moving cats to Hawaii

Question
QUESTION: Hello Jerry,
We are moving to Hawaii in 10 months and have started the process for direct release of our 4 cats and we will be ready. But I am, like a lot of pet owners I'm sure, very concerned about the cats flying as baggage in the baggage compartment and would greatly appreciate your expertise! Two of the cats will be 16 years old by flight time and one of them is a Persian (bracycephalic which I'm told is a concern). Both of these older cats still have a wonderful quality of life and are by our sides constantly. The other two cats are Ragdolls and will be 7 and 8 years old by flight time. They are the stereotypical Ragdolls...very dependant, and look to us for protection from every little loud noise they hear.  We will be flying from Las Vegas which goes nonstop to Honolulu and then we will take an inter island flight to Kauai. SO my question is...will they be okay flying in the belly of the plane as baggage? I've tried to read as much as possible to become informed but I'm reading things like the cats will be breathing toxic fumes and their carriers won't be strapped in and so they may be tossled about with turbulence and the temperature isn't regulated. I've looked to the incident reports and see that they aren't too bad for the number of pets that are probably flying but of course I don't want our pets to be one of the statistics. We love our cats, and want to do the best and safest thing for them. Please let me benefit from your knowledge and provide me with some guidance!! Gratefully yours, Jodi

ANSWER: Dear Jodi
First, and foremost, especially the two older cats should have very
thorough physical exams including blood work.  Your veterinarian
should be able to decide if they are healthy enough for air travel.
Be sure they all have large enough travel kennels, especially the
Persian.
Wherever did you hear they would breath toxic fumes, bounce around
and no temp control? This is absolutely ridiculous.
The kennels are secured, the temp is the same as the passenger
cabin.  Toxic fumes?  I've never heard of this.....
That's not a very long flight as flights go.  Some pets we ship and
receive are flying for 15 to 18 hrs.  And, they do just fine.
Do NOT sedate under any circumstances.....
The airlines take excellent care of pets.
Hope this helps to put your mind at ease
Sincerely, Jerry Mishler

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Jerry,
I cannot tell you how much you have helped me!! But your answer with its expertise has prompted a few more questions and again I will be grateful to be the beneficiary of your knowledge...but first to answer your question of where I heard about the fumes, unsecured kennels and inadequate temp control (I have found numerous websites with people who are dismayed over the closing of ATA with whom they used to trust and use to get their pets to and from Hawaii. Many of these people are now referring others to dogtravelcompany.net and that is where I read some of the "propaganda" I'll now refer to it as. They do allow cats with approval). So Jerry my two questions are these: 1) What size cat carrier do you recommend for flying? I've had the "normal" size carriers for years. They are the small size but the cats have always liked getting "scrunched up small" when they are being transported to the vet etc. It sounds as though you are recommending a different size for the particular needs of flying? The Persian is 8 lbs and the other three cats are from 12 to 14 lbs. and do I need to have any particular concern with my Persian and her little flat nose? 3)You recommended that especially the two older cats have a thorough exam including blood work. The cats are going to the vet next week, she is a new vet for us, are there any tests in particular I should ask for in order to determine if the older cats are healthy enough for this trip? Thank you again and I will definitely not sedate the cats, I was wavering on this issue but will now follow your recommendation! Okay I guess that was really three questions. I hope I'm not being too greedy with your time but perhaps others can benefit from our questions and answers. Most gratefully yours, Jodi and the 4 kitties

Answer
Jodi
Sorry for the delay.  We have just been swamped with business and
most of it is current.
The blood test should be for liver and kidney function.  Also the
vet should know what to look for with older cats and travel...
I recommend the Petmate #200 medium kennel that is 19" high.
or, the Bargain Hound which is 18" High.  They should have
ventilation on all four sides.  Not required for travel to Hawaii, but
is required for international travel.  I highly recommend this.
You might have to drill holes on the far end.  The older models
usually do not have air holes on the end, the newer models usually do.
Hope this helps
Jerry