Q. I'm going to be moving to another state and a much larger house in a few months. I'm going to be flying out and my Siamese, Houdini, is going to be with me. My husband is following with a truck. How can I make her comfortable and reduce the trauma of moving?

A. If there's one thing cats hate, it's going places. It doesn't matter if it is by car or by plane, traveling doesn't make Kitty's Top Ten List of Most Fun Things to Do. In fact, when you adopt a cat from our shelter, even though she is going to a better place, we carefully prepare you for transitioning your new cat from a shelter habitat or cage to your home.

Hopefully for you, Houdini will be able to travel in the aircraft cabin with you on your trip. Pets may also travel in the cargo area of the plane, as there is typically a weight limit on pets that travel in the cabin. Be sure to check with your airline first. Each airline has different rules. Southwest Airlines, for example, doesn't allow pets at all, either in the cabin or in cargo. Airlines will often charge extra and have specific requirements about the size of the pet carrier, the size of the animal, and the need for a health certificate and current vaccinations. If your pet is going by cargo the airlines may have strict rules regarding the flights your pet can be on, and how many pets can be on one plane at the same time. You want to be fully prepared so you don't have any problems once you arrive for the flight. Leaving your cat behind will not be an option once you are at the airport!

Once you decide on your pet carrier for the trip, leave it lying around open for Houdini to investigate. You don't want the first time she sees the pet carrier to be the day you are flying, so do this as much ahead of time as you can. She will sniff at it and maybe even walk in on her own. If Houdini likes yummy treats, leave a few in there for her to discover when you aren't looking. A small towel or T-shirt with her scent on it will also make the carrier more comfortable for her while you're traveling.

One thing I found when flying with my cat in the cabin is you will be required to take him out and carry him as you walk through the metal detector while the carrier goes through the X-ray machine. At that point, I was really wishing I had fitted him with a harness, just to be able to snap on a leash for extra security in case he tried to jump out of my arms (he didn't, but you might not be so lucky).

In the aircraft cabin it's probably safer and less stressful to leave your cat in the carrier. It might also be required by the flight crew. Bring a bowl in which to put water during the flight, such as a small ceramic bowl that doesn't tip. (If your pet is going by cargo, the airlines will have strict guidelines as to what can and can't be included in the carrier.)

Once you arrive at your new home, it's best to keep kitty confined to one room while you're getting the house settled. We recommend new adopters set up a room with food, water and litter, and let the cat get acclimated for a short period of time. Getting familiar with the sounds and smells of the new space will give her comfort when she does have full access to the house.

We don't recommend that house cats have outside privileges but if you allow your cat outside, wait at least six weeks for her to get used to the inside of the house first, before exposing her to the new outdoors. And be sure to have her microchipped before you go, just in case!

Q. I just adopted a new dog from the shelter and he won't eat. He's 2 years old, and seemed perfectly fine in the shelter. What could be wrong?

A. Congratulations on your new pet, and thank you for giving a homeless animal a home. While dogs are less sensitive to new locations than cats are, moving and change can also stress a dog. It's not uncommon for pets in a new home not to eat for the first day or the first couple days while they absorb their new situation.

Of course, if you are concerned or if your pet is showing any other signs of illness, this is a good time to establish a relationship between your veterinarian and your new pet. Many shelters and veterinarians have programs in which the first office visit for an adopted pet is at no cost. You'll have to pay for any treatment, of course, but taking your pet in will give you peace of mind. Don't hesitate to take advantage of that offer or to consult a veterinarian.