Will my cat be ok on a plane?

I'm moving back to the UK in the next few months from South Africa so am busy sorting out quarantine for him that side. My cat is extremely timid maybe because I adopted him at 7 months old from the SPCA. He hates too much fuss from people he's not aware of and he almost has a panic attack when in a car.(howling, panting, trying to claw his way out). I'm so worried about him going on a long haul flight! I'm aware that I shouldn't give him a sedative but do you know if there's anything else I can give him as some sort of relaxant? I don't think I can put him through this if he has nothing, I'm already having sleepless nights! and then at the end of the long journey, he has 6 months quarantine to endure! I'm not giving him away either, he's part of the family now so he's coming with us and he's only 2 years old. I feel so mean!
Any help would be appreciated!!! Mel

Asked by Member 936932 on Jan 9th 2010 in Pet Products