Flying with a cat can be a daunting prospect for both seasoned travelers and first-time pet owners alike. If your cat is typical, it is not as comfortable outside of its normal surroundings and may have tendencies toward nervousness or anger when put into a travel carrier or crate. Unfortunately, this nervousness or anger manifests itself in either a lot of meowing or hostile behavior.
However, with careful planning, patience, and the right preparation, it can be a smooth and stress-free experience for both you and your furry friend. Whether you’re relocating to a new city or simply taking a vacation, here’s everything you need to know about flying with your cat.
Simple Steps to Make Flying with a Cat Easier
You can’t start too early.
One way to help deter this type of behavior is to prepare well in advance when your cat is young. Training a kitten to be in a carrier is a lot easier than training a full-grown cat.
Schedule a visit with your veterinarian.
Before booking your flight, schedule a visit to the veterinarian to ensure your cat is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations and issue you a health certificate. Additionally, you will need to consult with your veterinarian on all necessary documentation, including vaccination records and health certificates required by the airline or your destination country.
Your vet can also provide guidance on any special considerations or precautions for air travel with your cat. This may not be a pleasant experience, but it gets your cat out of its environment and gives you a peek at what type of challenge you are facing on travel day.
Identify your cat.
Make sure to microchip your cat and register your cell phone number in the manufacturer database. Alternately, your cat should wear a collar with an ID tag that includes your contact information. Additionally, carry all necessary documentation, including vaccination records and health certificates required by the airline or destination country.
Get a good carrier and make it their home away from home.
Cats are escape artists, so a well-made pet carrier or crate is a must. Invest in a sturdy, airline-compliant pet carrier that provides ample ventilation and enough space for your cat to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. The venitlation webbing on the carrier should be heavy to avoid being torn by cat claws. Familiarize your cat with the carrier well in advance of your trip by placing treats, toys, and bedding inside.
Understand that cats detest being confined in any way and must be introduced to the experience early on. Oftentimes they associate being in a carrier with an unpleasant experience such as going to the veterinarian.
Many cats will fare better when they can see you as well as their surroundings. When selecting a pet carrier, find one that has ventilation at the ends to your cat can see what’s ahead of them.
If you are traveling with a cat who has not been in a carrier before, try these simple steps to acclimate it to the carrier:
- Open the carrier, turn it on its side and encourage your kitty to go in its carrier even if you are not going anywhere.
- Reward your cat with treats and lots of attention when they go in their carrier without a fuss.
- Put a catnip toy in the carrier so that they will associate the carrier with a good feeling.
- Put something of yours in there as well so they will have your scent near them. It may help them to settle down.
- Practice a LOT; it will pay off on travel day.
Get a pet pad for your carrier. A nervous cat may be prone to urinate, and it will be difficult to deal with the unpleasant odor. A good pet pad will protect your carrier and keep your cat smelling fresh during your trip.
Related: How to get your cat into its carrier
Related: How to acclimate your cat to its crate or carrier
Book a direct flight on a pet friendly airline.
Opt for non-stop flights whenever possible to minimize stress and avoid layovers. Additionally, select flights during off-peak hours to reduce crowds and noise levels in the airport.
Limit food intake on travel day.
Avoid feeding your cat a large meal before the flight to prevent motion sickness. However, make sure they remain hydrated by providing water up to a few hours before departure.
Play, Play, Play.
OK, so travel day is hectic, and time is a valuable commodity. Take some time out to play with your cat prior to leaving for the airport. Laser toys, feathers on flexible wires or anything that your cat tire your cat out will keep them less miserable once you leave for the airport. A tired cat is more likely to rest during the flight, reducing anxiety and restlessness.
One last thing before leaving.
Take your cat to the litter box before leaving for the airport to encourage elimination and reduce the likelihood of accidents during travel.
Isolate them from everything.
When you are leaving on your trip, put the privacy flaps down on the carrier. It will give your cat a secure feeling. Hold them close to you if possible so they can feel your body move. Be sure and stroke them through the side of the carrier. Do not partially unzip the carrier as they can jump out quickly. The key here is to keep them safe.
Keep them calm.
If you have done all of this, or don’t have the time to prepare well in advance, we would suggest an all-natural cat calmer. There are no drugs in this product, only natural relaxers. This may take the edge off and quiet your cat down for several hours. It helps to give them the treat before you put them in their carrier.
Check-in early.
Arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare to complete check-in procedures and navigate security with your cat. You will need to remove your cat from its carrier at the security check point. If you have any doubts as to how your cat will react to this, then request a separate room for this purpose. Every airport has one. If the attendant cannot assist, ask for a supervisor. The last thing anyone wants is a cat darting about an airline terminal.
Stowing your cat when flying.
Once on board, stow your cat’s carrier securely under the seat in front of you. Keep the carrier partially covered with a blanket or towel to create a cozy, den-like environment.
Once in the air.
Monitor your cat’s behavior and offer reassurance as needed. Avoid opening the carrier during the flight unless absolutely necessary, as it can increase the risk of escape or injury.
Once you have arrived.
Upon arrival at your destination, allow your cat time to acclimate to their new surroundings. Offer food, water, and a familiar scent, such as a favorite blanket or toy, to help them feel more comfortable.
Solving a problem
The good news for traveling cat owners is that your cat was small enough to fit under the seat on the airplane during your 3-hour flight.
The bad news is that you missed the connecting flight and now you are stuck in the terminal for 5 hours and you know that your cat needs to go to the bathroom or at least certainly will before you reach your destination and get to a litter box.
Here is a solution. Take along portable litter tray, and several small bags of litter in zip lock bags. (It’s a good idea to put a small amount of liter out of the at home litter box so that your cat will recognize the smell.)
Take your kitty into the restroom or a quiet enclosed area and set up their portable litter box and fill it with the kitty litter. Chances are your cat will jump right in and take care of business.
Toss the kitty litter in the trash and wash out the litter tray. Be considerate of other travelers and do not rinse litter down the sink. If you use a folding litter tray, the whole set up takes almost no room at all and can be placed inside the carrier.
Flying with a cat requires careful planning and preparation, but with the right approach, it can be a rewarding experience that allows you to explore the world together. The more traveling you do together, the easier it will be on your cat. By following these tips, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable journey for both you and your feline companion. Safe travels!
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