The Logistics of F.A.T.*
Tomorrow morning the kitties are making their last trip to the German vet to get their health exams/certificates so that they can repatriate back to America with me.
Then, a week from today, less than 48 hours after I arrive in the United States and still suffering from jet lag, I will be barreling my way across the state of Iowa to the vastness that is otherwise known as Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport to pick up my three furbabies from their second (and hopefully last) international flight.
As I mentioned a few weeks ago, traveling with cats is not necessarily an experience for the faint of heart. It was nerve-racking enough the first time around when there were two humans and the cats flew on the same plane as we did. This time around though, one human and no large international airport within 400 miles of Small Town Iowa combined with a separate cargo flight and a seven hour drive each way makes the whole thing just short of a logistical nightmare.
I know that most of my readers (even those cat lovers) probably think I am completely insane for going to all this trouble to ship three mutt-cats thousands of miles over the ocean and then driving all that way to pick them up and bring them home. And in all honesty, I think I would probably agree with you… But they are my babies and there is no way in hell that anyone could ever convince me to leave them behind!
And so, just to show you how totally crazy that I am here is a snippet of the plan:
Saturday, September 2:
- Appointment at the German vet for three Health Exams/Certificates.
- Also need to get a copy of Mouse’s blood work and a written prescription for her thyroid medication.
Friday, September 8: (All times are approximate.)
- 8:00 am Munich time: A. takes the cats to Munich’s cargo terminal.
- 11:00 am Munich time: The cats leave Munich.
- 1:00 pm Chicago time: The cats arrive in Chicago.
- 2:00 pm Chicago time: The cats go through customs and will be available for pickup.
If you do the math, you can easily see that if I am to be at O’Hare by 2:00 pm on Friday, I will either have to leave Small Town Iowa sometime on Thursday and spend the night in Chicago or leave Small Town Iowa really, really early on Friday. (Hmm… I just realized that my jet lag could perhaps work in my favor in this whole ordeal.) Getting to Chicago is really the least of my concerns though because I am planning on recruiting some assistance in the form of my dad, step-dad, or uncle.
However, what does concern me is that once the cats are picked up and loaded into our vehicle, my co-pilot and I will face the likelihood of getting caught in Chicago’s rush-hour traffic. (*Shudder*)
The other thing to keep in mind is that even though the kennels will be lined with absorbent material in case of accidents and the cats will have water available during their flight, I know from experience that after they travel the kitties always appreciate a litter box and bowl of water. Therefore I am sure that after their plane ride the cats will want some food, water, and a potty break.
And on top of all of that, I would like to make it back to Small Town Iowa on Friday! However, depending on who makes the trip with me I am not sure if that is a realistic possibility. I actually think that it might be prudent if we spend the night at a hotel in Chicago and go back to Iowa on Saturday morning.
So what do you think? Have I officially earned the title of “Crazy Cat Lady” yet?! 
* F.A.T. = Feline Air Travel
1 September 2006 at 20:36
No, you are not crazy. When we moved to Germany in 1990, I drove alone with our three cats from Arizona to Minnesota (with an overnight in Denver) to save them (and us) a flight. We flew from Minnesota to say goodbye to (and leave some stuff with) our folks. Driving the cats meant that my wife could finish packing in peace.
The cats flew with us then from Minneapolis to Hamburg with 2 stops. At each stop the cats were off the plane quicker than we were. But that was 16 years ago, I doubt that the service is as good these days.
6 September 2006 at 18:19
I totally understand the kitty thing. If it was economically feasible, I’d be trying to charter a private plane so me and the kitties could travel together.
Oh, I will be sending good thoughts that your kitties arrive safely. Please post even a tiny little post that they’ve all arrived safely.
13 September 2006 at 13:48
Renee, I am so glad you gave the story of the kitty traveling plans. I was really quite worried about that. I have heard horror stories, so my heart was in my tummy until I heard you were all back safely. I am not sure how breeders can send little puppies and kittens off to their new owners on planes - it just makes me shudder! However, if I were in your shoes, I would get the arrangements made for all six of my kitties and would probably forget to get my own airline ticket arranged. I don’t think you are crazy at all!!! {{{Hugs}}}