"Sorry. We don't know where your cat is"

The cats' passports

What would you do if you got this message when you went to pick up your cat?


Sunday was the last day of the Magic Flute performances and me & the cats were to travel back to Oslo. The journey up had gone really well and been free of any complications, so I was relaxed and certain that the airline (and airport) was very experienced, professional and careful with my Amadeus.


Like last time I had Christa with me in the cabin (in a sherpa bag) and Amadeus had to go below. (Widerø airline-rules). So at the airport Amadeus was checked in the vari kennel carrier with his favorite blanket like he was at Gardermoen airport one month earlier. Only this time they had no idea where he was when Christa and I arrived in Oslo.


"Sorry, we don't know where your cat is"
We went down to claim our luggage like usual and expected to pick up Amadeus from the "Special luggage" area. We waited and watched the instrumentalists (who were on the same plane) pick up their contrabass and other large instruments. When no little blue box with my cat were among those, I asked the man if my cat was to come soon? (Adding that he was on the same plane as these instruments). He replied that "it probably would". Then he left me to wait some more, wondering why he weren't delivered in that load. I waited a long time and started to feel nervous. My heart jumped every time the door opened, and it sank when I realized it was only workers going out for a cigarette. I realized that something was wrong and I went to the widerø helpdesk.

Amadeus (at home) in his blue box

I explained and told her which flight I had been on and that I still haven't got Amadeus back. She called the luggage handlers (and the people who had worked on that plane) and was told that they didn't know anything about no cat. I could hear the man on the telephone tell her this and this was the cue for me to try to hold my tears and panic back. (And not to forget my anger!) She then told me what I all ready heard and said that they had no clue where Amadeus were, but perhaps he still were back at the other airport. I got horrible pictures in my head of my little Amadeus left on the cold runway. Obviously forgotten, since no one had phoned me or the airline all ready. (I was even more scared since I knew that the flight was overbooked and they had asked me, and others, if we wanted to take a later plane back. + the unusual amount of instruments as luggage!)


She then tried to phone the other airport for a long time, but no one picked up. (It was a small airport, but still not acceptable!) When she didn't get a reply she said that "he might be there still and they might send him here on the next plane in 4,5 hour. Do you want a food-coupon while you wait?"


NO! I don't want a f***** food-coupon, I want my cat! 
I want you b****** to know were my cat is, and then I want him delivered safely to me. 
(This is what I wanted to say, but in real life I strangely enough dropped the ugly swearing. But I can assure my readers that I were pretty angry and teary at this point.) 


My kind friend who were outside ready to drive us home had to pay a lot extra for the parking and I felt horrible leaving her to wait so long as well, although my main concern at this point was obviously Amadeus. The widerø-lady continued to try to reach the other airport but got hold of no one. I sat beside the counter and fought off the tears. 


Then, after 1.5 hour, I finally got a phone call.
It was from a cargo company (not the airline) wondering if I were the owner of Amadeus. Thrilled and scared senseless at the same time I got the message that Amadeus were with them and they wondered what to do with him. Not understanding how my cat ended up with this lot (as he arrived on the same plane as me & the luggage handlers had no idea about him) I gave the phone to the widerø-lady who told that they had permission to deliver him to me at the "special luggage". The man who came with him told us that they probably had thought he were cargo and not luggage, and therefor had been sent to the cargo hold when he arrived. 


I can NOT understand (or accept) that they can loose track of a live animal that way. This time the reunion were a happy one (and actually took place), but there is obvious a risk that animals can get astray like that when traveling? Scary! (Luckily I had been smart enough to put my name and phone number on the crate, if not, then what??).


I had a horrible hour of not knowing, and felt that the airline was completely incompetent and helpless in retrieving him. 


I am grateful that it all went well. Amadeus & Christa were a bit tired after the flight as expected but showed no signs of stress. They are now safely back home, Amadeus sleeps in my lap as I write this. Thank God!

Do my readers think I should write a letter to the airline? Do you think it will amount to anything?

We survived! (First journey with airplane!)

We made it!
We have now arrived in Nordfjord, safe and sound. No one froze or was scared to death. We are now grateful and happy to be relaxing in our hotelroom and look forward to stay a month! Read about the experience!

What I brought for the stay
First I packed all the things needed for a month away from home:

- Litterbox
- Some litterpearl (+ bought a bag today)
- Favourite mouse-toy + cat-wand with feathers
- Tunnel
- Feliway
- Nail scissors
- Small scratching post
- Cat treats
- Ear cleaner (+ cottonpads)
- A few days rations of the normal catfood
- A measuring cup
- Sherpa-bag for transport (Christa in the cabin)
- Vari-kennel crate for transport (Amadeus, in hold)
- Drinking bowls
- Food bowl
- Floor protector

I packed most of these things in my own suitcase, (a VALUABLE buy is to get a Samsonite Cosmolite, it is almost weightless and incredibly strong!) Even the litterbox and pearls went in there, but I had bought a small litterbox, to make it easier to travel with).

