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You are here: Home / Diary / How to Travel With Your Cat on an Airplane

How to Travel With Your Cat on an Airplane

January 2, 2017 By: Summer Samba50 Comments

How to Travel With Your Cat on an Airplane

Today is National Pet Travel Safety Day. Last year, I had some tips on how to take your cat on a car trip. This time I wanted to tell you how to travel with your cat on an airplane. I travel by plane several times a year. Most of you kitties may never have to fly at all, or if you do, it will only be once because you are moving. But even if you never do, I bet that at some point, your human will know somebody who will need to fly their cat — and wouldn’t it be nice to have a lot of useful information all in one place? Since I’ve traveled so much, I figured I was just the kitty to do that! So here we go.

In the weeks before your flight, find out what the airlines require for traveling with your cat

Airlines will usually list their requirements for traveling with pets on their website. On all flights that allow cats to travel in the cabin, the cat and carrier must fit underneath the seat in front of the human’s seat. The carrier will count as your carry-on, so any luggage other than your laptop bag or purse and the cat carrier must be checked. There is also a fee to fly with your cat, and it varies from airline to airline.

somali cat in carrier under seat in airplane

Check what the size requirements are for the carrier — it may differ from airline to airline. While many brands will say their carrier dimensions are acceptable for plane travel, double check that with your airline. Most of the time a soft-sided carrier is best, although a hard sided carrier that’s the correct size may work too.

There may also be weight requirements, meaning that the carrier, with your cat inside it, must be under a certain weight. Some cats, like a full-sized Maine Coon, may be too big to fly with you. I’m a small cat, so I’m perfect for flying.

What about health certificates?

That’s another thing you need to check, both with your airline and the states you are flying to. Some airlines and states require a health certificate dated within 7 to 30 days of your travel time (it varies with airline and destination), and if so, you will need to bring your cat to the vet for a check up. One thing you should always travel with is your cat’s rabies certificate, even if it’s not required. If your cat bites somebody (even the sweetest cat may act out in a stressful situation), and there is no proof he has been vaccinated against rabies, that could be very bad news for you and your cat. Interestingly, when I traveled to Canada the rabies certificate was all I needed.

When you book your flight…

Let the airline know you are bringing a cat. If you are getting your ticket online and there’s nowhere to make a note of this, call the airline as soon as you’ve finished your reservation. Even if there is, you should call the airline anyhow and talk to a human to a) make sure the airline knows your cat is coming, and b) to pay the fee for your pet’s travel (you usually don’t have to wait until you get to the airport to pay). Each flight only has a certain number of pets they allow in the cabin, and you want to make sure your cat gets a spot.

Prepare your cat for your flight

When you are going through security, you will need to take your cat out of the carrier so that the carrier can go through the x-ray machine. So your cat should be used to wearing both a collar with ID, and a harness. My human recommends a properly fitting, strap-type harness because it is easy to grab if the cat squirms in your arms. The strap harnesses also have a minimum of metal and won’t set off the metal detector. Since most cats aren’t used to wearing harnesses, it is a good idea to acclimate yours to one in the weeks before you fly. Also get a leash to attach to the harness, so you have even more control of your cat. I enjoy sitting around the boarding areas on a leash myself, but your cat probably won’t, so the leash is just extra-added security for you when you go through TSA.

somali cat at boarding gate at Burbank airport

If you are getting a new carrier, get your cat used to that too. My favorite getting-used-to-the-carrier game involves leaving the carrier out all the time, and occasionally throwing a treat in there for me to go in and get. You can also toss toys in there. Also leave it open so the cat can go nap in there if she wants.

What you will need for your cat’s trip

  • Puppy pads for the carrier, in case he has an accident while traveling. Line the carrier with one, and bring one or two extra.
  • Pet wipes or baby wipes, to clean up any messes.
  • Crunchy cat treats and a syringe (more on why later).
  • A blanket or towel that already smells like him, to place in the carrier.
  • If it is going to be a long trip, or a trip with connections, bring some sort of temporary litter box set up — a foldable box and some litter that you can set up and dispose of if they are used. Some cats will be too nervous to go to the bathroom when you are in an airport restroom, but others will be relieved that you thought of it.
  • Remember to pack all the things already noted — the rabies certificate and, if required, health certificate, should go in the pocket of the cat carrier.
  • Calming spray or chews, if you think your cat will need them. If you want to use Rescue Remedy, use the human version (with alcohol) and apply it topically. The pet version contains glycerin, which will set off the security alarm. (This happened to my human once!)
  • The harness and leash, already noted.

