moving a cat

[Marine2676]

Hello, I am a marine with 2D Radio Bn Fallujah - we are about to move our operations to Al Asad - during our time here we have befriended a cat that we nursed back to health. But as we prepare for our flight (by ch-53 or osprey) to Al - Asad we are faced with a question. We nursed him from a kitten and he is still quite small and weening (probably about 5 months old?), and the only thing we have that can serve as a sedative during the flight is melatonin - do you have an approximate dosage for a small cat (i can probably get a weight on the cat) or have any ideas. The point is there are alot of feral dogs around here (from which we saved him) and if he makes a sound on the plane more likely than not standard SOP will be followed and the animal will be shot. anything you can offer to help would be exactly that

[kittyluv1]

Hi!
I think the daypack should work just fine -- it will contain her and provide some warmth (almost like a baby carrier that new moms use).  Try putting her in one for a little while and see how she does. As long as you continue to feed her and provide her love and attention, I think she'll do very well.
I can understand the SOP as any risk to the troops is too high, but we know this kitten is being well cared for and she can be re-located and rescued with a little effort (and thanks for trying so hard!)
I echo the comments above -- the service you are providing to our country is deeply appreciated.  May all of you come home soon!

[HR_PuffnStuff]

I'm with the others about giving kitty human meds but I think it's awesome what you are trying to do for it. Really, though, I just wanted to say thank you so very much for your service to our country. I pray for our troops on a regular basis and wanted you and your fellow Marines to know how much your sacrifice is appreciated.

[Marine2676]

btw SOP stands for standard operating procedure

[Marine2676]

The SOP for strays in, around, and on our bases here in iraq is to shoot them. The reasons for this range everywhere from disease to the fact that they have been used to hide IEDs in and then detonated when near troops. As for "carrier" i think the best i could do is empty out a daypack and put her in there.

[zodiacqueen]

I totally agree w/ kittyluv.  Do not ever give a human med to a cat  They metabolize meds differently than we do.  Their liver and kidneys can't deal w/ our meds well at all and can cause kidney and liver failure.

That's really awesome that you're rescuing a kitty from another country!!  I hear that the stray animal problem is a zillion times worse than it is in our country.....very sad!

[kittyluv1]

Sorry, but trying to give a kitten/cat a drug intended for human use is not a very good idea.  I would hesitate even attempting to do so, as possible side effects may produce very disastrous results.
If you have access to a carrier, it would be wise to utilize it to move the kitten.  You can put a soft towel  in the carrier and add a toy and possibly some treats.  There is no way to "tranquilize" the kitten before moving it, but it may be young enough not to be afraid of being in the carrier.  Try and introduce the kitten to the carrier in small stages and put it in the carrier for short periods prior to moving.
I realize that this may not prevent the kitten from making noise during the trip, but who exactly would be shooting this animal??  I sincerely hope it is not one of our troops!
Thank you for attempting to rescue this kitten and I wish you success in relocating.  Be safe and come home soon!