You can’t picture leaving your best buddy behind when you go on a lengthy journey abroad or across the nation to see relatives. We would take our pets almost wherever we went because they are members of our family. It is imperative to arrange ahead of time if you intend to travel with your most beloved cat. While most airlines permit you to travel with a cat, you should make sure your cat is comfortable and that you are abiding by airline policies. If you’re going abroad, you should be aware of the local laws regarding the importation of live animals. To acquire their best recommendations, we talked to veterinarians. Let’s talk about how to travel with a cat on a plane (Step-by-Step Guide).
Can My Cat Go With Me on an Aircraft?
You certainly can, yes! However, before packing them up and leaving for the airport, you must finish your assignment. First and foremost, according to Stephanie Sheen, DVM, a veterinarian with the pet health app Fuzzy, a health certificate is normally needed for domestic travel, and it is usually needed within ten days of the trip. With the help of this health certificate, you may be certain that your cat is at least eight weeks old, immunisations current, and disease-free.In addition, not all cats would benefit from travelling with their pet, according to Haylee Bergeland, KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA, and CBCC-KA. “If the cat is OK to travel, doesn’t mind being in a travel crate or bag, and does fine being in new places, then it’s OK,” she states. “But if the cat doesn’t like those things, which is going to be most cats, then a pet sitter is better.”
What Are The Conditions for Cat Flying?
Depending on the airline and the place you’re going, there may be different policies and guidelines about taking cats on flights. Additionally, keep in mind that standards at any stopover place may differ from those at your final destination. Because of this, it’s advisable to make sure that, before making any travel arrangements, you have thoroughly examined the rules pertaining to your particular airline and location. You may anticipate seeing a lot of similarities among pet policies from different airlines and nations.
How to Travel Abroad with a Cat
There will be more obstacles to overcome if you are travelling abroad. While the regulations are comparable, Sheen notes that some places would have differing vaccination requirements due to parasite prevention and other health issues. “These documents can be multiple pages in length and typically need to be completed by a veterinarian who is certified through the USDA,” she says. “Some locations may require rabies titers to be completed before travel, which can take months to process.”
It’s crucial to keep in mind that these specifications could change, so for the most recent details on your destination, make sure you visit the USDA website for pet travel.
How to Take a Cat on Various Airline Flights
The airlines, what about them? Cats are permitted to travel on almost all airlines as carry-on luggage. To guarantee there won’t be any issues at check-in, you should make reservations in advance, as many limit the number of pets that can fly on a journey. As online reservations aren’t always possible, this usually necessitates giving the airlines a call.
Make sure your particular cat carrier satisfies the requirements, as each airline has different pet carrier dimensions and weight restrictions. Essentially, your cat needs to be able to spend the whole journey comfortably in the carrier in front of your seat.
These are a few instances of well-known international airlines and the conditions they have for pet carriers:
- Dimensions for Alaska Airlines: Hard-sided: 17″L x 11″W x 7.5″H; soft-sided: 17″L x 11″W x 9.5″H
- American Airlines: The carrier ought to be small enough to tuck beneath your front seat. The total weight of your pet and the carrier cannot be more than twenty pounds.
- Delta Airlines: The carrier needs to be small enough to tuck beneath the front seat.
- Dimensions of the JetBlue carrier are 17 “L x 12.5 “W x 8.5 “H. Your pet’s total weight in the carrier cannot be more than twenty pounds.
- United: 17.5 “L x 12 “W x 7.5 “H for the hard-sided carrier; 18 “L x 11 “W x 11 “H for the soft-sided carrier.
This is a thorough, step-by-step guide to assist you while taking your cat on an airplane-
Planning and Research
- Examine the pet rules offered by different airlines, taking note of any additional costs, carrier requirements, and limitations on weight and size.
- Since airlines frequently cap the amount of pets they will allow on each flight, make your bookings as early as possible.
Examine the vet
- Make an appointment with your veterinarian to receive a health certificate, which airlines usually demand ten days prior to departure.
- Make sure your cat has received all required shots, and get any paperwork that may be required.
- Ensure that your cat has an ID tag on its collar that has your contact details and is microchipped.
Select the Appropriate Carrier
- Choose a carrier that satisfies the airline’s requirements regarding safety, ventilation, and space.
- Comfortable and well-known: Prepare your cat for the carrier ahead of time by setting it up in your house with comfortable bedding and toys.
- Essentials for Carrier: To keep your cat comfortable, include a tiny toy, an absorbent pad, and a nice blanket.
Purchasing Your Aircraft
- To save anxiety and travel time, use direct flights wherever possible.
- Inform the airline of your intention to travel with a feline and enquire about any extra restrictions or costs.
Get Ready Before You Go
- Introduce your cat to car rides and carriers gradually.
- Give your cat a small meal a few hours before takeoff rather than a large one right before the flight.
- Let your cat play to exhaust them before the trip.
Packing Necessities
- Bring along all the required paperwork, such as the ticket confirmation, immunisation records, and health certificate.
- Fill a travel kit with necessities, including water, food, waste bags, a small litter box, collapsible bowls, and a leash.
- To assist ease anxiety, bring things that are familiar to you, such as your cat’s favourite blanket or toy.
Pre- and Post-Travel Assistance
- After you’ve arrived, take your cat out of the carrier in a quiet area and provide comfort and assurance.
- After your cat settles in, give them some water and a small food.
- Maintain a peaceful atmosphere and keep a watch out for any indications of tension or discomfort in your cat.
Extra Advice
- Stay informed about any modifications to airline regulations or trip prerequisites.
- To assist your cat become accustomed to traveling, think about going on quick journeys with them.
- If your cat exhibits significant anxiety, speak with your veterinarian about soothing drugs or supplements that might be helpful.
In summary
Although taking a cat on a plane can sound intimidating, you can make the experience easy and stress-free for both you and your pet by planning and paying close attention to details. You may reduce anxiety and guarantee safe travel by carefully reading airline policies, caring for your cat’s health and comfort, and packing the things you need. Throughout the procedure, try to remain composed and comforting, as your cat will be looking to you for indications on how to respond. You’ll be well-prepared to tackle the challenge of flying with your cat if you follow our detailed guide. Happy flying and safe travels!