Our “Ask US Anything” is a series of posts on the site where I share the questions/concerns/ideas that readers have sent in and then the responses from our readers about those questions/concerns/ideas.
Intercontinental Airline Travel with a Ragdoll Cat
Jill wrote in saying, “Hi, I’m moving to the states from the UK and despite my research having been in favor or in cabin travel, coming to book tickets is actually proving this is likely not the case. I’ve been in touch with airlines whose websites state it’s possible yet on the phone it’s not possible, government agencies in the us (for my specific state) and uk who says it’s fine, and an animal coordinator at the airport I am going from actually said it’s not possible. I’m at a bit of a loss and am regrettably having to consider in cargo transport. It is approximately a 10 hour trip. I’ve searched floopycats.com for air travel info but not found what I was looking for exactly. Do you (or any readers) have anecdotes (positive and negative) on cargo travel for rag dolls? Mine are 1 and 2, the 2 year old is extremely sociable but also neurotic and hates traveling. The 1 year old is very placid and I feel she would better.”
I replied:
Hi Jill,
A pet transport company is who you want to deal with.
I think I have covered some of those on the site, but not recently, so I don’t know how good they still are.
Maybe Google “Pet transport companies” and see what you find?
I can also ask on our Facebook page, if you’d like?
I know it’s scary and it sucks – I hope it all goes better than expected. My friend moved her Ragdoll from South Africa to Sydney, Australia and he had to be quarantined for 6 weeks or something. That is pretty awful =)….but all went well.
Thanks,
Jenny
And then Jill wrote back:
Yeah hearing other cat owners experiences would be helpful. We are so anxious about it!
Luckily we won’t have to quarantine, just an unpleasant 10 hours or so for them – it could be more serious so it’s good to hear your friend and her baby got through it all ok!
So I posted on Facebook for Jill:
Litter-Robot 3 with Connect – Is it worth it?
Alecia wrote in saying, “I’m thinking about buying a new LR III. It’s a bit of a stretch budgetwise. I’m curious if you think the wifi capability of the Open Air is worth the extra $50 in a young (less than 2 years old), two-cat household? Unless there is a camera on the LR, how does one know which cat is using it. “
I replied:
“Hi Alecia, I forwarded your email onto Litter-Robot – I had started to respond and was going to say that it’s entirely subjective, and they seemed to say the same thing:
‘It depends on their needs. The Connect app will allow them to check the waste drawer level from anywhere, as well as receive notifications if the Litter-Robot needs attention. That’s especially helpful if it’s in the basement or a less-frequented area. The Connect app will not be able to determine which cat is which but if you see a drastic increase or decrease in use, you know you should check on the kitties.
If they’re interested in grey, they’d need to go with the Litter-Robot 3 Connect. Grey is not available without Connect’
Have you seen our blog post on the Litter-Robot Connect?
Does that help? What else can I answer for you?”
Are you interested in a Litter-Robot 3 with or without Connect? Use our affiliate link to save $25 off your purchase of one.
Ragdoll Cat with Constant Diarrhea
**this is actually from 2016, but came up the other day, so I decided to share it**
Kelin wrote in, “I have a 4 year old female ragdoll that I got when she was a baby and we were living in Scotland. We have since had 2 babies and moved her with us to Houston. Once we moved into our new home she started getting horrible diarrhea all the time, all over the house. We have taken her to the vet several times and after various tests and x-rays all he could conclude was that she is eating something in the house that is making her sick. We haven’t seen her eating anything abnormal and have cleaned the house top to bottom and even hired professional cleaners. My husband is very often away and I am alone here with 2 little ones and honestly I am at my wit’s end with having to bathe her and clean up her mess all over the house every week. I don’t know what she is allergic to in the house but the only solution I can come up with is to rehome her. She is a good cat but right now she just feels like a burden to me and I would love to see her bring joy to someone in a different home where she would be healthy again. Is there any chance you could help me find someone? “
I wrote back:
“I am sorry to hear about the constant diaherrea. That really sucks for her and for you.
I replied, “AHHHH! Yes! Air fresheners are deadly – read this post: https://www.floppycats.com/
Enjoy reading common reader inquiries? Check out more of our Ask US Anything here: Ask US Anything
WOW! Such interesting questions/situations this week! Brilliant guidance and info suggested to Jill for her upcoming move from the UK with her babies! Wishing them the best of luck in find the purrfect pet transport company to get the move done smoothly for her babies! 🙂 <3
Excellent info regarding the LR purchase questions and functionality of the new Connect feature which can be purchased in the new model. I hope Alecia will be able to make the right decision for her situation with her purchase and that she enjoys the heck out of her new LR!! 🙂 <3
Poor Kelin and her baby! Yikes! Diarrhea! The nemesis of every kitty owner! You certainly gave her tons of great info to research and digest (no pun intended)! Praying hard the great guidance regarding food choices, probiotics/prebiotic blends, litter, environmental changes, etc…will make a huge difference and help her precious baby get back to normal bowel movements! 😉 <3
Big hugs & lots of love!!
Patti & Miss Pink Sugarbelle 🙂 <3
P.S. Once again, I am LEARNING SOOOO VERY MUCH for this awesome weekly series! 🙂 <3
Glad you enjoy these, Patti!