The first minutes, exploring the new space!

The Journey
When I had placed the two cats in their crates, I went by car to the airport. We are grateful that a friend drove us, and we didn't have to take a taxi and a train.

First I had to check in my suitcase, then I sent Amadeus off at the special luggage conveyor. It was a strange feeling to leave him there, like he was luggage, but the man behind the counter was friendly and I felt safer for leaving him. (I had put stickers on the crate, stating: "LIVE ANIMALS", my name and contact-information & Amadeus' name and race). 

It was a strange experience to go through security with Christa though. I had to send my bag through like normal, but then I was asked to take Christa up (from the sherpa bag) and carry her through the sensor. Of course it went off, but they were kind enough to let me put Christa back into the bag before they checked me. It was many wierd looks as I carried my little Sphynx (with a little red flanelshirt) through the metal-sensors.

Christa at the coffeeplace, looking out on life

Then I met up with a fellow singers (who was also traveling that day) and had a coffee, Christa was spying out on the people who passed us by. (She didn't make much sound at this point, just the occasional little meow).  I was obviously wondering where Amadeus was at this point....

We went to the gate and I informed the lady behind the counter that I traveled with cats. I was asked to board the plane first (along with the couple with a baby), to be kind we were placed at the back of the plane, in case of any allergic passengers.

The plane was very small though, one of these propeller-ones, so it was VERY noisy. It was a baptism by fire for my two cats. And even worse; we had to have one stop to pick up more passengers 30 minutes in. Christa made many sad noises while on the floor under the seat, so I had her on my lap (inside the bag, holding one hand inside), and this calmed her down. Although she was clearly stressed at times. (Especially at landing, which was pretty loud). I tried to offer her water, but she wasn't calm enough to drink, I also removed the clothing she had on, since it wasn't so cold on board like on larger airplanes.

I only heard from Amadeus once, and of course it pained me. I could hear him when we had the layover, he was making a couple of sorrowful wails. I felt like a brutal animal abuser and a bad "mother". So I was incredibly happy to walk out of the plane 20 minutes later and pick him up as they unloaded the luggage. He was silent at this point but at least he was visible in the crate and not frozen to death!

Hello! I'm curious! (Day one)

We were picked up at the airport by someone from the opera and took the ferry over to Nordfjord. As I offered the cats to join each other in the big crate, Amadeus decided that he wanted to be in the Sherpa bag, so they just changed places. I am sure Christa was happy to have more space!

The trip from the airport was only about 15 minutes all together, so happily not the longest journey. (The flight was 1,5 hour). We left home at 17:30 and we were at the hotel at 21:30.

I sprayed the room with feliway (only cats can smell it, and it calms them down, making them feel at home), and let the cats out to explore. (after I closed windows and made sure the room was cat-safe of course!) I showed them the litterbox and food/water, and I saw it as a good sign that Christa started eating at once. Then they explored, chatted and followed me around as I unpacked my own things.

That night they slept beside me, over and under the blanket.
It was like normal and they have taken the change remarkably well! I am so proud!

Investigating newly bought stuff!

The hotel (Hotel Nordfjord) have been very nice about me bringing the cats, and they gave us a room with a small balcony in case I wanted to give them some air. The room is a good size and have cupboards for which I am very grateful! All in all I am very excited about staying here, the only downside is, that it is very dark when the sun goes down, as they don't have much efficient lighting. But who cares! The cats are here, so we will have an awesome time!

Ps: There is a fly in my hotelroom, they love it. It is the best kind of free plaything, and they run around making funny noises, trying to catch it. hihi......

The food and floorprotector

A sign I saw on the wall outside a shop in Nordfjord

The fjord! 

Water in the shower; Christa loves to play with water

What's all this familiar stuff?

A well used blanket from home. mmmmm....

Airline approved pet carriers

HI have now looked into the different carriers, trying to find the best (and approved by airlines!)

The operacats exploring their new vari carrier

When looking for a carrier for your cat who is to go "below" the plane in a hold, you can in theory only be certain with the hard-shell carrier: Vari Kennel.

This is a study and reliable carrier, they come in several sizes (although the other sizes seems mostly to be used for dogs). I bought the small one, and according to many airlines I can (in theory) put two cats in there if necessary, although must not weigh more than 14 kg. They should also be very used to each other!

