How to plan for travels with a diabetic kitty

This is not a dosing question, but I'd rather get advice from you guy, as this is the insulin my cat uses and most of you know my situation.

I tried posting in main, but I received no responses.

I'm trying to go see my parents in the middle of May. It would be a short trip --approximately 3 nights. I did not buy a refundable ticket last time, and I ended up having to cancel my flight and re book for an earlier return date. This was right after Dx. It cost me almost double in the long run. I had trip insurance, but a diabetic cat did not fall under the guidelines to acceptable reasons to use.

A refundable ticket will cost me more. I'm not sure how many of you fly, but what would you guys recommend? Do I spend the extra money for a little sanity--in the sense that I can cancel my trip last minute or adjust it and not have to pay anything or get refunded?

Or do I take the risk and buy a regular ticket.

Price difference is $500.

@Djamila @Critter Mom @Kris & Teasel @Rachel

 

Hmmmm that’s a tough one. I think I’d it was me I’d go for the refundable if you can afford it for peace of mind.

 

Ugh. I didn't specify. It is an extra $400-500 per ticket.

If I book now and get a regular ticket I can get a round trip for just over $500 with tax. If I get a refundable ticket is bumps up to $1200 round trip.

Such a price difference.

I could probably get a little cheaper if I book on separately, as Southwest has better deals. It just makes the trip planning a bit more hectic.

Getting to Seattle Wa is the cheap part. It's the connector that bumps it up, as the airport in Oregon that I fly into isn't as big.

 

Are you concerned that she might relapse? I wouldn't let that worry you too much. Her numbers are looking really good, you know now what to feed her, and to keep her away from frosting , and how to monitor her going forward. Even if she does relapse, you can hire a vet tech to give her shots while you're gone for less than $400-500.

 

Yes. I'm not overly worried . . . but it did cross my mind as I was looking at plane tickets, as last time I spent a pretty penny adjusting my flight.

It's just the fear of what if something happens and I'm not home like DKA, or seizure from going hypo. They are totally made up in my head I know, but having a "sick" kitty makes you think/plan more cautiously.

I didn't know a vet tech would do that. Although I never thought about asking either.

When I mentioned I was leaving town in the beginning--and wanted to hold off on insulin they offered to board her there and give her the insulin.

Boarding her in a crate type of thing will NEVER happen.

 

Not all of them do, but it only took me a couple of phone calls to find one who would. And she charges less than my usual pet sitter.

I definitely understand the worry. And also, I think it's ridiculous that a sick pet doesn't qualify for the travel insurance thing! Geez! Clearly these policies are not written by pet owners!

 

Check Think Tank for travel with a diabetic kitty. It covers quite a bit. I've flown 4 hours with 2 older cats.

 

I won't be flying with her. I know it's possible, but my cat can hardly tolerate a car ride to the vet (less than a 10 minute drive). I wouldn't dare like to see what a plane ride does to her. I'd be afraid she would cross the rainbow bridge from the panic and anxiety. Besides, it never fails . . . I always get delayed in Seattle. In December I was in the airport for almost an extra 8 hours.

 

Lol...ain't that the truth. At least it's a nice airport with good beer!

 

Right?!? If they owned a pet they would understand! Apparently, I need to barely have a pulse to get coverage

 

This

This is true! I've had my share of beers there and coffee. Mostly beer though.

 

I was holding back tears when I dropped off my boys at the Big-Burly-Man baggage terminal. What kind of man has cats? (It was the 80's and I lived in oil country) These guys were great to me and the boys, got off the plane safe and sound, just a little looped.