cat traveling alone??

My husband and I are moving to New York City in January, but we are moving out of the SF Bay Area in December and will be staying in relatives' homes for one month before our new apartment is ready. During that time, our 6-year-old cat will be staying with our good friends in the Bay Area because we cannot have her with us during the month we will be traveling and moving.

My question is: what would be the best way to get our cat from SF to New York City? Is there a way that she could travel on her own safely and comfortably so that I could just pick her up in NY? I could, of course, fly out here and take her back with me, but I have a very young baby and that would be very hectic for everyone involved.

I have looked online in several places and I just can't get a sense of whether this would work out or not. Any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks!

That's a tough one. I don't know how you're fixed for finances, but I'd think you want to avoid shipping your cat in cargo. Do you have a relative or friend you could buy an airline ticket for so they could take the cat back in the cabin? Maybe you could hire somebody who'd like to take a cross-country trip?