The day of your trip and at the airport…

somali cat watching suitcases being put on the plane at an airport

  • Feed your cat no later than five hours before your trip. Don’t worry if this involves skipping a meal — you can feed her when you reach your destination.
  • Put the harness on your cat before you place her in the carrier.
  • You might try putting your cat in her litter box before you leave — who knows? She may actually use it. I do if I need to go.
  • When you reach your gate, leave your cat in the carrier. Unless your cat is very self-confident (like me), being in this strange, noisy, open area is scary. Also keep your cat in the carrier while on the plane. You are not supposed to take your cat out anyway, and the flight attendants will let you know that in no uncertain terms. It is actually kinder to keep the carrier shut and just leave your cat alone. She will feel more secure being closed up inside.

Some additional tips…

  • It’s better not to drug your cat for the flight. The stress and altitude may cause unpredictable side effects and create a medical emergency for your cat. If you really think your cat may need it, discuss it thoroughly with your vet first, and heed her advice.
  • You can politely ask security to screen you and your cat in a private room. You won’t always be able to get it, but if you can, it’s the best thing you can do for a nervous cat.
  • On the plane, let your row mates know you have a cat, in case one of them is allergic. That way, either they or you can make alternate seating arrangements.
  • The cabin pressure during ascent and descent may make your cat’s ears hurt. If you hear him crying when the cabin pressure is changing, that’s actually a good thing because it helps his ears pop. You might also try giving him a crunchy treat or a syringe of water, which will also help relieve ear pressure. Other than doing this, leave your cat alone under the seat. If you open the carrier, she may try to escape, and the fewer chances you can give him to try, the better.
  • If there will be someone at your destination, have them set things up for your cat’s arrival — a litter box, water and food bowls, a scratcher and anything else he might need. It saves you the time of doing it yourself, and you will able to get him settled in a lot quicker.
  • Teach yourself to be zen and calm about the whole process. Your cat is extremely sensitive to your feelings, and if you are stressed out and nervous, it will make him anxious too. Remember, if you are prepared, there is nothing to worry about.

I hope this helps, in case you know anyone who needs to fly with their cat!

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How to Travel With Your Cat on an Airplane
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Comments

  1. Rebecca says

    August 11, 2018 at 11:57 am

    Thank you, Summer! This is a God-send!

    Reply
  2. Charles Huss says

    June 6, 2018 at 5:25 pm

    Those are some helpful tips. Shortly after I met my wife, her son flew to Boston with his cat, Sneakers, to visit his dad. On the return trip, he unzipped Sneaker’s carrier to pet him which allowed Sneakers to escape. He then ran through the plane while several people tried to catch him. When we picked them up in Tampa, a flight attendant told us the story and she was not pleased.

    Reply
  3. Toffee Ripple Fuzzypants says

    June 6, 2018 at 4:48 pm

    Summer,
    I am furry happy that I don’t habs wings!
    Toffee

    Reply
  4. Pipo/Minko/MrJackFreckles says

    January 9, 2017 at 10:19 pm

    Lots and loads of furry good advice here! But…um…we hope we still will not need it, MOL!!

    Reply
  5. Marty the manx says

    January 3, 2017 at 5:25 pm

    Thanks so much for sharing Summer so much to think about!

    Reply
  6. Eastside Cats says

    January 3, 2017 at 9:18 am

    Excellent advice, however I hope to never, ever have to transport any cats via airplane!

    Reply
  7. Lisa at HJH says

    January 3, 2017 at 5:31 am

    Wow! Great tips! Thank you Summer!

    Reply
  8. patty says

    January 2, 2017 at 10:19 pm

    It is very nice to share the benefit of your experience Summer. I probably will not ever fly because there are so many Farm cats – we would need to charter an entire plane!

    Reply
  9. Sasha says

    January 2, 2017 at 9:32 pm

    What a thoughtful cat you are, Summer to put all these travel tips on line. If I have to go anywhere by plane, I am pretty sure I would not be allowed to go in the cabin. But I would be very frightened in any case. I hope I am never forced to do this. Diamond travelled by plane in a very large cage that the Vet provided for him. He had to go to Sydney because of his legs. But later he got better and was quite well again for the rest of his long life.

    Reply
  10. Nellie says

    January 2, 2017 at 7:47 pm

    Great tips Summer! Mes knows LOTS about traveling in the car or a motor home, but mes never been on a plane… mes thinks mes would enjoy it.
    Kisses
    Nellie

    Reply
  11. Kr says

    January 2, 2017 at 7:25 pm

    I’ve flown my cats many times, always in the cabin with me, never in the luggage compartment. A reminder that planes can get very cold, especially the floor area and the window side. Make sure there is a warm blanket that kitty can snuggle into, not just sit on, because it can be absolutely frigid on the floor.

