaving the home.  This medicine is very safe to use and often functions better than a tranquilizer.
End Quote.

In a message dated 6/18/99 11:30:07 AM Eastern Daylight Time, Lallym@ writes:

<< Hope all is well! I was wondering if anyone out there has experience flying  cats on the airlines. M >>

I flew three of my kiddos(Schatzi, Fidget & Hobbes) from Germany to KY with absolutely NO problems.

My best sugestion: Red eye flights. . .those late at nite flights. .freeze a small bottle and secure it to the side of the crate(helps keep it cooler) freeze the water in the little food container so it slowly melts not slosh all over when the cat is loaded.

Renee and the 8 kitty monster squad

So glad to hear that you've got a position after graduation, congratulations! And also happy to hear that Mango and Monty are doing well, your little Aby babies who are not so little any more :))

<<I was wondering if anyone out there has experience flying cats on the airlines.>>

Unlike Renee, I had two absolutely terrible experiences flying with my Siamese, Sinbad and Ping. I flew out west to stay for 6 mos and had to take the cats with me; they had to fly in the baggage compartment. I researched everything thoroughly and was assured they'd be fine. Well, they weren't.

Ping screamed all the way across Canada, I swear - she was hoarse for days after. I couldn't sedate her b/c the tranquilizer just made her crazier. But at least she seemed to tolerate the flight fairly well, altho I think it took a lot out of her and who knows, the trauma may have shortened her life.

But Sinbad was just awful. Even tho he was sedated sometime on the flight he became completely frantic to get out of his carrier and when I landed I found he'd torn out all the claws on his front paws. I can't imagine the pain he must have been in and the terror he experienced to cause himself that much pain. I had to take him immediately for emergency treatment, he
was given a general anaesthetic and his paws bandaged, he hobbled around for weeks. And having to give the anaesthetic right after the trauma of the flight really knocked him for a loop.

Then I had to fly back with them 6 mos later. I sedated Sinbad as much as the vet dared but he still managed to break off a canine tooth on the inside of the carrier, and pulled out two front claws again - so once again I had to take him for general anaesthetic and emergency treatment.

Sinbad was never the same after that. He changed from a happy, outgoing, assertive little guy to a nervous, clingy cat. I just weep when I think what I put him through.

Sorry to be such a wet blanket; obviously others have happier experiences with flying cats, but I will NEVER fly with a cat again unless I can carry it in the cabin with me.

Jean, the Sasket & Amber Pudgepot

Melanie, when are you planning to go?  Currently I believe it is not legal for an airline to ship a pet in the hold when the temparature at either end is or may be over 85 degrees.  So for the summer months, you may not be able to ship them by plane at all.  You can take them in the cabin in some airlines, but you can only take one cat per person, because it needs to fit under your seat in a special carrier.

Here's a web site that lists all the rules and has links to different airlines where you can get their rules.  Personally, I would probably do the car routine, or fly back after you have moved to NM just to pick up the cats and fly back with them.  Good luck and good to hear about those wonderful Aby cats!

Shipping Cats Internationally     http://www.oocities.org/Petsburgh/4114/shipping.html

Lee

When we moved, my husband drove everything the 8 hours and I flew with my cats.  I had to arrange with the airline and buy a ticket for them.  This was three years ago and we flew Delta.  They charged me $50 for the ticket  for the cats even though they did not take up a seat and they had to be in a carrier that would fit under my seat.  I was able to put both cats ( they
were under 1 year old and small) in the carrier together which was the reason they would let me take both.  The only allowed one pet carrier on the plane because of the possibility of allergic people on the plane.  The only problem I had was I had to take out both cats from the carrier during the security check so they could send the carrier through the x-ray machine.  It wasn't too much fun having two kittens in my arms in a busy airport trying to hang onto them and everything else!  I would not  recommend putting them in the baggage compartment!

Dianne

Melanie, I cant say which would be worse But here is what I know from taking my cats to Japan with me in Jan.

It was too cold to fly cargo, so I had to re-route through LA because LA-Nagoya was fine temperature wise that time of year, but Chicago was not.

