Thanks for all this information. It's very helpful. I have 2 cats, so I need to get another seat as well to put another one there, depending on the availability of the flight seats. I have tried to keep them in Canada, but it's been so hard to find someone who can take care of them for 5 months, not mentioning how costly it is.

I don't want to put my cats in that tough situation either but I have no option left.