Cinders - how long ago was that? When we first moved here from the US in '97, the same thing happened at customs as our cats travelled as normal baggage in the hold. They were more concerned that they weren't new cats and subject to VAT/duties!

We then moved to London for a few years and then returned to CH last year. The procedures are much more formal now for importing cats/pets so we had to go through the whole airport vet process.

Also, most vets don't recommend you drug your cat when flying though this applies to a greater extent if they are flying in the hold/as cargo. The temp in that section while regulated might vary more than in the normal cabin so they need to be able to regulate their own body temp accordingly. I'm sure your vet in LA will give you some guidance.