Flying with Cats: The Ultimate Guide for Pet Parents

Are you considering flying with your cat? The very idea can conjure up images of stressed-out cats, chaotic airports, and frazzled cat parents.

I know, because I was right there with those anxieties before my first flight with a kitty passenger.

However, just a few months ago, I boarded a flight from my home in Ontario, Canada to Colorado with my sweet girl Pippen.

Sometimes adventure calls!

In this blog post, I’m sharing everything I learned about flying with cats, from pre-flight preparations to post-arrival care, and everything in between.

This includes carrier selection, pre-flight vet appointments, airport restrictions and procedures, and tips for minimizing stress for your best friend.

Plus, I’ll be sharing my personal experiences with Pippen from our recent flight, including what worked well, what I would do differently next time, and any lessons I learned along the way.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first-time flyer with your cat, there will be something here to make your next trip more enjoyable for everyone.

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Pre-Flight Preparations: Setting Your Cat Up for Success

The steps necessary for a smooth and stress-free flight with your cat start long before boarding the plane with your pre-flight preparations.

It’s not just about packing a bag; it’s about ensuring your cat’s comfort and safety every step of the way.

This preparation begins well before the day of travel with the following considerations:

Veterinary Checkup

A visit to your veterinarian is the first step before any travel.

During this pre-flight check-up, your vet will assess your cat to ensure they are healthy enough for travel.

It’s also the perfect time to discuss any concerns you have about potential travel anxiety.

Your vet can offer advice on how to keep your cat calm and may even prescribe medication to help calm them during the flight.

Be sure to ask about required vaccinations and any specific health-related documentation required by your destination (including the documentation necessary to return home).

For example, travelling to the United States from Canada, we carried:

• A copy of Pippen’s vaccination records showing she was up to date on her rabies vaccine
• A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) form completed and signed by our veterinarian less than 30 days before our flight

These certificates often need to be issued within a certain timeframe before travel, like our CVI, so planning ahead is key!

Choosing the Right Carrier

One of the most important choices you are going to make for your cat’s comfort is choosing the right carrier.

When looking at the available options, you’ll find two main types: hard-sided and soft-sided.

Hard-sided carriers offer more protection, especially for cargo travel (although I don’t advocate for flying with your cat in cargo when the safer option to fly in-cabin exists).

Soft-sided carriers are often more flexible and easier to fit under the seat, as required.

Always check the airline’s specific rules in terms of carrier size and ventilation requirements, as they vary from airline to airline.

Most importantly, always prioritize your cat’s comfort and their personal preferences!

Line the carrier with soft bedding, like your cat’s favourite blanket that carriers their scent. Include a few familiar toys to make the carrier feel like it’s truly “their space.”

Personally, I prefer the Sherpa line of carriers with the Guaranteed On-Board program as it offers an extra layer of security for my pets and I.

We use the Sherpa 2-in-1 Backpack for Pippen’s travel, for all forms of travel because it ensures she has a familiar space, from a soft-sided airline carrier to an adventure backpack for hiking.

Introduce the Carrier Well in Advance

Don’t just spring the carrier on your cat the day of their flight. Instead, you want to introduce it gradually while pairing it with positive reinforcement.

Start by leaving the carrier open at home in a familiar room, like the living room, and allow your cat to explore it at their own pace.

You can place a favourite treat or toy inside the carrier to entice them to explore if they are hesitant.

Use positive reinforcement techniques (like those you often hear associated with dog training). Whenever your cat goes near or inside the carrier, offer treats, praise, and/or playtime.

The goal is to make the carrier a positive experience, not a scary unknown.

Avoid closing the carrier door until your cat is comfortable hanging out inside.

When you first close the door, only leave it closed briefly before opening it again. Slowly extend the time your car is inside.

After you have conditioned your cat to be comfortable being contained in their carrier, you can introduce movement by taking the carrier for a short walk or a car ride.

It’s a process and won’t be completed overnight, BUT working slowly through these steps will help reduce stress during your travels.

Pack All the Essentials

Just like you pack for yourself, you cat has their own travel essentials. You don’t want to get caught at the airport without something important!

Here are a few things Pippen and I won’t travel without:

• Food: Always pack enough food for the journey and the first few days after you arrive in case your luggage is lost. Don’t forget travel-friendly bowls for food and water.
• Litter box and litter: We pack a travel litter box that easily tucks into our carry-on luggage and lightweight recycled paper litter.  If this litter is new to your cat, introduced it at home first. Bring puppy poop bags to make cleaning the box easier.
• Medications: If your cat takes regular medication, bring it along with documentation from your vet.
• Comfort Items: A familiar blanket or favourite toy with your cat’s scent on it can help your cat relax and ease any travel anxiety.
• Travel Documentation: As we mentioned, you will need to provide necessary documentation for your cat to be allowed to board. I prefer travelling with a passport wallet to hold everything securely in one place.

