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Cat travel by air is very stressful for most cats. Not only do they have the stress of cat travel by car, they have the added stress of the plane.
To get your cat or cats used to traveling by car, take them for a ride once every week. Give them a treat in the car so they associate something positive with it.
Air Travel With Your Cat Tips - Booking
Make your airplane reservation for your cat when you book yours. Only a certain number of pets are allowed, so you'll want to ensure there is room. There may be fees associated. Airlines may count your cat as one of your luggage pieces, so ask how many pieces you are allowed besides your cat.
When traveling with your cat by air, some airlines allow you to take your pet in the passenger compartment providing they're in a carrier.
Others unfortunately put them in the cargo compartment. If this is the case, ensure the luggage compartment is heated and pressurized. The ASPCA released the following statement in November 2003 relating to animals being transported in the cargo cabin: “The Air Transport Association has reported in the past that approximately 5,000, or 1% of the companion animals that are flown on commercial planes have been injured, lost or killed during transport”.
Air Travel Cat Carriers - Tips
Your cat should never walk around loose in the car when you're driving to the airport. For their safety, put your cat in their
air travel cat carrier.
This will prevent them from getting under your feet or doing something distracting to cause an accident. It will also prevent them from being thrown if the car stops suddenly. If you do get into an accident, it will keep them contained until help arrives.
Secure the carrier, cage or crate by looping the seat belt through the carrier handle and then lock it into place. Ensure the door is firmly closed.
Layer the bottom of the carrier with crumpled up paper towels or shredded paper to soak up any urine in case of emergency. To make your cat comfy, also add their blanket, pillow, or your shirt (unwashed with your scent so your cat feels secure).
Put a bowl of frozen water in the carrier so the water doesn't spill during loading. The water will melt slowly presenting fresh water throughout the trip.
Traveling With Your Cat by Air - I.D. & Security
When traveling with your cat by air, ensure you have a picture of your cat for identification purposes in case they are lost or escape.
Put a harness on your cat before you leave your home. Ensure both the harness and the cat carrier are tagged with the following:
- Cat's ID
- Destination city, address and phone number
- Your name, home address & phone number, and flight number.
You may need to walk your cat through the xray machine at airport security. Reach into the carrier and hold your cat firmly while clipping the leash onto their harness. Don't take them out of the carrier until you have the leash firmly fastened, and you have a firm hold of the leash. It's a good idea to wrap the leash around your wrist and hold onto it. Your cat may be scared and may try to bolt.
Cat Travel Calming and Sedatives
Many
cat travel calming
products are available such as "Feliway", "Calmative Supplement", or "Calm Down For Cats". Discuss with your vet before using.
If your cat is particularly nervous, talk to your vet before your trip and see if you should get a calming sedative or tranquilizer for the trip. Tranquilizers, though, are not generally recommended as they can interfere with breathing.
Air Travel Abroad With Your Cat
If you travel abroad with your cat, check the destination country's vaccination requirements, health certificates and quarantine policies.
Traveling With Your Cat - Helpful Links
 
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Updated January 2005
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