This coming Sunday I'll be taking Reno with me to visit my dad for Thanksgiving. Thanks to everyone's wonderful help here we've established that Reno's somewhere in the range if 9-12 weeks old.
I'll be taking Reno with me in-cabin on two connecting flights across the country. The minimum age requirement for taking kittens and puppies on flights is 8 weeks, so he meets that qualification. He'll be getting his shots and Frontline today. So I have a few questions..
#1: If he gets his vaccinations on Tuesday and comes on the trip Sunday will he be well enough? I know vaccinations typically make kitties a little under the weather but I'm assuming that's only for a day or so.. yes?
#2: I've flown dozens of times but never with a pet before. Is there anything I should be aware of before hand? Any tips from those with experience?
#3: Opinions on the sedation route? Reno, being an energetic little kitty, certainly isn't going to remain quiet in his little carrier for upwards of 5 hours. I've read that sedatives upset an animal's ability to maintain balance and adjust to changes in cabin pressure, so I've got very mixed feelings. My vet seems to think Reno will be safe with mild sedatives; enough to make him groggy but not put him out.
Reno's done extremely well with changes in environment (the poor thing's had to deal with life indoors and out, along with being hauled all over the place with all his vet visits). I've purchased a special carrier for the trip and in an attempt to ensure he's comfortable with it, I've left it open on the floor and put his food and water inside.
I'm just anxious to get everyone's thoughs since this is new territory for me and with Reno being as young as he is I want to ensure I go about the whole thing just right.
I'll be taking Reno with me in-cabin on two connecting flights across the country. The minimum age requirement for taking kittens and puppies on flights is 8 weeks, so he meets that qualification. He'll be getting his shots and Frontline today. So I have a few questions..
#1: If he gets his vaccinations on Tuesday and comes on the trip Sunday will he be well enough? I know vaccinations typically make kitties a little under the weather but I'm assuming that's only for a day or so.. yes?
#2: I've flown dozens of times but never with a pet before. Is there anything I should be aware of before hand? Any tips from those with experience?
#3: Opinions on the sedation route? Reno, being an energetic little kitty, certainly isn't going to remain quiet in his little carrier for upwards of 5 hours. I've read that sedatives upset an animal's ability to maintain balance and adjust to changes in cabin pressure, so I've got very mixed feelings. My vet seems to think Reno will be safe with mild sedatives; enough to make him groggy but not put him out.
Reno's done extremely well with changes in environment (the poor thing's had to deal with life indoors and out, along with being hauled all over the place with all his vet visits). I've purchased a special carrier for the trip and in an attempt to ensure he's comfortable with it, I've left it open on the floor and put his food and water inside.
I'm just anxious to get everyone's thoughs since this is new territory for me and with Reno being as young as he is I want to ensure I go about the whole thing just right.