Tuesday, February 10, 2009

help!

quick help! I have a friend flying from Germany to the US with a cat on Wednesday and vets are closed. Does anyone know a safe way to sedate her kitty? She got permission to have her fly in the cabin with her but she want's something calm.
I always use Rescue Remedy but I'm not sure she has access!
thank you!

and sorry about the lack of posts. Having a very bad and hectic time!

8 comments:

The Creek Cats said...

We too would suggest Rescue Remedy or Feliway spray. Sorry we can't be more help. Best of luck to your friend.
Hope things calm down and become less hectic for you soon!!

Daisy said...

I'm sorry you are having a hectic time.

I think most vets recommend that it is best not to sedate a cat before traveling. I think it makes it more difficult for them to regulate their temperature. I have flown on a plane (in the cabin, under the seat in a soft-sided cat carrier). Even though I am a pretty nervous cat, I was quiet as a mouse for the whole flight, and I did not take any medicines. I hope all goes well for your friend!

Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, Ryu said...

I travelled long distances (12 hour flights!) with my cat in the cabin for years, and he never needed to be sedated. He never made a fuss.

If your friend absolutely wants to to give her kitty something, Germany is excellent for homeopathic remedies and her best bet might be to consult with a homeopathic pharmacist for a suggestion.

We hope things calm down for you soon.

#1

tahtimbo said...

I did a little research and the articles I read stated that it is not a good idea to sedate a cat for air travel. The reason they gave was the unknown affects of altitude on the sedative. With that said, here are a few links that you might find helpful. The first is to Petco, though they may not be in Germany. The second is for a natural sedative that can be purchased in a store. Good luck!

http://www.petco.com/Shop/Product.aspx?familyid=7743

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Discuss:Is_there_anything_you_can_use_to_sedate_a_cat_other_than_getting_an_expensive_prescription_from_the_vet

tahtimbo said...

Okay, the link didn't paste correctly, so here is the answer copied from WikiAnswers...

Yes,there is something that you can give your cat to calm him down. Valerian Root can be up to seven times stronger than catnip. I have this in my cat 'tool-kit' and it never fails to work. Additionally, it is inexpensive and cats love it. It is non-addictive and safe. Buy some valerian root from a reputable health/herb shop. Grind a small amount in a pestle and mortar. Sprinkle a small pinch once a day over the cat's food. Keep the root in a sealed jar to keep it fresh and keep the smell in...your cat will seek it out otherwise!

Unknown said...

I did a lot of resarch on flying with cat(because someday i want to bring back Goma to japan). But they said sedating a cat is a BAD idea. so the best way will be to put her in Cargo. I know she can not be with her cat but not to disturb passangers that will be the best. I think it will be less stressful for her because she can have a bigger cage for cargo. Carry on carrier is just way too small for cat....i hope this helps!!

Sweet Purrfections said...

I don't know what to suggest, but you should contact Ana, mom to Chica and Pumuckl. They just recently flew from Egypt to Germany.

Peanut Butter and Jenny said...

thank you guys so much!!! Turns out, she decided to board the kitty in cargo in which case--best not to be sedated! Originally she was going to be in the passenger area.

I told her PB was always so scared that she never made a peep. as long as i could bring her up in her carrier after takeoff and put my hand near her or touch her every few minutes....she was okay.

thank you again!!