international move with 2 cats - one very vocal

[Molli]

My husband and I and our 2 kitties will be moving from the US to the Netherlands next year, permanently. We haven't yet figured out the logistics, but I know one leg of the journey will be by air, with at least one connecting flight. We refuse to have our cats fly in baggage, so we will be taking them on board with us in the cabin. If we can swing it, we may even consider buying them a seat so we can all have more room. I know that one of our kitties, Tenkon, will be fine. She is shy and very quiet, and I doubt we will hear a peep out of her during the entire trip. Our other kitty, Grayse, will begin to howl as soon as we leave the house. He will continue to howl for the entire trip for hours until he passes out from exhaustion. He is VERY vocal, all of the time. Vet visits are very trying experiences for both of us. I know about acepromazine, but I haven't spoken to my vet about sedation yet. I am not sure I want to go that route with him. I guess I would like some advice.

Any suggestions?

[Traci]

I would first call the airline(s) you plan to use, and ask them about their requirements, and if they have restrictions, or tips for pets who are excessively vocal. If they happen to tell you that such pets must be in cargo, promptly choose another airline.

Only your vet can recommend the ace if it may be needed, he will base this on your cat's general health status, weight, and necessity of the medication regarding length of the flight, etc. An extremely small dose pre-flight may be adviseable by your vet, regarding your cat's safety, but only he can advise.

[Molli]

Thank you Traci,
As we have not yet made reservations, I will call all of the possible airlines to inquire about their policies. We will have the freedom to choose any airline, so our decision will be based on our cats. I will discuss acepromazine with our vet. In the meantime, I would greatly appreciate any info on the drug and its associated side effects/contraindications. Also, are there any other alternatives?

Molli

[Traci]

Your vet can tell you what to expect from the medication. In cats, only a fraction of a dose should be given. It will produce a slight sedative effect, but must be dosed carefully, and according to weight.

[cwmack]

A nonmedical opinion, if it helps...my husband and I moved internationally with our decidedly outspoken kitty earlier this year and our vet refused to sedate because our cat is quite small (6 lbs) and sedatives can have stronger impact at higher altitudes. BUT she was so bewildered by the changing sights and sounds and smells that, aside from her initial yowls on being shut in the carrier, she was absolutely silent til we reached the end of our journey, 12 hours later. So you might be surprised.

Our vet, who specialized in international moving of pets (he's in Moscow though, sorry), did suggest that we bring some bits of dry food and toys along as distractions, and use lots and lots of reassurance. The darkness from being under the seat seemed to calm her too.

Booking an extra seat if you can manage it is definitely a good idea. And do NOT connect through London if you want to have the cats in the cabin, the UK has very strict quarantine rules.

Good luck with your move!