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Cats can get stressed when travelling through an airport and flying. To keep your cat calm at the airport, it is important to prepare in advance. This includes getting your cat used to its carrier, bringing extra supplies, and using natural or prescription remedies. You should also arrive at the airport early, and consider using a luggage cart to wheel your cat through the airport, rather than carrying the carrier.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Human behaviour | Keep calm, as cats can smell your emotional state |
| Carrier type | Use a soft carrier with mesh sides for ventilation, or a rolling carrier |
| Carrier familiarity | Get your cat used to the carrier before travelling |
| Carrier comfort | Line the carrier with cosy blankets and newspaper |
| Carrier safety | Use a secure harness with a leash attached to the D-ring |
| Carrier elevation | Keep the carrier elevated to reduce your cat's fear of seeing airport activity |
| Cat treats | Encourage your cat to spend time in the carrier with treats |
| Cat toys | Place your cat's favourite toy in the carrier |
| Natural remedies | Try pheromones, herbal medicines, or cat calming spray |
| Prescription remedies | Consult your vet about prescription sedatives |
| Travel litter tray | Bring a disposable litter box and offer regular toilet breaks |
| Water | Bring bottled water to reduce the risk of an upset stomach |
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What You'll Learn
Use calming sprays, herbal medicines, or prescription sedatives
Calming sprays, herbal medicines, and prescription sedatives can help keep your cat calm at the airport. Calming sprays, such as Feliway, release cat pheromones that signal to your cat that an area is safe. This can help reduce your cat's anxiety during travel.
Herbal medicines, such as Rescue Remedy, which combines five different flower essences, have been used successfully by many cat owners. However, it is important to consult your veterinarian before administering any herbal medicines to ensure they are safe for your cat.
Prescription sedatives can also be effective in reducing your cat's anxiety during travel. Common sedatives include drugs like Gabapentin and Trazodone, which can make your cat less aggressive, less stressed, and more compliant. It is important to discuss the use of sedatives with your veterinarian to ensure they are safe for your cat and to determine the correct dosage.
Additionally, there are other natural calming aids and supplements that can help keep your cat calm at the airport. Solliquin, for example, is a calming supplement that promotes relaxation. HomeoPet Anxiety Relief is another option that provides anxiety relief through homeopathic ingredients.
It is always a good idea to consult your veterinarian before giving your cat any new medication or supplement to ensure their safety and effectiveness for your cat's specific needs.
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Get your cat used to the carrier
Cats can get stressed and anxious when travelling to the airport and during the flight. To help your cat stay calm, it is important to get them used to their carrier.
Firstly, ensure you have the right carrier. Your cat should be able to stand up, stretch, and turn around easily in the carrier. A hard carrier can help to protect your cat, and choosing a carrier with minimal windows and handles on the sides (rather than the top) can help to reduce motion sickness. Line the carrier with cosy blankets and newspaper. Place the carrier in a warm area of your home that your cat associates with safety, and leave the doors open so that your cat can explore the carrier in their own time. You can encourage your cat to spend time in the carrier by placing their favourite toy and treats inside.
Once your cat is comfortable with the carrier, you can start to familiarise them with being carried in it. Place your cat in the carrier for progressively longer periods of time, rewarding them with treats each time. You can then start taking your cat on short trips in the car, or even just for a drive around the neighbourhood. This will help to get your cat used to the motion of travelling and reduce their anxiety.
It is also important to prepare your cat for the airport security process. You will need to take your cat out of the carrier and hold them while you walk through the screening. Practise this at home by making a game out of putting your cat in and taking them out of the carrier, using upbeat talk and plenty of treats to condition them to this experience. Your cat should wear a secure harness with a leash attached to the D-ring, so that you can keep a firm hold on them when you remove them from the carrier at security.
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Bring extra supplies, including a litter box
Cats can get very anxious when travelling through an airport and boarding a plane. It is important to be prepared and bring extra supplies to help your cat remain calm throughout the journey. One of the most important items to bring is a litter box. Cats can comfortably go without water for 8 hours and food for 10, so it is unlikely that your cat will need to eat or drink at the airport or on the plane. However, they may need to relieve themselves.
A portable, foldable litter box can be extremely useful when travelling with a cat. You can find a family restroom or pet relief area at the airport to give your cat the opportunity to do their business in privacy. If your cat is not comfortable using a litter box in a strange, cold place, they may hold it. In this case, bringing litter from their home litter box may help, as the familiar scent may encourage them to use the box.
