Travelling with a cat

After much discussion and thinking, I've decided that the best thing I can do for Sparkle Boo is to re-home her with my ex. He and I are best of friends and he's willing to take her. Sparkle has had a hard time adjusting to my home because Simple and Pippin are constantly attacking her. I am having a new roommate move in and he has 2 cats, so we would end up being a family of 6 cats (after Smeagol goes to his new home).
The only issue is that my ex lives in Texas. I am travelling down to visit in Texas on the 16th and want to take Sparkle down with me. I want to carry her on board the plane (not ship her as cargo). I've heard horror stories of cats shipped in the cargo area of the plane and I want to keep her with me.
I'd love to hear from everyone who has travelled on planes with their pets as to what is required, what I should be aware of. I estimate the entire travel time at about 6 hours with driving, waiting, etc. included. Should I sedate her so she sleeps most of the time? What kind of travel crate can I use?
Please help!

Devlyn

I have never done this but I did recently read that the vet can prescibe an antihistimine (not a tranqualizer) -- this may calm and slightly sedate the kitty. Kind of like when you take Benadryl.

Anyhow, I recently flew and the only thing that would freak my cat out would be when he is removed from the carrier to go through security. I would have a hard time holding on to him for sure.

I will definitely ask the vet about the antihistamine and I'll be making a travel coat for Sparkle to wear in the crate. I've made them for my cats before and they work very well for keeping a grip on them. Much more secure than the usual pet harnesses. I'd hate for her to freak out in security!!!
I've booked my tickets so I'm getting excited!! I'll be leaving on the 16th and staying until the 29th. Wow! A real vacation!

Any other travel tips? Should I feed her on the plane? Do cats normally get sick on planes? etc.

Originally Posted by meow meow

I have never done this but I did recently read that the vet can prescibe an antihistimine (not a tranqualizer) -- this may calm and slightly sedate the kitty. Kind of like when you take Benadryl.

Anyhow, I recently flew and the only thing that would freak my cat out would be when he is removed from the carrier to go through security. I would have a hard time holding on to him for sure.

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Just an update:
I just got back from my trip to Texas and had an awesome time!
Sparkle Boo was amazingly well behaved in the car and on the plane. She didn't even make a peep and came out and went back into her carrier when I went through security. What a good girl!
I brought her to my friends' house and got to spend two weeks there with her helping to intro her to the family. She didn't want to bond with anyone else since I was still there lol! I got a lot of one on one cuddle time with the little princess and I will miss her a lot, but it's a great home and I think she will bond well.
I'm headed back down for Christmas so I'll be able to see how she's doing and adapting to her new home.

I love you Sparkle!

So, what are the rules about bringing a cat on a plane instead of putting them in the cargo area? I've been wondering this recently in case I ever have to take a trip or something with Luna, I definately wouldn't want her to go into the cargo area.

I'm sure every airline is different. I flew continental and basically I just had to pay the fee of $95, get a size small sherpa carrier, the only one that would fit under the seat, and that's it. I was not required to have vet certification or even rabies tags since she only left the carrier to go through security.
Sparkle and carrier had to remain under the seat for the duration of the flight. Most of the other passengers didn't know I had an animal in my bag lol!

You may want to get a vet check anyways, if you think you might have a nervous flier and need some meds to calm her.

Did you have a leash on her so that you could take her out of the carrier for the x ray inspection?
Or did Sparkle wear a harness?

I have a soft-sided carrier that fits well under the seats of the plane (actually you put it under the seat in front of you).

To be on the safe side, but sure all shots are up to date and get a health certificate from your vet within 10 days of travelling. Most times you would need that if cat is traveling by themselves, but would not hurt to have it just in case someone questions.

Do NOT sedate your cat - I don't think its necessary for any kind of travelling - cats don't react the way you think they would. Sure vets can prescribe stuff to give, but I would never give them anything. I showed cats (travel by car/plane) and none had problems.

They will tend to cry somewhat on take off and landings (noise/pressure) but once in the air, they fall asleep for the most part.

Check with the airlines and book your cat's "seat" well ahead of time - it should cost somewhere between $75 - 150 (last time I needed to fly). When you are in the airport, the cat will have to be taken out of the carrier to scan the carrier - so hook a collar/leash on your cat in the carrier or hold them very tight. I had rexes and they were used to shows/noise and airports didn't phase them much.