The Day of Travel: Navigating the Airport and Your Flight

After all your careful planning and preparation, the big day has arrived.

Here’ s a breakdown of what to expect during your travels, from pre-airport routines to navigating the airport and the flight itself:

Pre-Airport Routine

Your trip starts from the moment you wake up at home. Before heading to the airport, there are a few steps to take to prepare your cat for what’s to come:

• Feeding: You can offer your cat a light meal a few hours before their flight but avoid feeding too close to takeoff. A full stomach can contribute to motion sickness. If you have a long travel day, you can offer small snacks throughout the day.
• Bathroom break: Make sure your cat has a chance to use the litter box before you leave for the airport. While you have a litter box with you, your home bathroom setup is always easier and more comfortable.
• Medication or Supplements: If your cat takes any medications, give them as directed by your vet. If you’re using a calming supplement, check the directions to properly time when to give them.
• Set up the Carrier: I recommend lining the bottom of your cat’s carrier with puppy pee pads and then placing their blanket on top. This will make clean up easier if your cat has an accident or gets sick during travel.

Airport Procedures

Navigating the airport can be an “experience” solo, let alone with a pet. Let’s talk about what to expect from the moment you arrive until you reach your gate.

During check-in, let the airline know that you are travelling with a pet, even if it is already noted on your ticket.

They will likely ask you questions about the carrier and confirm you have all the necessary documentation.

If they feel the weight or size of your cat and carrier are questionable, they may verify this. However, Pippen wasn’t weighed on our trip (although she is tiny).

When you arrive at the security checkpoint, be prepared to remove your cat from the carrier.

I recommend having your cat secured in their harness and your leash easily accessible before arrival to make this process easier and safer.

You’ll typically carry your cat through the scanner while their carrier passes through the x-ray machine.

Some airlines will use a handheld scanner instead, depending on their procedures.

Pippen is super social and one of the TSA agents offered to hold her while I was preparing the bag for the x-ray machine (she was purring the whole time). But you know your cat best, so don’t hesitate to say no if you are concerned they will be uncomfortable.

Keep talking to your cat calmly through this process as it can be stressful and over-stimulating.

As you move from security to your gate, keep your cat in their carrier. I did open the carrier enough to reach in and pet Pippen as we waited to board.

During this waiting stage, you can offer treats but avoid feeding too many.

During the Flight

Once you board, it’s time to settle in for the flight. Your cat will need to stay in the carrier for the duration of the flight unless you are told otherwise.

When you reach your seat, carefully stow your cat’s carrier under the seat in front of you. If the carrier ventilation varies from side to side, ensure it’s placed in a way that allows for adequate airflow.

Continue to speak to your cat calmly as everyone else boards. You may also offer treats if you feel that will help calm them (in moderation).

A familiar toy or blanket inside the carrier can help your cat relax throughout the flight.

Be prepared for potential in-flight issues like anxiety or motion sickness, especially if this is your cat’s first flight.

Try stroking their head gently through the carrier mesh.

Thankfully, Pippen doesn’t have any issues with motion sickness or stress. She slept from the moment we boarded until the plane touched down.

Connecting Flights and Layovers

A little extra planning is essential if your trip involves connecting flights or layovers. After all, this can turn an otherwise quick flight into a full day of travel.

During layovers, find a quiet area where your cat can relax in their carrier. Avoid overly crowded or noisy areas.

Some airports have designated pet relief areas. These can be helpful during longer layovers if your pet needs to do their business.

Check the airport maps or ask airport staff for directions.

However, keep in mind that your cat may not feel comfortable using these areas while stressed, especially with all the other pet-related smells.

During longer layovers, you can offer your cat a small snack and some fresh water to tide them over until you arrive.

Settling in at Your Destination

You’ve arrived at your destination – Congratulations! But the journey isn’t quite over yet. Now it’s time to help your cat adjust and settle into their new surroundings.

Creating a Safe Space

Whether you’re staying at a hotel, Airbnb, or visiting friends, the first step upon arrival is to create e a safe space for your cat.

This could be a room or a corner where they can calm down and feel secure.

During our trip to Colorado, we spent a week at a hotel. I had Pippen set up in the bathroom for the first few hours to help her adjust.

Make sure the space you choose is free from loud noises and excessive activity. If you are travelling with others, encourage them to keep their voices calm and avoid too much excitement.

Unpack your cat’s essentials in their safe space, including their food and water bowls, litter box, and any comfort items.

