Would you consider shipping a cat? At my wits end, please help!

I'll start by saying I'm having a really bad day. One of those days where everything feels like it's coming down on you. One thing that is bothering me is the kittens. There are 2, George and Addie, who are just about 8 months. The live in the bedroom, because the dog gets too excited when they come out and so they can only be out for short supervised visits. He's not violent, just gets worked up and he's a big guy. We've been trying to get them used to each other for more than 6 months now and it's just not really going anywhere.

The original plan had been to rehome them as we got them at 5 weeks from a sticky situation with a neighbour, but my bf got attached and wanted to keep them. Problem is, he's only working part time and hasn't been able to pay for much. I've had George neutered, but Addie is still waiting. They stay in there alone most of the time, though we sleep in there with them. This means I get woken up constantly by biting and meowing....I'm a light sleeper and this is causing me real problems. Also, my bf often sleeps on the couch to avoid them, which is a strain on the relationship. I feel bad because it just seems unfair to the kittens. Also, with our other 2 cats only a year or so older, we're going to end up with four senior cats one day and I worry about the financial burden. I know that's far away, but it's an issue.

I won't take them to the SPCA where they'd end up in a room with a bunch of other cats. If they're just going to live in a room, it might as well be here. Plus, they're no longer tiny little kittens that would be pretty much guaranteed (as much as possible, anyway) to be adopted. But I don't know where they could go.

My friend, who is a member of this site, has recently moved across the country with her one cat.....her other cat had to stay with her parents as he would not have been able to handle the move. She has said she wants to eventually get another when she can afford to. She also said she'd love to have George. I'm almost at my wits end. It could just be the day I'm having, but I'm considering shipping him via Air Canada. I know she'd take great care of him and he's already had all his shots and been neutered, so it'd be a less costly alternative for her than adopting a kitten or even an adult from the SPCA, because I wouldn't charge her an adoption fee.

I think it would be good because George would have a good home and my dog might be better able to handle the integration of one kitten than trying to get used to two.

This was a long rant, but basically I want to know if anyone has ever sent a pet via cargo to someone else and if the experience was good or bad. Or if anyone has any ideas on what to do, I'd appreciate it. Thank you.

I'm sorry but it's really unfair what you're doing to the cats. They do not deserve to be stuck in a room all day. Especially if your bf sleeps on the couch to avoid them!

You definitely need to rehome them and for their sake you need to do it soon. Sending them by plane really isn't a big deal, and if you can afford that, then go for it.

Originally Posted by sarahp

I'm sorry but it's really unfair what you're doing to the cats. They do not deserve to be stuck in a room all day. Especially if your bf sleeps on the couch to avoid them!

You definitely need to rehome them and for their sake you need to do it soon. Sending them by plane really isn't a big deal, and if you can afford that, then go for it.

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I totally agree with you. It's not that they're by themselves all the time, though. We go in and play with them or just hang out in there, read a book, whatever. But they do end up alone more than I'd like, because obviously we have to work and we can't spend all our time at home in the bedroom, cuz there are 2 other cats and a dog that need attention too.

Please don't get the idea that they're completely ignored or not socialized. We do give them attention, just not, IMO, enough. I want them to have a home where they can be the centre of attention or at least have free reign to decide for themselves if they want to be in the busy spaces or the quiet spaces. They're very friendly and used to people and being handled.

I can't really "afford" to send him, but can I afford not to? It would be a good home. There are a million things on the list of things to do and buy, but I guess everything can be bumped for his sake.

I do think we could get Addie into the regular mix if it was just her. The dog seems to be trying to go in 2 directions at once when they're both out. But Addie loves the dog (tries to head butt him, which is a bit of an issue because he's not sure what she's doing lol) and Sammy, who seems to love her back as long as she takes the hint when he wants "alone time".

ARRRG, I just want them to be happy! I feel horrible that I'm not able to provide that for them here.

If it's a home with someone you know and you know it's a good situation, then I wouldn't hesitate to do it.

However, I'd be very careful about climate control on the plane. Sometimes they "forget" and that's bad news in this weather. I would say either find a reputable pet shipping company or send them with someone. Lots of rescues run transport chains so that could be an option, or they could fly with someone. Alternatively, for cargo shipments I'd probably wait until the weather warms up a bit.

Originally Posted by semiferal

If it's a home with someone you know and you know it's a good situation, then I wouldn't hesitate to do it.

However, I'd be very careful about climate control on the plane. Sometimes they "forget" and that's bad news in this weather. I would say either find a reputable pet shipping company or send them with someone. Lots of rescues run transport chains so that could be an option, or they could fly with someone. Alternatively, for cargo shipments I'd probably wait until the weather warms up a bit.

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I hadn't thought about rescues sending pets......does anyone know of a transport chain associated with a rescue in the Toronto area that I could call?

You might check on groups who do transport for pets- I can't remember what they are called to help you do a google search, but I know they have many of these groups for dogs- surely they have groups (low cost or free) like this for cats. The only thing I've read is that flying short nosed breeds of animal (Persians, Boxers, Pugs, etc.) isn't advisable.

Maybe someone with a rescue or something can help- or maybe ask in the breeders section? They probably have more experience with pet transportation of all kinds . Good luck- it sounds like a good idea.

And while keeping them in the bedroom isn't the best situation, I don't think it's cruel, as long as they have plenty to do, clean water and litterboxes, good food and plenty of human interaction and socialization .


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Maybe someone with a rescue or something can help- or maybe ask in the breeders section? They probably have more experience with pet transportation of all kinds

. Good luck- it sounds like a good idea.

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I guess maybe this part might help you, as I am apparently a slower typer than I thought!

Oh, or maybe the SOS section, for the rescuers' help?

Originally Posted by catsallover

And while keeping them in the bedroom isn't the best situation, I don't think it's cruel, as long as they have plenty to do, clean water and litterboxes, good food and plenty of human interaction and socialization

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Thank you. I know they're better off here, even if they don't get 24/7 attention, than they would have been if we hadn't taken them. They would have been dumped in a barn or worse at 5 weeks. But I just feel like if I love cats so much, why can't I make it work? Probably just my mood today making me feel like a failure, but still. The do have all their necessities plus extra toys and each other for when we're at work, so I guess we're not exactly torturing them.

You do have to be careful about climate control when shipping a pet via cargo and some airlines won't ship during cold weather. Climate concerns aside, it's actually a very safe way to ship a pet, particularly if you use one of the major airlines that have experience with this. I shipped a rescued cat from Cincinnati to another TCS member in Denver last Sept. and she made it to her new home just fine. The airline personnel were very compassionate and careful with handling her and several other pets that were being shipped at the same time.

I looked into pet transport companies, but they are very expensive. There are also many volunteer groups that transport rescued pets. I'll PM you a list. Good luck with getting this cat to a new home.

I shipped a kitten to California from Toronto on Air Canada and it was a breeze!

The others are correct though - if the temperature is too cold or too hot they will not take animals in the cargo area. My best advice is to call Air Canada Cargo and get some information. Those folks at Pearson were wonderful, well informed, and helped me tremendously. How far does this kitty have to go? If it's a short flight it may not be too bad. I understand that some of the heat and air conditioning (depending on season) gets into the cargo area so it may not be as bad as one would think.

I think if your friend wants George, and you know it's a good place for him to be, then that's the way you should go. By the way, it was not very expensive to ship the kitty to California - about $168.