Then I had to cry to the reservation agent on the phone (that wasn't hard I was really freaking) telling my dillemma, that I could not come back to get them later and I came back to the U.S. specifically for this purpose.  They told me 2 cats in the same bag under the seat in front are okay if they are kittens and weigh no more than 25 lbs total (big kittens, eh?  I guess its
fine if you are bringing bobcats or something!)

Well mine both fit in a Sharpa and they were fine from Chicago to LA.  they were fine in cargo, too but when we got to the quarantine inspection they just had no more meowing or anything left in them.  They were practically the last item on and first off the plane for cargo.  I saw this with my own eyes.

I cried several times between LA and Nagoya--a 12 hour flight.

Okay for the preps--Make your reservation NOW.  There are lots of limits.  I don't even know if I will take my cat with me to WI next month--I seriously doubt it, but I always make a reservation well in advance, just in case.

I used incontinence pads at the bottom of their carriers.  Don't use a big carrier--some airlines have restrictions but nonetheless, they like to feel safe.  Tape on the carrier the info of last fed, watered; name, address etc. complete; a little bag of food in case they get stranded;  I put in a sock with valerian/catnip mix.  You must put a little food in the bowl attachment...they wont eat it tho.  I used a hamster water bottle, froze it and then attached it over the water bowl with a long pipe cleaner (wire).

NO relaxing stuff for the cargo, they need to keep alert. (tho in the cabin is okay, if you think they will whine...tho the hum of the plane overpowered any squeeks I could hear.)

<< wondering if anyone had an airline that was particularly good, lowest rates, safe,>>

Try to get them in the cabin with you.  Lie on the phone and say they are kittens, brothers, only 3 mos old...the reservation agent I cried to came back from checking and said "we very rarely confirm the date of birth on the health certificate"

The cheapest I know is American.  50 dollars anywhere, any way, cargo or carry on.

If they are in the cabin with you you will be fine. : )  The heat is the problem.

<<I wonder how they would do in a car all day, but let them out for stretch breaks with a harness and leash (they like this on our deck) and then at night in the hotel room, put down the litter, etc. Have you done this?>>

No, I haven't but that is exactly how I'd do it, if I were in your place.  I would bring all their familiar things and keep them with the kitties in their carrier, and in the hotel.

I found that article I was talking about.  It's in the summer 99 issue of Animal Watch which is put out by the ASPCA.  I'll just write a few things that it says:

In 1998 the U.S. Dpt. of Agriculture fined Delta $6500 for violations of the Animal Welfare Act, which sets the minimum standards for airlines to follow when transporting animals.  U.S. Airways and American Airlines were fined $25000 each for violations that ran the gamut from accepting animals who were improperly kenneled to death by suffocation of four dogs in one shipment.

As many as 5000 of the approx. 500,000 animals transported by airlines each year do not make it to their destinations safely.

Pets have escaped from inexplicably battered shipping kennels, left on the tarmac and dropped on the tarmac and suffered death and other injuries resulting from exposure to below freezing or searing hot temperatures.

A majority of cargo holds now in use do not have positive airflow and have only a limited supply of oxygen.  When a flight is delayed, cargo doors usually are left closed and death from suffocation becomes a real threat. Most cargo holds also lack temperature controls, and provide no way for shipping kennels to be secured so they don't slide.

The simple fact is that airlines classify pets as excess baggage.  They accept no more legal financial responsibility for them than they do for a suitcase.  Airlines are not required to report separately any animal related "mis-haps".  That info is buried in "mishandled baggage" reports.

Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) is preparing legislation that will require airlines to make cargo holds safer for pets and to report all animal related incidents separately.  It will also direct the government to publish these reports and increase airline liability when pets are lost, injured or killed.

