Pets are strongly discouraged from being taken on a plane, unless absolutely necessary. In fact, air travel can be dangerous for animals with “snub-faced” faces such as bulldogs, pugs and Persian cats due to respiratory distress when flying due to stress and narrowing of the airways. However, if you are moving to a new country and need to bring a pet, there are many scary stories related to taking a pet on a plane, but with the right preparation, your pet can arrive home safe and sound.
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Method 1 of 2: Bringing Your Cat into the Cabin
Step 1. Express your intention to bring your pet cat into the cabin to the Airline
Check with the airline you're using to make sure you can take your cat into the cabin in an under-seat carrier. Try not to carry the cat in cargo or luggage, if possible.
Most airlines allow you to bring your cat into the cabin for a fee. Try to contact the airline before your flight as the number of animals allowed on board is very limited
Step 2. Book your tickets in advance
Some airlines limit the number of animals that can be on board on certain flights. Book your tickets in advance to secure a place for your cat. When choosing a seat, keep in mind that you cannot sit in the exit row or lean on the baffle, as the carrier cage must be placed under the seat in front of you.
Step 3. Ask for the exact size of the empty space under the seat
The airline should be able to provide the exact dimensions of the empty space under the seat. This will determine the size of your cat carrier.
Step 4. Check the types of carrier cages that are allowed in the cabin
Most airlines will accept hard or soft sided carrier cages. The soft-sided carrying cage is easier to slip into the space under the seat. However, only a few brands of soft-sided carrier cages are allowed by airlines. Check the types and brands of carrier cages that are allowed, before going to buy a carrier cage.
Feed the cat in the carrier one month before the flight to associate it with positive activity. Play with your cat in the carrier cage and let it inhabit or rest in the carrier cage. This will make the cat feel as comfortable as possible in the carrier cage
Step 5. Train your cat in and out of the carrier cage
This will help your cat become more comfortable with the carrier and make it a part of the routine. This exercise is good preparation for security checks as the cat should be able to enter and leave the carrier's cage on command.
Step 6. Schedule an appointment with the vet ahead of the flight date
You will need a cat vaccination record and a travel health certificate from the vet. These documents are required by the airline in order for your cat to be allowed on board.
- The vet will provide a health certificate stating that the cat is in good health and free of parasites. Cats must have received all current vaccinations, including Rabies.
- Your veterinarian may recommend implanting a microchip into your cat so that it can be easily found if it is lost during a trip. This chip will serve as the cat's identity throughout its life. Microchipping is quite simple. The vet will inject a microchip the size of a grain of rice (12 mm) under the surface of the cat's skin, between the shoulder blades. Your cat will be in no pain and no anesthesia is required.
Step 7. Do not feed the cat on the day of the trip
An empty cat stomach will reduce the risk of nausea and vomiting. You can bring some cat food with you, in case the cat is very hungry on the plane.
Don't forget to bring any medications your cat is taking in a clear plastic bag
Step 8. Cover the transport cage with an absorbent “potty pad”
This product will absorb urine and cat litter during the trip. With extra padding, multiple zippered bags, paper towels, and latex gloves, you can handle and clean up all of your cat's waste products.
Step 9. Attach the luggage tag to the cat carrier cage
This label will help identify the cat in case it gets lost during transit or at the airport. Include your name, permanent address, phone number, and final destination on your label.
Step 10. Bring a cat harness for airport safety
The carrier's cage must be empty when passing through the X-ray scanner at the airport. Therefore, you need to put a leash on the cat so it can't escape. You are required to hold the cat and pass through the human scanner.
- Before taking the cat out of the carrier cage, prepare yourself and your belongings for the scan. Remove shoes, toiletries, and electronic devices and put them in a container to pass through the X-ray machine
- Take your cat from the carrier cage, attach the leash, and insert the carrier through the machine.
- Carry the cat as it passes the human scan tool. Then, find your carrier's cage and safely put the cat back in before collecting your belongings.
Step 11. Give a sedative if prescribed by a doctor
Most cats can travel without the help of medication. However, some cats can experience severe stress during air travel. Talk to your vet if you are concerned about your cat's level of anxiety during the flight.
