Is flying an FeLV positive cat safe? Will stress worsen its health?

Wow, exciting move! Very thoughtful of you to be thinking about what's best for Selena. In my experience, animals are quite resilient and adaptable. While I'm sure the day or two of travel will not be her favorite thing, my personal feeling is that 1-2 days of stressful travel is worth it if it means she gets to stay with the human she's attached to. Of course, you'll need to get a health certificate from your vet saying she's fit to travel - and I recommend giving your primary vet a call before that and chat with them in case they have additional input based on her specific temperament and medical history. However, my input would be that as long as your vet thinks she can handle the trip, you should take her with you. I hope this helps!

I think it is very stressful for a cat to travel like this. Cats are not dogs and so they don't adapt well to be taken all over the place. I think it is best if he stays home but ultimately it is up to your friend.

Hello, thats certainly a long flight. Cats in general have the demeanor of being cautious about new environments, noises, and objects so it is not surprising he becomes very stressed under these conditions. You may speak to your veterinarian about having calming medication prescribed to Fuzz for the long journey. I would also check with your airline provider to ensure that cargo conditions are adequate for animals, temperatures can become very hot under there and may not be safe at all for pets. There are things like zylkene tablets and other sedatives your veterinarian may be able to provide you with. Make sure Fuzz has a good thorough physical exam during his health certification to ensure he is in good shape to travel a long journey. Best of luck and hope this helps.

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! I would ask your Veterinarian for an oral sedative for you to give 2 hours before travel. I would use the Feliway spray in his carriage. Once you arrive at your new home, he should be kept in a room by himself away from the other animals for a week then use a baby gate at the door for the him to see and greet the other cat and dog. Do that for a week, then remove the gate. be sure he has access to this room to run away if he needs to. This room can be your bedroom. Use the Feliway diffuser in this room. If there is aggression between the cats use the Feliway Multicat I wish you the best! https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=37241 https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=37240 https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=37242

Stress can affect a senior cat's health, but it is possible to take Rainbow with you to college. A one hour flight will be much easier for her than a 12 hour car ride, and I'd recommend taking her that way. You can talk to your vet to see if they feel she may need any medications for the trip, but I personally flew my cats from the US to New Zealand when I moved here without medication and that was a 12 hour flight from Los Angeles to Auckland. Cats do handle flights well, and one hour is a short flight. I think that having her there with you will help with your transition to college, and she will like being with her owner. I would consider taking her with you.

I know how you feel. I just flew with 5 of my own pets for a flight that was over 7 hrs. So you are a bit limited here, but there are some safe things you can do to ease the stress for Moka. 1) No sedatives- these are not safe and also not permitted due to the vast temperature ranges that your fur baby can be exposed to. Also if she is going in cargo pressure changes can make her at risk for serious injury if she is on any type of sedative/tranquilizer. 2) Stress reducing natural remedies- there are lots of options here at your local pet store. Get an associate to help you find some that will work for you. 3) Place a clothing item with your scent on it in the carrier with her 4) Don't stop giving her food or water for any period of time. You want her well hydrated and well fed. Most cats won't eat much in transit, so letting her eat is a good idea. 5) Place a pee pad or towel at the bottom of the carrier in case of accidents. You will be surprised to know that most cats hold their urine and feces well during transit, unless of course Moka has a diagnosed separation anxiety condition, in which case she may have an accident or two. 6) Relax- your pet picks up on your mood! So if you are stressed, she will be stressed! Just relax and things will be just fine.

If Shakira stresses very easily, I think the best thing to do is have her seen by her vet before she goes on this trip, and discuss using medication to help ease her stress during it. The medication would be safest to use on a long car ride, not a flight. Make an appointment with her vet to discuss options. I hope this helps!