Leave the carrier in the space with the door open, so they can choose to retreat into it if that makes them feel safer.

I set up a portable pheromone diffuser in the hotel to help create a stress-free environment.

Don’t force interaction with your cat during this adjustment period. Instead, let them explore at their own pace.

They may be shy and timid or more clingy than usual, and that’s perfectly normal.

For example, when I let Pippen out of the bathroom to explore the rest of the hotel room, she wanted to by right by my side the whole time.

Keep an Eye on Your Cat’s Health

After a flight, keeping a close eye on your cat’s health and well-being is essential.

Watch for any signs of stress, such as excessive meowing or vocalizing, hiding, refusing to eat, or refusing to use their litter box.

Also, be alert to any signs of illness, like coughing, sneezing, vomiting, or lethargy.

If you notice anything concerning, don’t hesitate to contact a veterinarian. You could call your home veterinarian or contact a local clinic.

It’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially in a new location where you likely aren’t familiar with the local veterinarians, clinics, and other pet-related resources.

Additional Tips for Flying with Cats

Beyond the essential steps before, during, and after your flight, there are a few extra tips and considerations that I have learned can contribute to a smoother and less stressful travel experience.

Familiarize Yourself with Airline Regulations

Before you even think about packing a suitcase, take some time to familiarize yourself with the specific pet policies of the airline you’re flying.

Airline regulations can vary significantly, so don’t assume that what worked from a previous trip will apply to this one.

If you find the pet policy is unclear on the airline website, contact them directly for clarification.

This includes everything from carrier size and type restrictions to specific health certificate requirements.

You don’t want to arrive at the airline only to be told you can’t board.

Choose Your Flight Strategically

When booking your next flight with your cat, try to book your flight during less busy travel times. This can mean fewer crowds and less stress.

We took the first flight out of Toronto Pearson airport when heading to Colorado, knowing how easy that airport can get.

If possible, book a direct flight to prevent extended layovers or added stress.

Label Your Cat’s Carrier

Clearly label your cat’s carrier with your name, contact information, your destination address, your cat’s name, and an emergency contact – even if you’re travelling with your cat in-cabin.

While there shouldn’t be a reason for you and your cat to be separated, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

In the event of an emergency, you want to ensure your cat makes it back to you safely.

Double-Check Your Cat’s ID

Speaking of emergencies and making sure your cat gets back to you, make sure that your cat is wearing up-to-date identification.

If you’re concerned about a hang tag getting caught in your cat’s carrier during travel, consider using a slide on tag or writing the information directly on your cat’s collar.

Always Pack a Toy (or Two)

Even if your cat isn’t usually a big toy lover, consider placing a small toy in their carrier anyway.

In the days leading up to your travels, place the toy in your cat’s bed so that it picks up their scent. You may also want to snuggle it one night yourself to transfer your own scent.

When that toy is placed in the carrier, the familiar scent can be incredibly comforting.

If you have a cat who is high-energy, a small toy they can play with while in the confines of their carrier can give them a positive outlet for their energy (instead of crying or chewing at the carrier).

Pippen was playing with a small catnip toy the whole time we were waiting at the gate.

Pack Sample Packs

If you’re crossing the border (like we did), there are further restrictions to consider when it comes to carrying your pet’s food.

One easy way to keep the weight down while avoiding any problems is to bring sample packages.

Some food brands will sell these sample-size servings, but not all. If you can’t buy a sample bag, try asking your local pet store.

Pouches of wet food are also more convenient for travel than cans.

Harness Train Your Cat in Advance

In addition to introducing your cat to their carrier, consider taking the time to go through harness and leash training before your travels.

A harness is a great way to keep your cat secure while going though the TSA check.

However, if your cat has never worn a harness before, just throwing it on can add to an already stressful experience. Condition your cat using positive reinforcement like you did the carrier.

If you have an adventure cat, like Pippen, you’re golden!

Make Your Next Flight an Enjoyable One

Flying with cats can be daunting, but with a little careful planning and preparation, you can set everybody up for success.

From choosing the right carrier and acclimating Pippen to it beforehand to navigating the airport and creating a safe space at our destination, every step played a crucial role in ensuring her comfort and safety.

This guide is meant to be a starting point for your own travel adventures with your cat.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian if you have any questions and always check with your chosen airline for their specific pet policies before flying.

The key takeaway is to prioritize your cat’s comfort and safety about all else.

Remember, every cat is unique, so what works for one may not work for another. Pay close attention to your cat’s cues and adjust your approach accordingly.

Travelling with your cat can be an incredibly rewarding experience. While there will undoubtedly be some bumps along the road, the bond you share with your cat and the joy of exploring new places together make it all worthwhile!