In addition to a litter box, there are other supplies that can help keep your cat calm at the airport. It is important to bring a comfortable carrier for your cat, and to get them used to it before travelling. A soft-sided carrier is a good option, as it can be more easily fit under an airline seat. You can also try to create positive associations with the carrier by feeding your cat treats inside it. Practising entry and exit from the carrier can also help to reduce stress during security screening. It is also a good idea to bring a health certificate and vaccination records for your cat, as these may be required by the airline.
Bringing natural or prescription calming remedies can also help to keep your cat calm at the airport. Herbal medicines, such as flower essences or dried herbs, have been used successfully by some cat owners. You can also ask your veterinarian for advice on natural products or prescription sedatives. It is important to try out any new products a few days before your trip to check for side effects.
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Keep your cat in the carrier at the airport
Keeping your cat in its carrier at the airport is essential for its safety and your peace of mind. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:
Before arriving at the airport:
Start by choosing the right carrier for your cat. Opt for a soft-sided carrier with mesh ventilation, which can be easily transported with a shoulder strap or as a rolling carrier. Get your cat accustomed to the carrier by giving it at least three to four weeks to get used to it. Practise putting your cat in and taking it out of the carrier, using treats and upbeat talk to create a positive association. Additionally, introduce your cat to wearing a harness and leash, which will be useful for restraining your cat when you take it out of the carrier at airport security.
At the airport:
Arrive early and request a private screening room for your cat at security. This will reduce the risk of your cat escaping in a busy public area. Keep your cat in the carrier until you reach the private screening room, and use the harness and leash to restrain your cat when you take it out of the carrier. After your cat has been screened, return it to the carrier and keep it elevated to reduce its fear of airport activity. Consider using a luggage cart or a lightweight collapsible pet stroller to place the carrier on, which will minimise rocking and swaying as you move through the airport.
During the flight:
Your cat should remain in its carrier for the duration of the flight, any layovers, and the travel to and from the airport. Resist the temptation to take your cat out during the flight, as carriers can be a safe haven for them. Keep the carrier elevated and in a row with calm passengers if possible.
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Book with an airline that accommodates cats
When it comes to air travel with cats, different airlines have different policies and prices. Therefore, it is important to do your research and book with an airline that accommodates cats to ensure a smooth journey for both you and your feline friend.
Firstly, it is worth noting that some airlines may have specific requirements for the kennel or carrier in which your cat will be travelling. For example, American Airlines requires the kennel to be large enough for your cat to stand, turn, sit and lie down naturally, without touching the sides or top. There may also be maximum weight and size restrictions, so it is important to check these details before booking.
Additionally, some airlines may have temperature restrictions to protect pets from extreme heat or cold. For instance, American Airlines does not allow pets to travel if the current or forecasted temperature is above 85°F (29.4°C) or below 45°F (7.2°C) at any location on the itinerary. Similarly, there may be restrictions on travelling with pets to or from specific locations, such as Phoenix (PHX), Tucson (TUS), Las Vegas (LAS), or Palm Springs (PSP) between May 1st and September 30th.
Furthermore, it is important to be aware of any documentation requirements. For instance, Air Canada requires your cat to weigh no more than 17.6 pounds (including the carrier), and you must arrive at the airport early enough to complete the necessary paperwork. On the other hand, Southwest does not require any documentation for domestic travel.
By choosing an airline that accommodates cats and carefully reviewing their specific policies and requirements, you can help ensure a calm and comfortable journey for both you and your cat.
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Frequently asked questions
It is important to prepare your cat for the trip to the airport. You can do this by leaving the carrier out for your cat to explore and get comfortable with. You can also take your cat on short trips in the car to get them used to travelling. On the day of travel, arrive at the airport early to keep travel as calm as possible. During security, your cat will need to be removed from the carrier and held while you walk through the screening, so it is a good idea to practice this at home.
It is recommended that you do not take your cat out of its carrier during the flight. Cats may view their carriers as safe havens. You can try natural calming aids like pheromones or prescription sedatives, but it is important to consult your veterinarian before the flight.
It is important to always check with your airline in advance as they may have specific carrier type and size requirements. Make sure your cat is wearing ID the entire time they are travelling. Bring extra supplies, such as a leash, training pads, a dish, water, and extra food.
Choose a carrier that your cat can stand up in, stretch, and turn around easily. Using a hard carrier can help to protect your pet and choosing a carrier with minimal windows and handles on the sides can help to reduce motion sickness. Line the carrier with cosy blankets and newspaper, and bring a litter tray for longer trips.
