What's the best way to move a pet cross-country?

Your best bet is to find an airline that will allow you to carry her on board, in the cabin with you.

Well, I think that your cat might be okay with flying, the only exceptions being the take off and landing, as well as the possibility of excessive turbulance. I think it might be best to find a pet relocation service, unless you don’t mind your cat being in the holding area. If your cat cries a lot, I wouldn’t recommend taking her as a carry on. Some passengers dislike distractions like that, as well as the possibility of a passenger being allergic to cats.

Airplanes have heated, pressurized compartments for live animals and they are well treated by airline staff.

In a pet-carrier.

I might regret this..

Sling shot!

Pet Airways, a pet-only airline dedicated to pet-friendly travel.

Holy crap I thought @njnyjobs was making a joke about my answer, but it’s real. good thing I google first ask questions later.

you might also consider a tranquilizer. (you can get them from your vet)

How are you moving? You may want to consider a tranquiler, or the pet-friendly airline @njnyjobs suggested.

I moved my cat from Tallahassee to Philadelphia a few years ago, but she had already done a bit of long car drives with me so I knew she’d be able to handle such a lengthy drive. She cried for the first ½ hour, but calmed down for the rest of the trip.

I have flown with pets as excess baggage. Cargo areas are supposed to be heated/cooled etc. and animals are shipped everyday with no problems. I think there are temperature extremes in effect though, meaning if it is too hot or too cold outside then they will not ship. Check with the vet about tranquilizers, they tend to dehydrate animals so often they are not suggested. There are companies which specialize in pet shipping but for a cross country flight it doesn’t seem necessary. Check with airline regarding their regulations about the size and type of crate, put a hampster type water bottle on the side, thick towel on the bottom in case of accident. If you google, I am sure there are sites with suggestions.

@rockstargrrrlie I’m going to fly and ship what little I deem worth the expense.

What a wonderful sounding board you all are. Good suggestions all around. Considering the temperament of the cat, I think it will probably be equally traumatic no matter how it’s done. The tranqs are probably a really good idea. I think she’d be unbearable on a plane, at least in the cabin; she doesn’t hide her displeasure well. Also, I think dragging her through the city in a kitty carrier, on the subway, etc. would put the final nail in her coffin, so to speak. Think pet shipper might be the way to go.