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Cat-Friendly Airlines & Helpful Tips For Flying With a Cat

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Your trip is booked, and you’re ready to go. There’s just one problem: What do you do with your cat? Cats are generally really great at spending a few days by themselves as long as they have enough water and food at their disposal. But, flying with a cat…is it doable?

What if you can’t find a cat sitter? Or what if your trip is long-term? Well, why not bring your cat with you? Flying with a cat might seem a bit overwhelming, but it’s definitely possible as long as you follow a few steps to make the experience as least traumatizing for your cat as possible.

If your cat is great at napping (which most cats are!), then your cat shouldn’t have any problems during a flight. Before you bring your cat along with you on your next airplane ride, take a look at these helpful hints below. They just might help make flying with a cat easier than you ever thought.

And keep reading for our most highly recommended cat-friendly airlines.

Flying with a cat may seem stressful

Helpful Steps To Take Before Flying With A Cat

Talk With The Airline Beforehand

Contact the airline you plan on traveling with before booking your flight. Speak with an airline agent to confirm that your cat can fly in the cabin with you and stored underneath the seat in front of you. Avoid having your cat fly in the cargo hold if at all possible.

Many airlines will allow you to bring your cat in a carrier to stay in the cabin with you. However, most will require a small fee. It’s important to call the airline in advance to make sure you know all the requirements and guarantee a spot on the plan for your feline friend. Airlines will generally have a limit as to how many pets can be on board at one time.

Be sure to ask the airlines about the exact dimensions of the under-seat space. This way, you can buy a proper carrier well in advance (more on this below).

Try your best to select a non-stop flight or one with minimal stops. After booking your flight, be sure to get a locator number for your cat. This will be associated with your assigned seat number.

Start Shopping For A Travel Carrier

After confirming the dimensions of the size of under-seat space, your cat carrier will require. It’s time to start shopping for one that your cat will find most comfortable. It’s worth asking the airline if they have any restrictions or requirements with the types of carriers they allow.

When considering a cat carrier for air travel, a soft-sided carrier might be preferred. These carriers have more “give” when placed underneath the seat in front of you. However, some airlines only allow certain brands of soft-sided carriers. Be sure to check beforehand.

Get a proper carrier when flying with a cat

Once you’ve found the perfect carrier for your trip, it’s time to start “training” your cat. It’s recommended to purchase the carrier far before the trip to implement this training well before the trip.

  • Have the carrier open and available in your house at all times. This will get your cat used to its presence and also create a welcoming tone.
  • Create a positive reaction to the carrier by teaching your cat that it’s a fun place to be. Place toys inside and feed your cat a treat every time they go inside,
  • Practice going in and out of the carrier. This will be an important practice for the upcoming security screening. It may be helpful to practice using a harness during this process, as your cat will most likely be wearing one to go through security.

Print or create a “live animal” label, and a luggage tag with your contact information, to place somewhere outside the carrier before the flight.

Schedule A Veterinary Visit

Chances are, the airline will require an up-to-date and valid health certificate. Schedule a visit with your veterinarian within a couple of weeks of departure. Be sure to ask for a copy of your cat’s rabies vaccination as well.

Your veterinarian will issue a health certificate that lets the airline know your cat is healthy, free of parasites, and current with all vaccinations. Make sure to carry this certificate, and any others, along with you on the day of your flight.

Your veterinarian may also suggest getting your kitty microchipped if they aren’t already. Microchipping is a straightforward procedure that does not hurt your pet. In the rare event that your cat escapes its carrier or your hands, the microchip could help locate the lost cat. When flying with a cat, this procedure should definitely be considered.

A current health certificate is important for travel

The Days Before Departure

In the coming days before the big trip, make sure your cat gets plenty of exercise and plenty of sleep. The plane ride will be a bit anxiety-inducing for your cat, so they must be in a good mental state before the travel day.

Make sure to give them plenty of love and lots of time playing before the flight — use this opportunity to use the carrier as part of “playtime.” It might be a good idea to clip your cat’s nails as well. Flying with a cat is worth every precaution.

The Day Of Travel

Here’s where all the practice comes into play!

It’s imperative not to feed your cat before the flight. When your cat has an empty stomach, they will less likely experience any nausea or vomiting. If you want to carry a bag of their food to have them eat towards the end of the flight, that is fine. Avoid giving your cat any water within an hour of the flight.

Line the carrier with some absorbent potty pads (make sure to bring extra!) and have your cat enter the carrier. Hopefully, at this point, after some practice, it isn’t a scary place for them.

Now it’s time to go to the airport and pass through security. What should you expect?

  • Your cat’s travel carrier will be required to go through the x-ray screening device. Your cat, however, cannot. Place all your belongings on the x-ray belt and remove your cat from its carrier for security.
  • Attach a harness to your cat and remove them from the carrier. Hold on to them and walk through the human screening device.
  • Once you have been approved to proceed, safely place your cat back in its carrier and proceed to your gate.
  • Place your cat gently underneath the seat in front of you. Check on them every half an hour or so — it’s best just to let them relax and sleep as much as possible.

Does Your Cat Need A Sedative?

You might think a sedative of some sort would be necessary when flying with a cat. However, the chances of this being a requirement are slim. Most cats will travel quite well and will not require medication. Other cats undergo a tremendous amount of stress during these types of situations.

It will be up to you to consult your veterinarian before the trip to see if sedatives should be an option for your particular cat.

Sedatives aren't always necessary

The Best Airlines For Traveling With Your Cat

Finding the perfect airline to transport you and your pet can be a bit difficult to decipher. Most airlines do allow cats (and other pets) to fly on their flights. However, which airline you choose may come down to something as simple as preference.

Some airlines have higher fees for traveling with your pet, but the cost of your ticket may be very affordable. Other airlines might have breed or weight restrictions on pets. The research will be up to you.

Here are a few of our top-picked airlines for traveling with your cat. Be sure to narrow down which cat-friendly airline is specific to your needs:

JetBlue: Ranked very high in overall customer service. The in-cabin pet fee is $125 each way.

Southwest Airlines: Lowest pet fee at $95. Only allows small pets.

Delta: Ranks high in most on-time arrivals and fewest canceled flights. Pet travel fee of $125.

American Airlines: In 2015, introduced a first-class flying program for your pet called Cuddle Class. Pet fee of $125.

Traveling with your pet, specifically, your cat can be stressful. Flying with a cat just takes a bit of prep and some additional knowledge. But don’t fret. Proper research and plenty of time to prepare can make your travel day go off without a hitch! 

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Ashley Brewer

Ashley Brewer

Ashley Brewer is from beautiful and green Portland, Oregon. Writing has been her passion since she first wrote her own children’s book at the age of 6 years old – “Attack of the Killer Clothespins.” Ashley has always been in love with animals of all kinds since she can remember. Growing up with Labrador Retrievers and Tabby cats, she currently has a black cat whom she adores – named Mr. Beep Boop. Going by the nickname “Ash”, she has been writing professionally for over a decade with a focus mainly on pets and travel. When she’s not writing, traveling, or hanging with Mr. Beep Boop you can find Ashley camping or hiking with her husband in the gorgeous Pacific Northwest.

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