    Reply
  12. Spitty the Kitty says

    January 2, 2017 at 6:29 pm

    OMC, Summer! It’s a good think my Human doesn’t like to fly because I would *KILL* her if she tried to do ANY of this stuff with me! You are such a good girl. Somehow, I think Binga might be more like me, MOL!

    Oh, and yes, the cards *are* New Year’s card now. But they *say* Merry Christmas, ha ha meow. My Human’s sooooo lame!

    Reply
  13. The Dash Kitten Crew says

    January 2, 2017 at 6:23 pm

    Terrific post Summer . Thank you and we will share this!!!

    Reply
  14. meowmeowmans says

    January 2, 2017 at 5:31 pm

    Great tips, Summer. Boy, we sure hope we never have to fly anywhere! – Gracie and Zoe

    Reply
  15. Sue Brandes says

    January 2, 2017 at 4:46 pm

    Thanks for the great post.

    Reply
  16. Angel, Kirby and Max says

    January 2, 2017 at 4:38 pm

    We hope we never have to fly! But we will remember your advise

    Reply
  17. BeadedTail says

    January 2, 2017 at 4:25 pm

    Great tips Summer! We highly doubt we’ll ever go on any plane trip though. We’ll enjoy your adventures from afar!

    Reply
  18. William's Kith & Kin says

    January 2, 2017 at 3:49 pm

    That is some very useful information, Summer! Thankfully we won’t be flying, though–our mom will not step foot on a plane.

    Reply
  19. Lola says

    January 2, 2017 at 3:29 pm

    Summer, this is a PAWTASTIC post! You are for sure one smart kitty. We never thought about telling the others in the row there is a cat there because they may have allergies! Mommy would definitely need to learn to be zen… she gets nervous when we go to the vet! If we ever fly we’ll definitely take this advice.

    Reply
  20. Melissa, Mudpie & Angel Truffles says

    January 2, 2017 at 3:15 pm

    Those are really great tips! Would you believe my human has never been on a plane??? So I don’t hold out any hope that I ever will… –Mudpie

    Reply
  21. Cathy Keisha says

    January 2, 2017 at 3:02 pm

    An excellent post even if I don’t need it right now. I may be travelling someday as someone far, far away has offered to adopt me if something happens to my peeps. I can see why glycerin would trigger the alarms. After all, it’s one conponent of nitroglycerin.

    Reply
  22. Flynn says

    January 2, 2017 at 2:09 pm

    I won’t be flying, but those are great tips for anyone who might be.

    Reply
  23. Raven says

    January 2, 2017 at 1:47 pm

    Summer, those are all very useful tips. I’ll probably never fly but you never know.

    Reply
  24. mariodacat roever says

    January 2, 2017 at 1:25 pm

    Sweetie, you did it again – another excellent post. You have thought off everything it seems. Such excellent advice. If we hear of anyone who has to travel by air with their kitty, we’ll refer them to your blog for informaiton. M has problems with her ears during flight. She never thought that perhaps a kitty might also. That is so painful. We hope anyone flying with a kitty has thought of this and goes prepared with what you suggested. Thank you for doing this post. We’ll be bookmarking it for future reference.

    Reply
  25. Jo-Anne the crazy woman says

    January 2, 2017 at 12:16 pm

    I knew none of this because I have never travelled with a cat, some of it is common sense some of it not so much

    Reply
  26. The Swiss Cats says

    January 2, 2017 at 11:42 am

    Those are great tips ! With your experience, we know we can 100% trust your advice. We hope we’ll never have to fly, but you never know… Purrs

    Reply
  27. Madi says

    January 2, 2017 at 11:02 am

    Summer what wonderful tips!!! You are for sure the most traveled cat we know!!
    You should write a book!
    Hugs madi your bfff

    Reply
  28. Colehaus Cats says

    January 2, 2017 at 10:51 am

    This is an excellent post on airline travel! Thank you, Summer, for giving us so many important tips and details, and for showing us how a proper cat looks on a leash in an airport!

    Reply
  29. Margaret Elmendorf says

    January 2, 2017 at 10:36 am

    Those are some mighty good tips. Hopefully, none of the cats here will never have to fly but good to know all this stuff.

    Reply
  30. Fraidy Cats! says

    January 2, 2017 at 8:08 am

    this is such great information, Summer. we hope we never have to fly but if we do, like you said, now we have all the info we’ll need 🙂

    pip, smidgen, minnie, hollie, sharpie, ditto

    Reply
  31. Katie Isabella says

    January 2, 2017 at 8:04 am

    These are the best suggestions I have read so far about taking a pet, namely a cat, on the plane with you.

