Pet Air Travel Tips for Cats

To ensure that your cat has a safe and low-stress air travel experience, you will need to provide your cat with a kennel that is the right size, place only the objects that are needed inside the kennel, avoid tranquilizers if possible and use stress calming feline pheromone sprays to help keep your cat relaxed. You should always speak with your veterinarian before your cat travels, and you must contact your airline well before the travel date.

  1. Contact Airline

    • Contact the airline to make sure that your cat has all the necessary requirements for travel and that it has reservations available for pets on the flight. Always reserve your cat's airline travel well in advance of the trip date, and check the United States Department of Agriculture website for state importation regulations for cats. Make sure you have all the necessary paperwork (e.g. vaccines, veterinary contact and deworming info) for your cat's entry into the state or country you are traveling to.

    Talk With Veterinarian

    • Always talk with your veterinarian before your cat flies. Cats that have underlying medical conditions or that are older may need special care during air travel and in some cases may not be healthy enough for air travel. All cats should receive an examination before air travel to ensure it is safe for them to fly.

    Create a Safe and Comfortable Space

    • Your cat should be able to stand up and turn around in the kennel as cats can injure themselves if they feel trapped. Excess space within a kennel should be avoided as larger kennels can give cats the opportunity to jump, flip and hurt themselves if they are momentarily frightened or distressed.

      A hard plastic kennel is the safest transportation method for cats; soft, sturdy carriers may only be used if your cat is traveling in the passenger area with you and only if you are sure your cat cannot tear through the kennel (e.g. the cat is declawed). Too many extra towels, blankets and toys may pose a hazard to the cat during turbulence; place only one towel or blanket and one toy in the kennel to provide comfort without compromising safety.

      Lightly spray feline pheromone scents in your cat's traveling kennel. Artificial feline pheromone sprays are purported to help calm cats in stressful situations and to reduce anxiety in cats with psychological disorders. These products may help to calm your cat during airline travel and may be especially beneficial to cats that do not travel well or who are traveling for their first time. You can purchase feline pheromone products through your veterinarian or your local pet supply store.

      Do not tranquilize your cat before or during air travel unless it is absolutely necessary. The Association for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals does not recommend tranquilizing cats before travel. Tranquilized cats may have difficulties breathing and they cannot regulate their body temperature well if the cargo area becomes too hot or too cold. Tranquilizers, such as acepromazine, may also contribute to a traveling cat's stress by causing disorientation, nausea and confusion. Talk with your veterinarian if you feel that your cat needs to be tranquilized.