How To Fly With A Cat

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How To Fly With A Cat

So, looks like you and your furry buddy are going out for a vacation. Even though walking with your cat, taking it out to a park, or driving with it might not be a problem for cat owners, traveling with a cat on a plane is not that easy. Cats are restless and playful, and if you are going on a long flight, it can get cranky. Therefore, there are several things that you have to keep in mind before taking cats on plane. Also, there are measures that you have to consider to ensure the safety of your furry buddy. So, here are 9 things you should keep in mind:

1. Study Your Airline’s Pet Policy

Every airline has a different set of rules regarding traveling with pets. Therefore, before you book a flight with your cat, give the pet policy of the airline a good read and keep it in mind while traveling with your cat to avoid unnecessary issues. Remember that pet policy can change depending upon the airline. Also, make sure that the pet policy you are viewing is up to date. For further information, you can contact your airline’s helpline to understand the policy better.

2. See a Vet Before Your Flight

You don’t want your cat to have health issues during a flight. Therefore it is extremely important to take your cat to a vet for a detailed health checkup. If your cat is going through some health issues, it is recommended to postpone your trip or drop your cat at a friend or family member that your cat is familiar with. You should only fly with your cat once the vet declares your cat ‘fit to travel’. Remember that taking an ill cat on a flight can not only be dangerous for your cat, it will also cause you a lot of hassle on the flight and it will also disturb your fellow passengers.

3. Rehearse The Airport Screening Process With Your Cat

Cats have a reserved personality, unlike dogs. This is why when the airport staff will interact with it during the screening process, it can get scared or aggressive. In the pet screening process, the officer will take your cat out of the carrier and hold it in his/her arms. If your cat has a reserved personality, it will behave repulsively.

 If you don’t want your furry buddy to cause havoc, it is better to rehearse the screening process with your cat multiple times before the flight so that your cat gets accustomed to the process. Also, during this rehearsal, you can treat your cat to keep it motivated and you can also treat it at the airport so that it considers the screening process as a fun activity.

4. Keep In Mind That Your Cat Can Act Repulsive And Aggressive

While dogs are quite humble and don’t cause a lot of problems during airport transfers and the screening process, cats don’t share the same personality. Cats on airplanes don’t behave very obediently. Cats do not like to sit in one place for hours. They want to move around, and when they don’t get to do that, they can get repulsive and will try to escape. Make sure that you keep it in a secure carrier and carry toys for it so that remains entertained during the flight.

5. Carry All Of Your Cat’s Accessories With You

You can leave a few of your accessories at home and it won’t be a huge problem, but if you leave any of your cat’s accessories at home, prepare for trouble, a lot of trouble. Make sure that you carry your cat in an airline-approved cat carrier. Other than that, carry other cat accessories, including your cat’s leash, harness, food, bowls, and medicines, and grooming accessories such as shampoo, nail cutter, etc. Also, carry your cat’s favorite plush toys with you so that your cat remains entertained. Sadly, there is no in-flight entertainment provided by the airline for your cat. 

6. Keep Flight Protocols In Mind While Flying With Your Cat

While you are accustomed to your feline friend’s behavior, your fellow passengers might not be. Therefore, you have to make sure that you are following the on-flight protocols. Also, make sure that your cat is not disturbing the traveling experience of other passengers. Also, remember that your cat carrier counts as your carry-on luggage. All of your luggage must be checked in, including your cat carrier. You should also know about the number of pets your airline allows on a flight so that you don’t get any last-minute surprises.

7. Reach The Airport Early To Make Important Last-Minute Preparations

Speaking of last-minute surprises, to avoid them, it is important to make last-minute preparations when you get to the airport. Therefore, it is recommended to reach the airport one hour earlier than you normally do. Traveling with pets makes your boarding process a little complicated, so make sure that you have enough time in your hand to deal with these complexities.

8. You Should Know How To Calm Your Cat

If you don’t know how to calm your cat when it gets paranoid or cranky, don’t fly with it. As simple as that. If are flying with a cat and know nothing about calming it down, you will cause a lot of problem for the airline staff and your fellow passengers. 

9. Bring Your Cat’s Up-To-Date Medical Records

It is important to include all of your cat’s up-to-date medical papers so that the airline staff can decide whether your furry buddy is fit to travel on an airplane or not.


We hope that you and your furry buddy have a great time on vacation, however, the transit process can be a little complex for both of you. Also, you will have to pay for your cat as well. Your cat’s fare also depends upon the distance you are traveling. Remember that every airline has different fares, so keep that in mind.

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