Are cats sedated for flights?

Sedatives can interfere with regular breathing and other bodily responses, and pets may react differently and unexpectedly to medications when they are in the air. In fact, most airlines will not fly a sedated pet, as over-sedation can be a cause of animal death during air transport.



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Adult dogs and cats easily make it through the night without having to relieve themselves, so your pet should also be OK on most very long flights. Regardless, you'll have to line their carrier with something absorbent - a Dry Fur pad works nicely under your pet's own crate pad or thin blanket.

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Most of the time, cats travel quite well without the need for medication. Some cats, on the other hand, experience tremendous stress when subjected to air travel. Consult your veterinarian to create the best travel plan for your cat if she does not travel well.

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A carrier will help keep you, your cat, and other people on the road safer. Our favorite carrier is the Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed. The Sleepypod doubles as a cat bed and a carrier, which allows for your cat to travel in the comfort of her own bed. This is perfect if your cat gets stressed while traveling.

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Most of the time, traveling is quite safe for cats. For extended trips that will be a week or longer, traveling with your cat may make more sense than leaving them at home.

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With some research and preparation, both you and your kitty can fly safely and in comfort. The rules are much the same as when flying with a dog, but as with canines, you should still talk with your vet and your airline ahead of time.

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As long as your kitty stays in the kennel, there's nothing you can do if your cat starts meowing. Call the airline about their pet policy so you won't get a big surprise. You vet can also prescribe a mild sedative to help your cat relax a bit.

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As much as you might like to have your kitty join you on vacation, cats are creatures of habit and probably won't care much for the change in routine and scenery a vacation offers. Some cats become very nervous in unfamiliar situations, like cars. They might start meowing loudly or even get sick.

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Spray Feliway, a calming pheromone, in your car and/or the carrier 10- 15 minutes prior to your cat entering. Be calm and remember for cats that shhh! sounds a lot like hissing, so try to avoid shushing if they are vocalizing. Cool or warm the car to comfortable temperature before putting your cat inside.

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Bring Along Favorite Toys and Blankets Just like you, your cat will appreciate having some of their favorite items from home when traveling. A favorite blanket or bed, familiar toys, and their own food and treats will make your trip more enjoyable and less stressful for both of you.

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Pros: A flight is much faster than a drive, so you can get it over with pretty quickly! Plus, if you fly with your cat in-cabin, you can still be next to your pet and provide it with comfort. Cons: In many ways, flying can be more stressful for cats.

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Your cat can feel quite alone during the loss of their normal routine when you are away. So: If you go on a holiday, ask your personal cat sitter to not only give your cat their usual fresh water, food and cat litter, but also sufficient time to play and attention.

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You won't always know if your cat even needs to go as some cats will stay silent while others might meow to alert you that they're feeling discomfort. Most cats will be able to hold it in for shorter flights that are around 1-4 hours while some cats may even hold it for longer flights that extend to 8-10 hours.

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