HandicappedPets.Net

Hello everyone.

Well, 99% of everything is packed up and ready to be shipped back to New York - just have to keep saving pennies at this point...

Anyway, now that I have the 2 Sky Kennels for Robbie and Sasha, I'm wondering if I should start confining them to their respective carriers for a few hours every day to get them used to the idea. The flight from leaving the house for the airport to when I will be able to have access to them again, will be over 16 hours, which is a long time.

Assuming I will have to reduce their food and water intake for the flight, would anyone suggest decreasing the food and water over a week long period? I know Sasha can hold for over 12 hours and hopefully will be okay without being expressed for such a long time. Robbie, I know he's held in the cage until I took him to the litter box when he hurt his back, but again, 16 hours is a different story.

Would anyone suggest doing a trial run and confining both of them to the carriers for a 16 hour period to see how they react? I've even considered putting them in a separate room during the "test" where they won't see me all the time. I've never traveled with pets before and would like to make it as comfortable as possible for them.

Thanks!
Leah

Well, you do think of everything! I think it is a great idea to crate them briefly and build up slowly in a separate room. they are going to holler their heads off, but give it a little time and see if they find a comfort level. I don't know about cutting their rations now, maybe others will weigh in.

BUT YOU ARE SUCH A GREAT MOM!

They're my babies and I worry about them!

I could take one of them on board with me, but the carrier can not exceed 8" in height and I can't see how that would be more comfortable than flying in a the Sky Kennel with its 15" height. Sasha wouldn't fit in that size carrier and Demonseed is way to antsy to tolerate being confined where he couldn't sit up. The passengers would tar and feather me with his crying!

Well, tomorrow will be the start of training day 1. Will start them out 2 hours at a time in another room with no contact from me. Will report back, because I am a nervous wreck and will want to keep chatting!!!

Hugs!!!

I'm all ears and my fingers are on HIGH ALERT

Sounds like you are doing an excellent job, it might give other people a great idea to follow in your footsteps.
Would giving a little Rescue Remedy before the trip a suggestion as well?

Well, quite unexpectedly, after the first 20 minutes of the first 2 hour stretch in the room with me, Sasha has been trying to claw his way out non-stop and Robbie is as quiet as a mouse. If Sasha expends all this energy on the day of the flight in the first hour or so, he'll sleep the rest of the way... Sasha's cage is rattling and shaking from side-to-side and this is just the beginning.
Glad I thought of pre-flight training!!!

As for giving the boys any relaxants, natural or otherwise, the answer is no. Airlines and vets strongly advise against it.

Okay, 30 minutes and Robbie has started crying that irresistible kitten-like, "Help me, Mama", whine. I don't know who is going to get more stressed by this - them or me.

Yes, gals and guys, I'm a nervous wreck!

After an hour and a half, both of them calmed down and went to sleep. At least Sasha was able to shed a few old nail clippings (see photo), but Robbie's crying was mournful... Better to keep them in a closed room and wear earplugs - mama's instincts are going to have a harder time with this than them/

Tomorrow, we're going for 4 hours... wish us luck.

This acclimating is the best thing in the world! I love what you are doing, and yes, their cries rend our hearts (not to mention our ears) but they are safe, they are not in pain, they justwant what they want when they want it. They'll get used to not having immediate release and your tips here are so valuable! Right here!

Mommie wasn't in the mood for flight training yesterday, so the boys had the day off.

Today, I put the food trays in with a few bits of food, but no water. Robbie hopped in when he saw the food and immediately started playing with his food as he always does. Sasha had to be prodded, but with the first hour gone, virtually no crying or scratching. Both settled down pretty quickly. Going for 3 hours today.

And of course, a picture.

Amazing how quickly animals can acclimate to new situations. Virtually not a peep out of either carrier for the full 3 hours. Stepping it up tomorrow!

They sure are doing great, give them a big reward when you take them out.
You are the best!

Been quite busy getting all the details of this massive move back to NY together, but no matter how I begged, the airlines (Austrian and Bulgaria Air) would only allow one animal per flight.
Because Robbie is healthy and doesn't require special care, I very sadly will be leaving him in Bulgaria. I know a fellow who runs a cattery and kennel here and he picked up Robbie yesterday. The rate is a bit over $100 a month, but worth every penny knowing my little Demonseed will be well taken of and will have lots of other kitties to play with.
This completely broke my heart, but the "one animal per flight" policy couldn't be gotten around. There are pet flying services, but don't have a spare $1,000 to bring Robbie home with me. I am praying I will be able to bring him back at some point.
Sasha got a clean bill of health from his vet yesterday, has his own passport, vaccinations, etc... (as does Robbie) and we'll be leaving Friday morning.
Will post back once stateside to let you know how the flight went and how Sasha tolerated the trip.
Hugs to all.
Leah, Robbie & Sasha

I love you so much and miss you already...

Awww....I know how hard it was to leave him behind, but I know you will figure something out to bring him home soon. I love the pictures Now, to find someone willing to bring one extra special piece of baggage on a flight from Bulgaria to New York. Wonder if connecting with a flight attendant, personally, might work?

Aww, makes me wanna just reading it. Sending the link to people with 'nections in Turkey and other unusual places...