getting the crate ready

Our cat leaves today! I'm getting his crate ready. I have the puppy pads, some blanketing, attachable food and water bowls, and I've put a bottle of water in the freezer. Is it necessary to poke holes in the bottle for a slow leak, or will it drip pretty slowly if I just leave the cap off?

Also, I noticed that the back doesn not have ventilation. This crate was approved by Northwest over the phone, but should I drill holes in the back to be safe?

Your crate will be fine as long as it's got holes in the side and in the front where the door is (or the roof if the door is in the roof).  The cargo hold of planes get fairly cold, so the cat shouldn't have problems with being too hot, especially since it's only May.  My cat flew in August and she was absolutely fine. 

I'm assuming by the description of the water bottle you will have it facing down and it will drip downward.  That should be adequate with just the top off.  Your cat probably won't drink too much anyway...she'll be too nervous to.

Safe flight for kitty

air Canada called for ventilation on all four sides.  My dad drilled some holes in the back for me.

I wouldn't worry too much about the water.  It melts faster than you may think.  I've always put water in, but found that it messed the crate up more than anything.  Also, she doesn't eat or drink at all when travelling.  you need it there in case something happens and there are delays.  I'd be worried that the water bottle will melt too fast and then make the crate all wet.