Air Travel for Cats

Ask any cat owner who's traveled extensively, and they'll tell you that air travel can be just as stressful on humans as it is on their beloved pets. If your cat has never flown before, you can't predict how she'll respond to being cooped up in a small carrier several thousands of feet above the ground--sometimes for many hours. But there are ways to make air travel easier for both you and your cat. The key to successful air travel with cats is planning well ahead of time, getting organized before the travel date and making sure that you've made contingency plans should your cat not take well to a long airplane ride.

  1. Making the Reservations

    • Not every airline permits pet transport, so you'll want to make sure that the airline of your choice does, even if it means choosing a carrier where you don't have frequent flier miles. Make reservations for your cat well in advance--while this is an unlikely scenario, you may be traveling on a day when many cat fanciers are heading out of town with their purebreds to a big show. Airlines permit only a specified number of small pets to be transported in cabin on any one flight. Because most cats can fit in carrier sizes that can fit underneath your seat, it's best to have your pet in your presence at all times so you can be alert to any changes in his behavior or health--although airlines will also allow your pet to travel in the cargo area. However, note that many airlines will not allow pets to travel in cargo when the temperature is above or below a certain level. You will have to pay an additional charge for your cat's air travel, regardless if he travels with you in the cabin or in cargo.

    Choosing the Carrier

    • Each airline has its own set of rules regarding carriers accepted for under-the-seat travel. When shopping for a carrier, some makes may advertise their product as "airline approved." However, airlines don't recommend a specific cat carrier brand; rather, they will give you specific rules as to dimensions, recommended or required features and whether it permits soft carriers. For example, American Airlines accepts under-seat carriers no more than 19 inches long, 13 inches wide and 9 inches high--but this may differ depending on the airline. A list of select airline carriers and their rules for pet travel can be found in the Resources link below.

    Health Certificate

    • Before airline travel, your pet may have to be of a certain age. United Airlines, for example, requires your kitty to be 6 months of age or older, while American Airlines accepts kittens as young as 8 weeks. However, in almost every case of air travel, you will need a health certificate from your pet's veterinarian stating that your cat is in good health and is up to date on all shots. Keep this certificate with you at all times before check-in or attach it to your cat's carrier so it won't get lost. While the necessity of a health certificate depends on the airline on which you and your feline friend are traveling, a trip to the veterinarian before the travel date is wise to make sure that your pet is healthy enough to travel.

    Should I Sedate My Cat?

    • The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends not sedating your cat during air travel. Sedatives affect your pet's ability to naturally move around in the carrier. Also, if your sedated pet experiences difficulty breathing or other health issues, these will be difficult for you to notice if your kitty's senses are impaired. Ultimately, the decision to sedate your cat should be made between you and your veterinarian. Many vets will provide caretakers a sedative just in case behavioral problems arise during the flight. Try not to sedate your cat unless it's absolutely necessary.

    Last-Minute Details

    • Now that you're almost ready for kitty's first plane ride, it's time to tend to last-minute details. Confirm your pet's reservation 24 to 48 hours before your trip--as well as your own. Make sure that your cat's carrier is readily identifiable. Identification tags should include your pet's name and description, your name and address, and the name and address of her treating veterinarian. If your cat wears a collar, make sure she's wearing identifying tags. Make sure feeding and water trays are firmly attached to hard carriers (you may opt to use a water bottle for soft carriers). Accidents can and do happen, so pad the carrier with absorbent material. Pet stores sell "piddle pads" that can be used for purposes of lining, but a large baby diaper can be cut to fit around the carrier's base as well. Have spare padding in your own carry-on luggage in case of emergencies.

    While In the Air

    • Although it goes without saying, never take your cat out of her carrier in the airport or during a flight--not only is this against airport and airline rules, it puts your pet in danger of getting lost or annoying other passengers while in flight. Your cat should always have access to water. It's not necessary--nor is it recommended--that you withhold food during your trip. But you may choose to give kitty a small bit of kibble at a time rather than allowing her to gorge at will, just in case she suffers from air sickness. If you need to remove soiled padding or give her additional food or water, discreetly take your pet's carrier to one of the private facilities.

    Additional Concerns

    • If you and your kitty are traveling within the 48 contiguous states, you probably won't have to worry about stringent quarantine rules. However, if you're taking your pet to another country (or Hawaii), certain quarantine restrictions or health certifications may apply. When traveling abroad, it's a good idea to contact the country's consulate or embassy for additional information (see Resources).