Has anyone traveled long distances, internationally, with cats? Besides the documents they'll need, is there anything I could be doing to get them used to people, noise, wearing a leash /harness? They're older ladies used to being inside, in the quiet. I worry about them and how they are going to feel on a plane ...for a long flight.
@Blue_Skyesr_here I dont know about cats traveling. But if it were my dogs I would give them benadryl an hour before boarding and a warm blanket if they will be in cargo.
@Blue_Skyesr_here I moved a 13 year old male from the US to Philippines. I used a pet travel service, which was expensive ($6,000), but they bought all the tickets, had an experienced handler pick him up at the house, take him to the airport, and at every stop in other countries people checked on him and refreshed his food and water. he got here fine. hid under the bed for 2 weeks and then came out and took over the house. at his age, wasn't sure he'd make it, but he lived to be 19.
If you have a car, get them used to riding in their carriers while you're driving. This way they won't be thrown off by the motion of the plane. A harness might help, since you can leave that on all the time and then hook the leash to it. If you can find room in your carry-on bag, bring towels or a pillowcase or something to throw over their carriers. It will give them a sense of privacy and help calm them down if they get agitated. They'll be okay.
Paging @awnaves and @@FrankCannon there is a question that @Blue_Skyesr_here is asking about preparing cats for air travel.
@Blue_Skyesr_here
I have only traveled (moved) between states with cats. It's difficult to train older cats on leashes/harnesses. I would consider medication for the trip to calm them.