Question:
Well we're in the midst of booking Willows flight. But we found out some really bad news. She has to be booked in FOUR hours before her flight, and won't be released for another FOUR hours after her flight ends! So poor Willow has an extra eight hours just waiting around. I'm really not happy about that, but its the only airline that will take her direct to Calgary so we don't have much choice. Another requirement is that she has a water bottle attached to her carrier. Of course we don't have a watter bottle for her, so we have to buy one asap. Does anyone have experience with a cat drinking from one of these? I wouldn't think they would know how. Should I just get a plastic one like for a chin or piggy? I'm also worried its going to leak all over her and the carrier. Also, now that she's going to be in there for so much longer, should I put in some food for her? I was thinking she'd be fine for the 9 - 10 hours I thought she'd be, but we're talking about 16-17 hours now. I don't want her to get airsick in her carrier is my first thought, but I don't want her to be hungry either.
Our poor poor Willow. I feel so terrible. But we just can't leave her behind, and there's no other way of getting her home. In less then three weeks it'll all be over and we'll all be in Calgary a happy family again. I just hope she doesn't hate us for too long!


Answer:
I have never given a cat a water bottle, but I would think she would need some practice w/ a relatively large one before the trip. Good luck.


Answer:
Jen, have you ever seen Siwa brand water bottles over there? They are great valve bottles and do not leak. You could probably convince her to try it by putting some chicken broth or tuna water in the bottle. I wouldn't feed her...16 hours is a long time but you also don't want her getting sick and/or going to the bathroom in her litterbox. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help.


Answer:
Here's a water bottle specifically for dogs and cats and apparently it comes with instructions on how to train a dog or cat to use it:
http://www.geocities.com/persianpal2001/index.html
And here's some tips to get a cat to start using it:
http://www.chocolatecats.com/cat_water_bottle_tips.htm
Here's one that opens from the top -- I like the top-loading bottles, myself:
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/pet-king/48054801792.html


Answer:
I'm not sure which airline you are flying but a whole bunch allow you to bring a cat as carry-on luggage. As long as they are in a carrier that can fit under the seat they are allowed in the cabin.
There are lots of restrictions when it comes to flying with pets, does your airline have a website? They usually have everything available.
From what I know you should feed your cat 4-6 hours before the flight. A full stomach can cause discomfort. A rodent water bottle should work fine, only fill it up a bit in case it does leak there won't be water everywhere.
When you get on your flight tell the stewardess and ask her to tell the captain that there is a live animal on board. Some times the cargo info can be lost and it is best to remind them. Also, if there is a problem with your pet they know exactly where you are and don't have to bother looking up passenger info.
If there is a delay or emergency you can also ask the flight crew to go and check on your cat, they can give her more water and even some treats.
Don't forget that most airlines require a valid health certificate. Here it has to be as recent as 10 days and have written authorization from a vet saying the cat is fit to fly.
Oh, and it is also standard for pets to be booked in 2 hours before domestic flights and 4 hours for international. You have to also inform the check-in counter of the 'exact' dimensions of your carrier.
In Canada it is required by law that there is a water bottle and food dish attached to the carrier door. You do not however have to have them filled with water or food. They just have to be there, and the carrier unlocked. In case of emergencies the staff can care for your pet.
Good luck, I know it is a lot of hassle but it is worth it.
Oh, and on a completely different side note, when I travelled with my cat I put a small box lined with newspaper and a bit of litter in the corner. She didn't use it but we were on a shorter flight. There is also very absorbant carrier liners now available in case of spills or accidents... you don't want your pet sitting in something wet for the whole flight.


Answer:
You could get one of those doggie pee pads and put that in the carrier... so if she accidently does pee she will probably just push it to the back of the carrier so she won't have to sit in it... or put it into the litterbox if you're planning to provide her one.. it'll absorb the liquid and be less messy if she dumps the litterbox that has litter in it...


Answer:
Thanks for the tips everyone! I will definatly check out those water bottles and try to start training her now to use it. Also, good idea about those absorbent pads. We're putting her favorite blanket in with her, but I wouldn't want her to wet it and have to sit on it the whole flight. She will use any kind of litter, so maybe we can get her to use the pad. And there is a strict no-food policy, so we'll just feed her in the morning.
Also, thanks for the tips about carry-on and such. Unfortunatly we're not flying the same airline as her. She's going on Air Canada, and we're flying on a discount airline a few days after (that don't allow live animals). One way flights from the UK on Air Canada were astronomically expensive, so it just wasn't an option. I feel terrible that we won't be there to pick her up, but our best friend is and will keep her until we get there. I know she'll be in great hands which makes me feel better.
Well, time to start training her on a water bottle and absorbent pad!


Answer:
How is everything going, JenM?