I intend to take Christa in a soft carrier with me on the plane and place Amadeus in the Vari kennel (since I was only allowed to have one cat with me inside the plane, in a soft carrier).

Ventilation on all four sides of carrier

Testing the carrier, getting to know it!

It seems that one of the things a carrier for pets need to have is holes on all four sides of the carrier. If yours doesn't have that it is certain that some (hopefully most) airlines will not approve of your carrier. (I have read stories of people who had to drill new holes on the carrier at the airport!)

I have found some useful places online, wish I wish to share:

The International Air Transport Association
Great site: How to ship your cat or dog (Lots' of great information & what to think about!)

How to measure your dog or cat for a carrier: 
British airways world cargo (live animals) - pdf

Help & review of Vari kennel
Other costumers share their tips, experiences.

Finding the right size (pet carriers)
Airline Approved Pet carriers


Live Animals stickers!
When traveling you need to have stickers on the side of the crate, to show that it contains live animals. (These comes with the Vari Kennel carrier). Make sure to remember to stick them on! (On the top and on the side is what I did).

Peek-a-boo!

Getting used to the carrier
I have placed the carrier on top of the fridge (where they often sleep), to teach them that this is a safe place to be, somewhere they all ready are comfortable and that smells familiar. (I have put the little pillow they always sleep on inside). They seem to like the carrier, especially Amadeus. (which is good, since he is the first one to use it!)

Have a safe journey every cat and human! 

Traveling with cats (+ passports)

In September I will get to travel with the cats (with airplane) for the first time! It is both scary and exciting. I am going to sing "The Magic Flute" (Mozart) in another city and will be gone from home for one month. I therefor want to bring the operacats along. 


This is what I have all ready arranged: 

Amadeus in his Sherpa bag

Airplane
I was early in touch with the airline to arrange for both my cats to travel with me. I travel with wideroe and they were very helpful and positive. I have to have one in a carrier to check in, and one in a sherpa bag to bring with me inside the plane. (These, I have been told, were the first soft-sided carriers to be allowed by the airlines. See the link).
Here I will bring Christa in the sherpa bag, (because she is the most scared of noises. Like the vacuumcleaner). And Amadeus which are not scared of much will go in the carrier in the belly of the plane.
I have read that you shouldn't feed the cats 24 hours before leaving and not bringing water inside the carrier. (Because it get's messy). Luckily it isn't a long journey. 



I will also put their usual blankets inside the carrier so it smells like home and feels at least a bit safer.



Hotel
Bringing cats to a hotel. 
We are staying in an hotel during the rehearsals and performances. (Sept-Oct).
I have been in touch with the hotel asking them about bringing my cats. The hotel have been very kind and helpful! 
I only have to pay if there are extra cleaning, (+ any damages; thank God they are really good not to scratch stuff), and the extra thorough cleaning after we leave. Obviously I will clean the bathroom everyday (myself) anyway.


What to bring: 
1. I will bring a small litterbox (the same they use at home, so it is familiar and handy).

2. Litterpearls (look like crystals). They are very light and absorbs smell brilliantly. (I am planning to bring just a little, then buy a small bag of it when we arrive). 

3. Small (corner) scratchpost. (I have seen these in the shops. They are easy to bring and good to have so the cat can scratch, and not use any furniture).  


4. Some of their blankets (which have their smell on it and are familiar). 


5. Carrier and sherpabag (for the plane). This will also work like small (safe) caves for them in the hotelroom.

6. Food. Obviously bring some of their usual type. (Royal Canine, Sensible 33. For the sensitive cat). And something to have food and drink in. 



Next year, traveling abroad


I will have to bring the cats with me to the Netherlands next year, when I sing in "The Marriage of Figaro" on tour there. I have all ready started the process to get passports for the cats. 

The operacat's passports

This means that I have had to start with the "rabies-routine". 
That is to give both cats a shot of "rabisin", to make them immune to rabies. If not you cannot bring your animal outside Norway. (Except Sweden). 
Then you need to wait 170 days to take a bloodsample to see if it worked, if not you obviously cannot leave. If it works we can travel 6 months after that. 


I have checked with Amadeus, and he is free to travel!
I am still waiting for Christa's bloodsamples to be taken.

Every country have different rules though (especially Great Britain are very strict).
One has to check with the government of the country one wish to travel to. (Usually something online). This is because besides rabies vaccine, one usually have to give the cats extra things, like shots against worm-infections etc. 

In our cardbox on the fridge

You have to make sure to give a "top up" on the rabies vaccine. Every year. If not it doesn't count and you have to start all over again. All vaccines are then registered in the passport, not the usual vaccine-card.  



I hope that everything will go smoothly and that the cats and me will have a great adventure! =)