Cats, just like us, can suffer from anxiety and stress when they travel. Being outside your environment could throw your cat into a panic; so, if you have to take it with you on a plane, you should spend time and attention preparing it properly. With a little effort, you can make the travel experience less stressful for both of you.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare the Cat for Time
Step 1. Take him to the vet
Traveling, especially by plane, can be difficult for cats. Make sure your pet is healthy enough to go through this experience. The vet will examine him and verify that he is up to date with all vaccinations; if you have an illness, they will be able to advise you on how it can be managed or treated (if possible) before your flight.
- The vet may need to fill out a certificate that the cat is healthy enough to travel and that it has all required vaccinations. The guidelines vary depending on the destination, so please inform yourself before your visit.
- There are time restrictions for completing health certifications - some airlines require it to be no earlier than 10 days before your flight. Check with the company you are traveling with to check their specific time limit.
- Have your cat implant a microchip for easy identification. If it is already microchipped, you may want to ask your vet to scan it to make sure it is legible.
- If the cat is undergoing therapy, ask the vet how you can continue to treat him on the day of the trip.
Step 2. Purchase an airline approved pet carrier
If you've never traveled by plane with your cat, you may need to purchase a pet carrier that meets the airline's conditions. Call the company you travel with or check their website to find out what the requirements are for the carrier, whether it's in the hold or in the hand. Generally, a "cabin" cat carrier should be made of a strong fabric (eg nylon), be well ventilated, and have a top and side zippered opening. The company may also require that you have a soft removable mat on the bottom.
- A good cargo carrier should be made of tough, sturdy plastic and have a safety lock.
- Make sure it is large enough for your cat to move around and be comfortable.
Step 3. Encourage him to spend time in the crate
The cat will need at least a month to prepare for the trip. During this time, try to familiarize him with the cage; you can attract him by inserting objects inside that make him feel comfortable, such as a soft mattress or his favorite toys.
- Leave the kennel open in an area that is very frequented by the cat, for example near the kennel or scratching post, so that he can explore it at his leisure and without fear of you closing the entrance while he is inside.
- You can also spray cat pheromones inside to give the carrier a familiar smell.
- Feed the cat while it is inside so that it associates the cage with something positive.
- Once he has explored the crate sufficiently, he begins to train it to stay locked inside. Start by holding the door closed for a few seconds and immediately give him a treat as soon as you reopen it. Gradually increase the amount of time you keep it locked in before you release it and reward it.
Step 4. Take him for car rides
Once your cat is familiar with the carrier, put it inside and take it with you to the car. Start with short trips (a tour around the palace, for example) and move on to longer trips as you get used to it.
- Secure the pet carrier to the seat with the seat belt.
- Finish the car ride in a place that is desirable to him, for example by going straight home and not going to the vet. Give him a treat at the end of the trip if he behaved well (that is, if there were no scratches and incessant moans).
- Standing still in the carrier while the car is moving can be disconcerting to the cat at first, but it will get used to it over time.
- You should start this exercise a few weeks before your flight.
Step 5. Get him used to loud noises
Both the plane and the airport are very noisy environments. Once the cat has started to feel comfortable in the car, take him to the airport and sit outside with him, keeping him inside the carrier. Initially, the noise and confusion may terrify him, so it will likely take several visits to the airport before he gets used to it.
- You could also take it inside the terminal, near the check-in area.
- Reward him with a treat if he behaves well.
- Give him a few weeks to get used to that kind of noises.
Step 6. Trim his nails
If the nails are too long, the cat could scratch the inside of the carrier during the flight or, if traveling in the hold, entangle them in the cage grate and injure themselves. If you don't feel like cutting his nails yourself, let the vet do it.
Cats' nails should be trimmed every 10-15 days, so calculate when to do so so they aren't long again by the time you fly. If you are going to be away for a long time, take a cat nail clipper with you
Part 2 of 3: Taking care of other preparations
Step 1. Book your flight
Airlines often allow a limited number of pets in the cabin, so you should book your flight well in advance (a month in advance or even more) to have a better chance of your cat staying with you in the passenger compartment. When booking, ask the company if they allow pets on board and if your cat can travel in the cabin. Since cats are small pets, it is preferable that they travel in the cabin rather than in the hold.
- Expect to pay extra, which can go up to € 100. Please note that if you are traveling with you in the cabin, the carrier will be considered hand luggage.
- When booking your flight, make sure your cat is assigned a number associated with your seat.
