Airline Cat Travel
AIRLINE TRAVEL WITH YOUR CAT
Cats
travel on planes every day. Although some unfortunate events may occur on rare
occasions, these can be usually avoided if some simple precautions are followed.
It is impossible to overemphasize the need to consult with the airline well in
advance of your trip. This is essential if you hope to avoid last minute
problems. Here are some basic tips for airline travel with your cat:
Determine whether the airline has requirements for “acclimation.” In the event
that you are unable to secure a direct flight, the pet carrier may be left
outside the plane for a period of time. To avoid liability on their part, some
airlines require a letter from your veterinarian stating that the pet is
acclimated to a minimum or maximum temperature. It is important to find out if
the airline requires that the acclimation temperature be given precisely, such
as 20°F (-7°C) for a defined period of time.
Consult with the airline regarding baggage liability. In some cases, this can
include your pet. If you are sending a pet, you may need to consider additional
liability insurance.
Have your cat examined by your veterinarian in advance of the trip, especially
if it has been more than a few months since the last checkup. This is especially
important for senior cats. Travel by plane can pose a risk for cats with
pre-existing medical problems, such as heart or kidney disease. Also, some
short-faced breeds of cats such as Himalayans, Persians and Exotic Shorthairs do
not travel well in certain situations.
Be sure that you have written proof of current vaccinations and a valid health
certificate. These cannot be obtained “after the fact.” You must be able to
present them on demand. Most countries now require an international health
certificate that may not be available from your veterinarian, or that may
require a signature from a government official. Some countries have specific
requirements for blood testing or antiparasitic treatment that must be performed
within a certain time interval prior to the trip. The specific requirements can
be obtained from the consulate’s office, or by searching government websites for
the country of interest. The appropriate documentation may take several days to
arrive.
You should also inquire about possible requirements to quarantine your cat
should you be traveling to a foreign country.
Take direct flights if possible, and try to avoid connections and layovers.
Sometimes, this is easier to achieve if the trip is planned during the week. The
well-being of your cat could be a source of concern if the baggage connection
between flights should be missed.
Some
airlines will allow one pet in coach and one in first class, with some
provisions. To find out whether there are limitations on the number of
animals present in the cabin, you should advise the airline if you plan
to travel with your cat in the cabin. Check on the cage dimensions and
requirements so that there won’t be a problem stowing the carrier
beneath the seat. Some airlines require that the pet be able to stand
upright in the carrier. A collapsible fabric carrier is suitable for
this situation. Be sure to check out your airline’s specific carrier
requirements prior to travel.
Consider in advance all medications that you might need for your cat.
These might include heartworm and flea preventive, or any regular
prescription medications that your cat may require. If your cat is on a
specific diet, especially a therapeutic diet, you need to ensure that it
will be available at your destination, or else take along a sufficient
supply.
You should outfit your cat with an identification tag attached to a
collar or harness. The tag should contain contact information in case
the cat escapes from its carrier. You should include a leash for secure
restraint in case the cat needs to be taken out of the carrier.
Take a supply of fresh drinking water and water bowls to provide your
cat with fresh water during layovers and waits. There are many
collapsible water and food containers available that will often fit in
your cat’s carry-on carrier.
What should I do at the time of the flight?
Do not tranquilize or sedate your cat unless you have discussed this
with your veterinarian. Cats do not tolerate some medicines well and
giving over-the-counter or prescription pharmaceuticals can be dangerous
or fatal.
Make sure that the carrier has permanent identification, including your
name, phone number, flight schedule, destination, and a phone number at
the point of destination.
Feed your cat before you leave home. Water should be available at all
times, including inside the carrier. If you have a senior cat with
marginal kidney function, it is important that it not be deprived of
water, even for a few hours. Discuss this with your veterinarian. Try to
secure a direct flight with no or minimal layovers. Your cat should have
fresh water after arrival.
What should I look for in a travel cat carrier?
The carrier should provide sufficient room for the cat to stand up and
turn around easily, but not so large that the cat can be tossed about
inside during turbulence. Remember that airlines have special
requirements for onboard carriers.
The walls of the carrier should be strong enough to prevent the sides
from being crushed. Also, the flooring of the cage should not allow
urine to leak through the bottom. An absorptive underpad designed for
bedridden people with bladder control problems can be placed in the
bottom. See your pharmacist for these.
The carrier should have good ventilation.
The carrier must have sturdy handles for baggage personnel to use.
The carrier should have a water tray which is accessible from the
outside so that water can be added, if needed.
Pet stores, breeders, and kennels usually sell carriers that meet these
requirements. Some airlines also sell carriers that they prefer to use.
Check with the airline to see if they have other requirements.
Try to familiarize your cat with the travel carrier before you leave for
your trip. Give your cat access to the carrier both with the door open
and closed. This will help eliminate some of your cat's stress during
the trip.
What arrangements should I make at the destination site?
Be sure that your hotel will allow cats. There are many internet sites
and travel guidebooks with this type of information.
Provide a litter pan and food and water bowls for the hotel room.
Place a “Do Not Disturb” sign on your hotel door so that housekeeping
will not inadvertently let the cat escape. Plan to have your room
cleaned only when you are present and your cat is secured in its
carrier.
It is probably best to leave the cat in the carrier or inside the
bathroom whenever you plan to leave the room.
Should your cat get lost, contact the local animal control officer.
Advance planning is the key to a safe trip with your pet!
