Cheetah7

I am also wondering what kind of crates they used. I saw on the airport programme one time how some luggage fell on the plastic dog kennel and the metal door sprung open. they caught the dog though.

But I should imagine if a wooden crate falls to the floor then that would break quite easily - or not depending on how it is secured.

God Im so scared. We are paying our deposit this week.

NikiL

I don't know but I will be asking whichever agent I go with!

I mentioned on another thread that I am amazed that these crates that split are IATA approved - surely thats part of the idea is the damned things are durable enough to withstand something like this. Maybe its worth also addressing the issue with IATA so they only approve the genuinely durable crates.

NikiL

Sam, bear in mind statistically the chances are slim. Its when you become aware of the personal circumstances like poor Toby that it brings it a lot closer to home and to the forefront of your mind.

Having said that I will still be terrified when my boys fly and clinging onto that sentence like nobody's

JoolsB

I have just emailed my company to see what they say as to which is strongest & safest. Will report back later..

Cheetah7

I know if a cat escaped there would be little or no chance of it even being found

Here is my own piece of ginger whose future is still undecided.

NikiL

Thanks Jools

NikiL

Sam he's lovely! Looks like a big soft "rub my belly so i can grab your hand" boy

When I can work out how to post piccies will put one on of our boys - one spotty, one marble bengal. Pair of fruitloops bless em.

Tiggs+Graz

i read somewhere that the wooden crates are generally better for transporting as they are made specifically to fit the animal - whereas the plastic crates you get one of a range of standard sizes. Apparently your animal is less likely to be injured in a crate of exactly the right size (enough room to stand but not move around too much).

no idea if they are more likely to split though

snowbunny

http://www.petcentreonline.co.uk/eco...tegory~115.htm

these folks might know?

Looking around the Sky Kennels look fairly sturdy.

Fly Away

It's not much comfort, but if a cat did escape it is much better equipped to survive than most dogs. Cats can go feral or latch onto a soft human. Dogs are usually dependant on humans for food etc. Poor Toby.

black cat

Have to say i have made the decision not to ship either of our pets ( 1 cat 1 dog)
So sad about Toby, but a small consolation is knowing what happened to him. I have had 2 of my beloved cats disappear and its heart breaking not knowing what has happened to them.

killamarsh

Have to concur. I don't think I will be taking our cat. Aside from the cost there is just so much to worry about that I don't think all of it is worth it. I'm not sure how I will be able to part with my cat but I will just have to.

I read this articule on the ABC site today and thought - apart from the Toby case - how many more cases are there that we don't know about. Very few of these cases will have been reported through the media so I think it's difficult to say it is so rare. How would we know that?

Hey black cat - just saw you on another forum. Though I recognised your eyes.

black cat

Yep i put it about abit! I was shocked by an article in a canberra newspaper, I too get the feeling that alot of incompetence goes on, not sure I'd trust any of them as far as could throw them!
http://canberra.yourguide.com.au/det...tory_id=567902

killamarsh

I remember seeing that - desperate isn't it - and they really couldn't give a toss.

Should you not therefore announce your arrival in Canberra? Best to let everyone know when you are landing so they can lock up their OH's....

black cat

It was the deciding factor for me- these latest horrors just reconfirm my decision!
Perhaps I'll become a house cat and not go out so much, or perhaps my OH will get me a collar and lead