How to Travel by Air With Your Cat

Traveling by air can be nerve-racking for a cat and its owner. Cats are territorial creatures that don't often react favorably to being removed from familiar surroundings. When it's not possible to leave your cat at home, make your plane trip as smooth as possible by learning the airline's rules and taking care of your cat's comfort.

Things You'll Need

  • An airline reservation
  • A Sherpa pet carrier or other brand of soft-bodied pet taxi
  • A certification of your cat's health from your veterinarian
  • A leash or harness (optional)
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      When you make your airline reservations, alert the airlines that you will be bringing a cat aboard. If you don't give the airline advance notice that you're travelling with an animal, you and your pet may be prevented from boarding the aircraft. Most airlines charge a fee for transporting pets, even if the animal stays with you in the cabin. In addition, most airlines limit the number of pets they will accept in the cabin on any given flight.

    • 2

      Consult your veterinarian. Make sure that your cat has the medical documentation required by the airline. Most airlines require a certification that your cat is healthy, fit to fly and vaccinated for rabies. Generally, the vet's certificate must be dated within 10 days of your flight.

    • 3

      Obtain a soft-bodied pet carrier for your cat. The cat carrier must fit beneath the seat in front of you on the plan, just like a carry-on bag, so it needs to be small and flexible.

    • 4

      Get your cat ready for the big trip. Place a favorite blanket or one of your old T-shirts in the carrier. Your cat will find the familiar smells comforting. Leave the carrier with the blanket or T-shirt in it out in the open in your living room or bedroom for a few days before you leave. This will give your cat time to get used to the carrier, which may result in less of a struggle on the day of your flight.

    • 5

      When you arrive at the airport, be prepared to send the cat's carrier through the X-ray machine. Before doing so, you will need to remove your cat from the carrier and hold her as you walk through the metal detector. If you are afraid that your cat may panic and leap from your arms, use a short leash or harness.

    • 6

      Once you board the plane, place your cat in the carrier securely under the seat in front of you and refrain from taking it out of the carrier during the flight. If you are taking a long flight, make sure that you place some dry cat food or cat treats and a little water in the carrier.