Travelling With Cat? Tips to Stay Sane
Air travel isn't easy on pets, but sometimes, a 1-2 hour plane ride (plus the much longer time spent in the airport and going to/from it) is less stressful than boarding them for over a week. Also, sometimes, you're moving, and you can't leave a family member behind!
Prepare
1. You MUST have a good cat carrier. See the link at the bottom of this Intel: I've written a detailed review of the one I use and like (after years of using a less-good one), plus I have links to many other pet carrier reviews on that page.
2. If you're going to be taking the cat on-board rather than in the hold (and on-board is sooooo much better; kitty can stay with you), you'll need to make sure the carrier fits under the seat in front of you. Don't rely on the pet carrier's description as "conforms to airline requirements" because they keep changing. Check the airline's website for dimensions, but assume when you get to the actual airplane it'll turn out to be a few inches smaller, to save yourself a nasty surprise. Soft-sided carriers work best in a pinch because they can be scrunched.
3. Some airlines have rules/restrictions about how many pets per plane. Delta's got a maximum of two. So when you make the reservation for yourself, you'll need to call and reserve a spot for your pet by phone. Don't forget the return trip! If you're trying to book online, then make sure you book a (human) ticket that can be canceled/changed for 24 hours, then call the company and verify there's a spot for your pet. I often call Delta first to find out which flights on my chosen day have pet spots available, hang up and book online (it's cheaper), then call back to make the pet reservation and confirm there's still a spot open.
4. Airlines will also charge you extra for transporting the pet.
5. Many states require a pet health certificate that was issued within 15 days of travel. You can get a health certificate by taking your pet to a vet for a physical check-up; the vet will need proof (or records) that your pet's shots are up-to-date. I think they're mainly checking for rabies; I can't remember if anything else is required. I've only been asked once by airline personnel for the certificate, but you don't want to be barred from air travel by skipping this step!
6. Travelling to another country, you'll probably have to leave the pet in quarantine for a month or two at the other end. So research those regulations.
7. I purchase a few pills from my cat's vet that are the same tranquilizer used by vets to make animals relax during teeth cleaning or claw trimming. It doesn't knock the cat out, it just makes her more mellow (a little) so she will curl up and nap once the plane takes off. I split 1 dose into two parts, half given an hour before leaving for the airport, and the other half while waiting for the plane to leave. Ask your vet whether it's appropriate for your cat's age and health.
8. Bring some kind of small bowl you can put water in. You can't bring liquids through security, but you can fill it with a water fountain or in a sink on the far side. Cats can go without food for a few days (even though they'll tell you otherwise!) but they need water sooner, and if you get stuck due to a weather or mechanical delay, kitty will need a drink!
Okay! That all sounds scary, but it's really not that bad. To review:
-- get a good pet carrier, make sure it's small enough
-- check with your airline about rules for bringing pets onboard
-- get a pet health certificate a few days before travel
Getting Your Cat Through the Airport and Onto the Plane
1. Arrive early! I hate that, but you should expect to add 15 minutes or so to deal with pet stuff
2. You'll have to check in at the counter (probably) to get a tag for your cat carrier so your pet will be allowed on the plane
3. At security, you will have to TAKE YOUR CAT OUT of the carrier and hand-carry it through the metal detector, while the carrier goes on the X-ray belt. This is the trickiest part. It's why I use the valium. My cat always just huddles close to me, but some pets might bolt! You could get one of those cat harnesses used for leash-walking so you have a handle, just to be sure.
4. Get the cat back in the carrier. Phew! Things shouldn't be too bad now.
5. Don't let the cat out of the bag! :) No, seriously, there's rules about not letting pets out of carriers in airplanes or airports EXCEPT at security. I confess, I unzip the corner of my bag and pet my cat while in the airport. She's good about staying put. Some cats might try to escape.
6. Be prepared for a slightly poopy cat on the far side. Mine's only gone once in all the years we've travelled, but the trip we take is only an hour flight.
7. Give kitty lots of love and attention as soon as you get there to make up for the scary day.
