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Transporting pets by air is generally not advised unless absolutely necessary. Additionally, such journeys can be particularly risky for brachycephalic (flat-faced) animals like pugs and Persian cats, as they may face breathing difficulties due to restricted airflow and stress during the flight. However, if you're relocating to a new country and need to bring your feline companion along, flying might be the only option. While there have been numerous alarming stories about cats traveling by plane, thorough preparation can ensure your furry friend arrives safely at the new destination.
Steps
Transporting Cats in the Airplane Cabin
Discuss with the airline about transporting your cat in the cabin. Contact the airline you plan to fly with to confirm if you can bring your cat in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. Whenever possible, avoid transporting your cat in the cargo or luggage hold.
- Most airlines allow cats in the cabin for a small fee. Call ahead to confirm, as there are often limits on the number of animals permitted in the cabin during a flight.
Book your flight early. Many airlines limit the number of pets allowed in the cabin per flight. Booking early ensures your cat has a spot. When selecting your seat, remember that you cannot sit in exit rows or against bulkheads, as these areas often have seats with no under-seat storage for carriers.
Request the exact under-seat dimensions. The airline will provide you with the precise measurements of the space under the seat. This will determine the size of the carrier you can use for your cat.
Check the type of carrier allowed in the cabin. Most airlines accept both hard-sided and soft-sided carriers. Soft-sided carriers are often easier to fit under the seat. However, some airlines only allow specific brands or types of carriers, so verify the approved models before purchasing.
- About a month before your flight, start feeding your cat inside the carrier to create positive associations. Play with your cat near or inside the carrier and let them rest in it. This helps the carrier become a comforting space for your pet.
Train your cat to enter and exit the carrier. This helps them get accustomed to the carrier and makes it part of their routine. Practicing this also prepares your cat for security checks, where they may need to exit or enter the carrier on command.
Schedule a vet visit close to your travel date. Request your vet to provide vaccination records and a health certificate, as these are often required by airlines for pet travel.
- The vet will issue a health certificate confirming your cat is in good health and free of parasites. Ensure all vaccinations, including rabies, are up to date.
- The vet may also recommend microchipping your cat for identification in case they get lost during travel. Microchipping is a simple procedure where a rice-sized chip is injected under the skin between the shoulder blades. It’s painless and doesn’t require anesthesia.
Do not feed your cat on the day of travel. Traveling with an empty stomach reduces the risk of nausea and vomiting. You can carry a small amount of cat food in case your pet gets too hungry during the flight.
- Also, remember to pack your cat’s medication in a clear plastic bag.
Place an absorbent pad at the bottom of the carrier. This pad will soak up any waste your cat produces during the flight. Bring extra pads, zip-lock bags, paper towels, and rubber gloves in case you need to clean up and dispose of waste.
Attach a luggage tag to the cat carrier. This helps identify your cat in case they get lost during transit or at the airport. Include your name, address, phone number, and destination on the tag.
Bring a leash for airport security checks. The carrier must go through the baggage scanner, but your cat cannot. Attach a leash to your cat to prevent them from running away. Then, carry your cat through the body scanner.
- Prepare your personal belongings for scanning before letting your cat out of the carrier. Remove shoes, cosmetics, and electronic devices, and place them in the scanning bin.
- Take your pet out of the carrier, attach the leash, and send the carrier through the scanner.
- Hold your cat while walking through the body scanner. Retrieve the carrier afterward and secure your cat before collecting your belongings.
Administer sedatives to your cat if prescribed by a vet. Most cats travel comfortably without medication, but some may experience extreme stress during flights. Consult your vet if you’re concerned about your cat’s anxiety levels.
- Your vet may prescribe Buprenorphine, Gabapentin, or Alprazolam for your cat. Test the medication at home before the flight to ensure your cat doesn’t have adverse reactions.
Use wraps or pheromones to reduce your cat’s agitation. If you prefer not to sedate your cat, consider using a Thundershirt wrap to swaddle your cat snugly, similar to swaddling a baby, to alleviate anxiety.
- You can also use a wrap or spray pheromones inside the carrier before the flight to help calm your cat.
- Pheromone calming collars are another option to help your cat stay relaxed during the flight.
Transporting Cats in the Cargo Hold
Request the airline’s animal transport incident report. While not ideal, some airlines do not allow pets in the cabin, and if your cat is healthy, they may need to travel in the cargo hold. Most U.S. airlines are required to report all animal transport incidents in the cargo hold. Research the airline’s track record before booking. If possible, choose an airline with a low incidence rate of animal-related issues.
- Animals transported in cargo holds can face risks such as injury, loss, or death due to extreme temperatures, poor ventilation, or mishandling. However, many cargo holds are now pressurized and climate-controlled. Discuss safety features with the airline to ensure your cat’s comfort.
Book a direct flight. This minimizes the number of security checks you and your cat must undergo and reduces delays in retrieving your pet, especially if they are transported in the cargo hold.
- Always travel on the same flight as your pet. Confirm with the airline if you can observe the loading process before departure.
- For summer travel, choose early morning or late evening flights when temperatures are cooler. In winter, opt for midday flights when the cargo hold is less cold.
Fit your cat with a collar containing your contact information. Choose a collar that won’t get caught on the carrier door and include your name, address, phone number, and destination.
- Attach a travel label to the carrier with the same details in case the carrier and cat are separated during transit.
Trim your cat’s nails before the flight. This prevents their claws from getting caught in the carrier door, holes, or other gaps in the cargo hold.
Schedule a vet visit close to your travel date. Request your vet to provide vaccination records and a health certificate, as these are often required by airlines for pet travel.
- The vet will issue a health certificate confirming your cat is in good health and free of parasites. Ensure all vaccinations, including rabies, are up to date.
- The vet may also recommend microchipping your cat for identification in case they get lost during travel. Microchipping is a simple procedure where a rice-sized chip is injected under the skin between the shoulder blades. It’s painless and doesn’t require anesthesia.
Do not feed your cat 4-6 hours before the flight. Traveling on an empty stomach reduces the risk of nausea and vomiting. You can offer small amounts of water or place ice cubes in the water dish inside the carrier to keep your cat hydrated.
Bring a recent photo of your cat. If your cat gets lost during the flight or after landing, the photo will help airport security identify them.
Bring a leash for airport security checks. The carrier must go through the baggage scanner, but your cat cannot. Attach a leash to your cat to prevent them from running away. Then, carry your cat through the body scanner.
- Prepare your personal belongings for scanning before letting your cat out of the carrier. Remove shoes, cosmetics, and electronic devices, and place them in the scanning bin.
- Take your pet out of the carrier, attach the leash, and send the carrier through the scanner.
- Hold your cat while walking through the body scanner. Retrieve the carrier afterward and secure your cat before collecting your belongings.
Inform the captain and at least one flight attendant that you have a pet in the cargo hold. Make this notification as you board the plane. The captain may take special precautions during the flight, such as avoiding turbulent areas while airborne.
Administer sedatives to your cat if prescribed by a veterinarian. A vet may recommend specific medications for air travel, such as Buprenorphine, Gabapentin, or Alprazolam.
- It’s advisable to give the medication to your cat at home before the flight to test for any adverse reactions.
Open the carrier as soon as you disembark and check on your cat. If you notice anything unusual, take them to a veterinarian immediately. Obtain a written report of the examination, including the date and time, in case you need to file a complaint with the airline regarding the treatment of your cat in the cargo hold.