- Try to book a direct, non-stop flight. Also, if you're traveling in the summer, avoid flights during the hottest hours of the day.
Step 2. Check the identification plates
The cat should have a collar with a tag indicating your contact information (name, address, mobile number); you should also put one showing the rabies vaccination and one with the cat's identification number. Remove any accessories from the collar that can easily get caught somewhere in the carrier, such as charms or bells. Make sure the collar is ready 10 days before leaving.
Step 3. Prepare labels for the carrier
This is extremely important if the cat will be traveling in the hold, but it is a good idea to do so even if it will be in the cabin. You should prepare a label with your contact information and also with that of your final destination; for example, if you are going to stay in a hotel, write the name, address and telephone number of the hotel on the label.
- Make two the same and place one on the outside and one on the inside of the carrier, in case the outer one comes off during the trip. Also, if your cat will travel in the hold, apply some larger labels on the outside of the cage that read "LIVE ANIMAL".
- Prepare the labels at least a few days before your trip, so you don't find yourself rushing on the day of departure.
Step 4. Prepare bags of dry food
Cats should travel on an empty stomach to prevent accidents such as vomiting or unexpected bowel movements. However, if the flight is delayed for several hours, it would be best to give the cat some food to prevent it from being too hungry. If you are traveling in the hold on a very long flight, attach the food bag to the carrier with instructions on how to feed it.
Part 3 of 3: Prepare the Cat on Departure Day
Step 1. Follow your normal routine
As much as possible, try to behave normally and calmly on the day of departure. Cats don't respond well to changes; a sudden deviation from their normal routine can be a source of stress and anxiety and lead them to behave abnormally (for example, they may go to the toilet outside the litter box). Take your time to prepare for departure and try to stick to her usual meal times so that she uses the litter box as usual.
Once confined to the carrier, he will not be able to evacuate until you arrive at your destination. By behaving in a normal and calm way you will help him to free himself before locking him in the cage
Step 2. Feed him 4 to 6 hours before the flight
It may be difficult to respect the usual times if the flight is scheduled before 4-6 hours from the usual meal. Consider gradually changing your meal time during the preparation month to coincide with the time frame between 4 and 6 hours before your flight.
- Alternatively, you can look for a flight that allows you to feed the cat at the usual time.
- Once you have fed it before departure, you will not have to do it again until you have arrived at your destination. However, it will need to be fed, by you or the crew, if the flight is very long or involves stopovers.
- You can give him a drink up to an hour before the flight.
Step 3. Give him the medicine
If your cat is undergoing therapy, schedule the administration of medicines based on the flight time. Do not give him tranquilizers unless advised by the vet; they can prevent proper body temperature regulation, which can have serious consequences, especially if traveling in the hold. If you give him tranquilizers, give him a try first, so you can be sure of the correct dose and avoid giving him too much or too little on the day of travel. Try it out at least a couple of days before your flight so that the effects of that dose will wear off by the time you need to leave.
Step 4. Make sure the crate is tightly closed before you leave the house
An airport can be a really scary place for a cat, so make sure there's no risk of him running away. To make the crate more comfortable, make it smell familiar (for example, by spraying cat pheromones or putting inside its pillow or dress that smells like you).
- If you need to get your cat out during the checkups, keep a firm grip on him.
- Ask the security staff if it is possible to pass the checks by leaving it in the carrier.
Step 5. Try to keep it quiet
Whether traveling in the cabin or in the hold, try to establish verbal communication and not to help him calm down before the flight. For example, you could look at him through the opening of the carrier by closing and opening his eyes slowly until he does the same; this is a positive form of communication for cats. Also, you may want to talk reassuringly to him before and during the flight.
Advice
- Prepare all the documentation of your cat (passport, health book, assigned number) and keep it with you in your hand luggage.
- Traveling by plane with a cat requires a lot of preparation. The more prepared you are, the less traumatic the experience will be for both of you.
- If your cat suffers from travel sickness, the vet can prescribe specific medications.
- When you arrive at your destination, keep it in a quiet room with some water and dry food so it can settle and get used to the new environment.
- Do not put a lock on the pet carrier, in case you or the flight crew need to get the cat out quickly.
Warnings
- Animals can get injured, lost or even die in the hold of an airplane. Avoid letting your cat travel in the hold as much as possible.
- Persian cats should not travel in the hold, as they can have trouble breathing due to their facial structure.
- Don't pass your cat through the X-ray machine during security checkpoints.
