Moving -- does anyone know anything about flying pets to a new home?

[mstee]

<p>Thanks again for all of the feedback. It has helped me think that this can actually be done. I hope I’ll have a good report to give you in a couple of weeks!</p>

[tango14]

<p>Do test out any sedation you plan to use. My cousin flew home from Germany with a year old German shepherd. They gave him Valium, and it had the opposite reaction. He went crazy and “ate” his crate.</p>

[mstee]

<p>Oh yes, thanks for the reminder. Got to do the valium test when we get back from the mall tonight.</p>

[Marilyn]

<p>Your cats may be more stressed by the new environment than they are by the travel. It’s a good idea to have a “safe room” for the cats at the new house - somewhere you can fit a litter box, food and water, a few toys or comfort items, and that can be closed off - maybe tape across the door. Here’s a good summary of what to do: </p>

<p>

When you arrive, it is best to set up the cat in a small room such as a bathroom or guest room – one you will not be moving things into right away. Set up the food, water, and litter. Check the room to make sure the windows are closed or the screens are very strong (test them by pushing all around the frame). Remove any potential poisons or dangers. Then put the carrier on the floor and open the door, leaving the cat to emerge on his own.</p>

<p>Cats are often very upset by moving, because they are territory-oriented. You may expect the cat to hide and act frightened in unfamiliar surroundings, and you need to be extra careful not to let him get outside.</p>

<p>Set up your furniture and do all your major moving around of belongings before you let the cat out of the room he is staying in. This will help avoid accidents and also be less frightening to the cat.

</p>

<p>Once you let the cats roam free, follow them around to make sure they don’t find some little nook or opening that you didn’t realize was there. When we adopted our cat, she found a way into the wall under a bathroom sink. We were busy removing a panel to get access when she found her way out again. OTOH, when we went to San Diego, she acclimated very quickly to both rental houses. We opened her carrier in the room where her litter box was, she explored the entire house, we made sure to show her the food and water bowl, and she was fine. Well, fine except for deciding we should wake up and keep her company every night about 4:00 am.</p>