We are very excited to hear the news that Southwest is now accepting pets in the main cabin. We at Pet Airways actually prefer it, if your pet is small enough, that you take it with you. There’s no substitute for your pet’s comfort and ease of mind if it can be with you all the times.
But what if your pet is too big to fit in that tiny space under your seat? You know the answer; it’s off to cargo for them (in Southwest’s case no where because they don’t take pets in cargo).
Or, your pet can come with us, be in the main cabin, watched over by our Pet Attendants, and be with lots of friends to share the ride with.
Jackson Galaxy answers to many names: Cat Trainer, Cat Whisperer and yes, even Cat Shrink. That’s because he offers many insights into frustrating and fascinating cat behaviors. An animal behavior consultant, he makes house calls in southern California and conducts phone consultations coast to coast with people perplexed and puzzled about their cats’ attitudes and actions. In this special interview with Pet Airways content editor Arden Moore, Jackson happily reveals a little “hiss and tell” about America’s most popular pet and how to ensure air travel is purr-fect for our feline friends.
Arden: Welcome aboard, Jackson. Let’s get catty. Explain how you became the Cat Whisperer.
Jackson: About 15 years ago, I started working at an animal shelter in Boulder, Colorado and became fascinated by the vocalization and movements of cats. I love dogs, but found I was able to truly connect with cats and tap into their moods and emotions. I began reading everything I could about cat behavior and had the fortune to work with some of the best experts. In 2002, I co-founded Little Big Cat, Inc. with Dr. Jean Hofve, DVM, a respected holistic veterinarian. Our newsletter now reaches thousands of cat-loving subscribers worldwide.
Arden: When it comes to cats, what is a common myth you would like to debunk?
Jackson: One common mistake is to regard cats as little dogs. Some mistakenly think cats are on our planet to please us like dogs do. But there is no such thing as eminent domain over cats. The beautiful ting about cats is that they force us to acknowledge the spirit of compromise in ourselves. What drew me to studying cats is their sense of being candid. They tell it like it is. They see no reason to kiss up to you like a dog might.
Arden: What is an example of a miscommunication when it comes to people better understanding their cats?
Jackson: Some cats will put their butt right into your face when you are lying down. People think this is an insult, but in the cat world, this is a high compliment and implicit trust. It is common for cats to scratch the box springs under your bed or your couch. You might look at that and see destruction. But your cat is complimenting you in a status way, a we-belong-together way. They chose the two areas – the bed and the couch where your scent is the strongest – for them to mark with their scents from their toes.
Arden: Cats love being homebodies, but we’re a mobile society. What are some signs of stress displayed by cats traveling in pet carriers?
Jackson: The saucer-eyed look is a classic sign of stress in a cat. The pupils get large as vision is cued up as much as possible to head off a possible threat. Other signs include lip licking, twitching of whiskers or back hair. And, of course, a stressed cat inside a pet carrier will crouch down in the back end to look as small as possible.
Arden: What are your thoughts about cats being transported in commercial airlines?
Jackson: For any animal having to go where there is enormous noise, especially in the cargo area of a plane, it can be a frightening place. Being in a carrier in a belly of a plane, cats don’t have a way to escape. Their fight or flight instinct is impacted. All they see are feet or maybe a quick glimpse of a person’s face. It’s easy to see why they become frightened and become stressed.
Arden: As you know, Pet Airways is the first airline that allows all pawsengers to fly in the climate-controlled, air-pressured cabin. As a cat expert, what do you think about this new airline?
Jackson: I know folks who have driven from New York to southern New Mexico just so they do not have to put their cats in the cargo area of a plane. We’re talking 10 days on the road and a lot of money spent on gas and hotels. Ten days of traveling can create a lot of undue stress in cats. Pet Airways opens up a whole new world of safe travel for cats – and other pets. To me, this is great news and a welcomed way for pets to travel safely. This idea is long over due.
Arden: Any parting comments on behalf of cats?
Jackson: Every day, I learn something new from cats that I pass on to people. Anyone who has a cat in their life is a very fortunate person.
You can learn more about Jackson Galaxy by visiting his website: www.jacksongalaxy.com as well as two other web sites: www.littlebigcat.com and www.spiritessences.com.
Arden Moore is a pet expert, best-selling author and radio show host who travels all over North America.
Visit her website: www.ardenmoore.com 
