Thanks for the advice and the links - I'll check them out today!

None of the airlines which cover our route (Bahrain to Johannesburg via Dubai) will allow animals in the cabin.

I was perfectly willing to fly to Lonon and then Johannesburg, and also to pay full adult fare to have her on the seat next to me. Needless to say the ticket agent looked at me like I was bonkers, but still no dice - she has to travel as Cargo!

Why cant people understand that these are NOT animals, they are our incredibly furry babies!

I have also been advised the following, which seem like good ideas:

"Incontinance pads" in the bottom of the cage to absorb any mess quickly.

Secure a little "pet igloo" - you know the soft ones which look like a little covered bed - into the back of the cage, so she has somewhere to cuddle us and "hide". Needs to be secured to the carrier somehow so it doesn't turn around and get her trapped inside.

I am really in a state about this. I have decided to book her flight a couple of days before mine, so I can take her to the airport myself, without the added stress of all our baggage / kids / golfclubs etc. Then I can also follow her progress by phone from here. My mum will collect her on the other side (she has known my mom since she was a kitten, so that should be OK).

I am more anxious and worked up about this than about any other aspect of the move!

(We have also been experiencing a couple of food shortages here, so my husband decided to drive over into Saudi to get some provisions - he came back with a trunk full of cat food - LOL - and this from the man who "doesn't like the cat", but when he thinks I am out of earshot can be heard saying "come give Daddy a cuddle")

Thanks again for all the advice.