Your vet may prescribe Buprenorphine, Gabapentin, or Alprazolam for your cat. Make sure these medications are given at home before the flight as a "test" to make sure the cat's reaction to the medication is not negative
Step 12. Use a swaddle or pheromone wipe to relieve your cat's nervousness
If you don't want to give your cat medication, try wearing a Thundershirt, which swaddles your cat to relieve anxiety.
- You can also use a tissue or pheromone spray on the carrier's cage before the flight to reduce the anxiety level.
- There are pheromone sedative collars that can be purchased to soothe the cat during flight.
Method 2 of 2: Carrying Cats in Cargo
Step 1. Request a companion animal incident report with the airline
While not ideal, some airlines don't allow pets in the cabin, and if they're in good health, cats should be able to stay in the cargo hold throughout the flight. Airlines are required to report all companion animal incidents that occur in cargo. Look at the performance report of the airline that will be used. If possible, choose the airline with the lowest incidence rate.
Each year, animals flying in cargo are at risk of being killed, injured, or lost on commercial flights. Extreme heat or cold temperatures in the cargo area, inadequate ventilation and poor handling are often the cause of these incidents. However, many cargoes now have a certain level of pressure control and climate control. Talk to the airline about cargo safety features for the convenience of your cat's journey
Step 2. Try to take a direct flight
This will reduce the number of security checks you and your cat have to go through. Especially if the cat will be in the cargo hold.
- Always use the same flight as your cat. You can confirm this by asking the airline to let you see your cat loaded into the cargo hold before boarding the plane.
- Look for flights in the early morning or late evening if traveling in the summer so that the cargo is not too hot and stuffy for the cats.
Step 3. Attach a leash with your information label on the cat
Look for a necklace that won't get caught in the carrier's cage door. Include your name, home address, phone name and final destination on this necklace.
You should also include the same information on the label on the carrier's cage in case the cat and the carrier are lost during the trip
Step 4. Trim the cat's nails before the flight
This way, your cat's nails don't get caught in the carrier cage doors, holes and other gaps in the cargo area.
Step 5. Schedule an appointment with the vet ahead of the flight date
You will need a cat vaccination record and a travel health certificate from the vet. These documents are required by the airline in order for your cat to be allowed on board.
- The vet will provide a health certificate stating that the cat is in good health and free of parasites. Cats must have received all current vaccinations, including Rabies.
- Your veterinarian may recommend implanting a microchip into your cat so that it can be easily found if it is lost during a trip. This chip will serve as the cat's identity throughout its life. Microchipping is quite simple. The vet will inject a microchip the size of a grain of rice (12 mm) under the surface of the cat's skin, between the shoulder blades. Your cat will be in no pain and no anesthesia is needed.
Step 6. Do not feed the cat 4-6 hours before the flight
An empty cat stomach will reduce the risk of nausea and vomiting. You can give a small amount of water, or place an ice cube in a water container in the carrier's cage to keep the cat hydrated.
Step 7. Bring a recent photo of your cat
If your cat is lost or misplaced during a flight or landing, a cat photo will help security personnel identify your pet.
Step 8. Bring a cat harness for airport safety
The carrier's cage must go through an X-ray scanner at the airport empty. Therefore, you need to put a leash on the cat so it can't escape. You are required to hold the cat and pass through the human scanner.
- Before taking the cat out of the carrier cage, prepare yourself and your belongings for the scan. Remove shoes, toiletries, and electronic devices and put them in a container to pass through the X-ray machine
- Take your cat from the carrier cage, attach the leash, and insert the carrier through the machine.
- Carry the cat as it passes the human scan tool. Then, find your carrier's cage and safely put the cat back in before collecting your belongings.
Step 9. Notify the captain and at least one flight attendant that your pet is in the cargo hold
Do it while on the plane. The captain will be careful in flying the plane, and avoid air turbulence when in space.
Step 10. Give a sedative if prescribed by a doctor
Your vet may prescribe Buprenorphine, Gabapentin, or Alprazolam for your cat.
Make sure these medications are given at home before the flight as a "test" to make sure the cat's reaction to the medication is not negative
Step 11. Open the carrier cage immediately after disembarking and check on your cat
If the cat seems unwell, take it to the vet immediately. Get the results of the cat inspection in writing, including the date and time of the inspection, and file a complaint with the airline about the treatment of your cat in the cargo hold.
