pet sedatives

Our cat is set to fly from Detroit to Gatwick this Wednesday. I've been told that the noise in the cargo hold can be pretty unsettling for pets. My vet has agreed to supply a sedative for our cat if we wish, but DEFRA discourages this. What are other people's experiences with this?

No, no, no.

The best argument against sedation was if they are sedated and  they fall over, they cannot right themselves because they will be soo groggy.  And being in a bad position will be more stressful and possibly injurious than tolerating some plane noise. 

My cat has flown everywhere and I've never sedated her.  She has always come through with flying colours. 

I second MrsPink.  My dog flew 10 hours with me from SFO to Heathrow.  They get jetlag just like us!  My vet also discouraged any sedatives for dogs.  Your kitty will be fine without them!!

Our cat is set to fly from Detroit to Gatwick this Wednesday. I've been told that the noise in the cargo hold can be pretty unsettling for pets. My vet has agreed to supply a sedative for our cat if we wish, but DEFRA discourages this. What are other people's experiences with this?

I believe that some airlines will not fly pets that have been sedated.  You have no idea how your pet will react in the air when its sedated, so its not a good idea.

I believe that some airlines will not fly pets that have been sedated.  You have no idea how your pet will react in the air when its sedated, so its not a good idea.

Exactly right!  You do NOT give a pet a sedative.  Most airlines will not let your pet fly sedated.  My vet discourage me from the idea when I brought it up before I knew the rules because you just have no idea of how your pet will come out of it.  It can be very dangerous if not supervised by a professional.  Of course it's scary for the pets and they will probably pee in their cage or defecate in it, but in my experience, once my cat smelled me and I had her in her new home, she was fine.  She wasn't acting crazy or unusual or anything...she knew she was safe with her mommy.  I also had her travel with something that had my smell on it (a blanket).  Of course, the Animal Reception Center threw it out  , but only because she'd messed in the cage.

Thank you all for that. That settles it. Better a nervous kitty than a sick or injured kitty!