    Reply
  32. Ellen Pilch says

    January 2, 2017 at 8:03 am

    Those are all great tips. We don’t travel though so it is not likely we will be taking any of our cats on a plane. You amaze me at how adaptable you are too everything.

    Reply
  33. LP says

    January 2, 2017 at 8:02 am

    Summer, this is a helpful and informative post that someone can refer to if ever they need to travel with their cat. Thanks for putting it together!

    the critters in the cottage xo

    Reply
  34. Dma says

    January 2, 2017 at 7:44 am

    The boyz aren’t planning on flying anytime soon but appreciate all the great info.

    Reply
  35. mommakatandherbearcat says

    January 2, 2017 at 7:26 am

    These are awesome tips! I’ve always wondered how I would do it if I needed to … but now I know!

    Reply
  36. Annie says

    January 2, 2017 at 7:20 am

    Summer, I would have loved to have this post the times that I traveled with my cats. I’ve done it now a few times but each time I worry so much about them. This is really great advice. I didn’t know about the crunch treat or syringe of water to help with ear pressure. I honestly didn’t even think about them getting ear pressure. I think the puppy pads is a great idea, but I find they move around in the carrier. Sadly, on my last flight with Annie (Dallas to Washington, DC), she did a poop in her carrier and although I had the pads in her carrier, because they shifted, the poop wasn’t on the pad. If I ever have to travel with a kitty again, I need to figure out a better way where that’s concerned.

    Reply
    • Summer Samba says

      January 2, 2017 at 10:09 am

      My human fastens the pad to the sides of the soft carrier with safety pins. If a cat is really active in the carrier, she will tear the pad free from the pins, but it is usually good for at least one flight.

      Reply
  37. Laila and Minchie says

    January 2, 2017 at 7:18 am

    Great post, Summer! We know for a fact that neither of us would be good on a plane. Minchie is too vocal all the time and Laila wouldn’t fit under the seat. MOL

    Reply
  38. Mr. Chivers, Greyson, and Tabitha says

    January 2, 2017 at 7:16 am

    These are such great tips on travelling with your pet. Mom has always wanted to take Grandpaw Greyson on trips with her. Now there’s no excuse. He’s super calm too and loves people. Thanks Summer! Purrs

    Reply
  39. Brian Frum says

    January 2, 2017 at 5:34 am

    Those are amazing tips pretty Summer and I sure hope I never have to use them.

    Reply
  40. Toby and Leia says

    January 2, 2017 at 5:31 am

    All excellent advice. The syringe of water – Mom wishes she had used that on us during our long car trip, since we refused to drink any water.

    Reply
  41. The Island Cats says

    January 2, 2017 at 5:19 am

    Great info, Summer. We can’t imagine us every having to fly with our human, but if we ever do, these tips will be invaluable.

    Reply
  42. Mickey's Musings says

    January 2, 2017 at 5:09 am

    Pawsome tips Summer.
    We hope we do not have to fly anytime soon though 😉
    Purrs Georgia,Julie and JJ

    Reply
  43. Layla Morgan Wilde says

    January 2, 2017 at 3:02 am

    Wow, good to know about the Rescue Remedy with glycerin. I need to update my piece for on flying with PetFinder. So you’re not a fan of spraying the carrier with Feliway?

    Reply
    • Summer Samba says

      January 2, 2017 at 10:06 am

      I think anything is worth a try – I do know that Feliway has never done anything for me, nor have other calming sprays. My human tried them on drives a few times, since I used to hate driving and it wasn’t effective. The thing that calmed me down was just regular car trips! It may help other cats, and if Feliway has been helpful in the past, I would definitely use it when flying.

      Reply
  44. The Poupounette Gang says

    January 2, 2017 at 2:45 am

    That is very informative and helpful, Summer.

    In the old days, when #1 traveled with TOWCB, Ikkyu, things were much more relaxed. #1 often travelled business class and tried to fly on days and times that were slow, so as to have a seat next to ours. She would be able to take Ikkyu out of his carrier, on his harness, and he would sit on the seat next to hers and relax! On 12-13 hour flights, that made a huge difference!

    Purrs,
    The Chans

    Reply
    • Summer Samba says

      January 2, 2017 at 10:07 am

      Wow! I wish it was still like that!

      Reply
  45. The kitties of purring pines says

    January 2, 2017 at 2:29 am

    Great tips Summer…… we hope we never have to fly!

    Reply
  46. pawesome cats says

    January 2, 2017 at 1:11 am

    These are great tips for kitties who are lucky enough to travel on planes. It’s very different in Australia ~ cat’s aren’t allowed in the cabin, they have to travel downstairs in a pressurised section of the cargo hold.

    Reply

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