Please ask your senator to help co-sponsor Senator Lautenberg's bill.  You can write to this address for a US Senator:

The Honorable (fill in name)
United States Senate
Washington, DC  20510

You can write to this address for a Representative:

The Honorable (fill in name)
United State House of Representatives
Washington, DC  20515

I've traveled cross country with a cat a few times. What I choose to do is place the kitty in a large carrier (200 vari kennel for 1 cat, or larger) in it goes a small litterbox that can be emptied a couple times a day... At night instead of taking the cat into another strange environment, I park on the west side of the hotel (hopefully have a room on that side too..) and turn kitty loose in the car with food & water. When we start again, kitty is again in the crate, and off we go. The exception to this was a foster cat I took out to my sister (Missouri to Seattle). He screamed so much in the carrier I finally let him out at which point he promptly settled into the passenger's lap and remained there for the next 1800 miles... That was the exception to the rule though.

Obviously you can't leave them in the car in cold weather but as a rule, they seem more relaxed there. When I tried taking him into a hotel room he panicked and I ended up tearing the room apart trying to find him...

A week from today we're moving yet again, taking 3 cats this time (population explosion due to cute kittens with sob stories). They'll be
riding in a 400 wire dog crate, with a litter box hooked securely in place. We've gotten them used to staying in it in the house for short periods of time (place cats in there, shut door, let them out when they relax a bit). and 2/3 are happy in it. The other one is our experienced mover who's NOT sure about anything except the fact we're moving again! He's more than a little stressed out so, starting on Friday they'll be spending the nights in the crate, and probably the day all weekend as we'll be putting stuff in storage. I can't risk on getting out at that point... It's interesting to me that while Jolson's always been an indoor cat, he tries to get OUTSIDE when we're moving...

Now for the problem of moving 7 animals all on a raw diet... That'll be another note!

Please check out the following site. Hope it will give you the information you are looking for...........

Tatiana

www.takeyourpet.com

Don't forget, in the cabin, it's limited to one pet per person and there is a limit to the size of your carryon carrier.  If you plan to fly,
it'll require two people travelling to get the two in the cabin, otherwise, one will be travelling as "excess baggage" in the luggage
hold.

<<Don't forget, in the cabin, it's limited to one pet per person and there is a limit to the size of your carryon carrier.  If you plan to fly,>>

And some airlines have a limit of one animal per aircraft.

wordlady@ wrote:
<<with flying cats, but I will NEVER fly with a cat again unless I can carry  it in the cabin with me.>>

Dear Jean,

Oh how sad about Ping and Sinbad having such a tough time during their flights:(

I have to say my experiences are not positive either.  Even in the cabin, I'd be hesitant.  As cargo?  No way, no how!  W/ 4 now, in any
case, we couldn't get 2 each in a carrier to fit undder the seat.  Plus some airlines have that rule about only 1 cat per flight so that people who are "allergic" don't have problems.  Whatever!

I've had no problems at all w/ kits riding in the car tho.  Mine are pretty laid-back anyway but still, any unease went away w/in 20 mins or less.

Flower Essences are a good idea.  I gave mine Homeopathic Calms Forte tho, and that just totally took the edge off, so to speak.

One thing John learned the hard way - no allo tranquilizers!  His 2 cats went totally nutso on a cross-county trip.  It made them hyper and
upset:(

I like the idea of renting an RV.  Actually, that's probably the ideal solution as long as they allow one-way rentals.  Heck, I'd still do it
just for the cats.  Drive back myself, and then fly or get a one-way car rental or something like that.

If driving a cat, it also helps if u have a hatchback b/c then u can put the back seats down and give the kits more room.  Bring catnip, and their favorite toys, blankies, beds, etc. and make frequent petting stops.  After a while, we noticed the kitties used the litterbox even when the car was in motion.  Cats are so smart, and sweet.  The things they will put up w/ for us..awww..

Mine never complained even once.  They're just so happy to be w/ us, and vice versa that it was not a problem at all.  We also carried a small vacuum cleaner, and when we vacated a hotel room, we cleaned up thoroughly any lil bits of litter or food.  Didn't want them to think poorly of cat people, ya know:)

Mostly, everyone in the lobby would stop and stare at the kitties and want to pet them so it took forever to get up to the room.  My cats are all hams and love being admired and photgraphed etc. so they just loved it..LOL