Roberta Aguirre
Cats can experience tremendous stress when subjected to air travel. The noise and movement of a plane, as well as the busy airport environment, can cause distress. To reduce noise for cats at airports, it is important to prepare in advance and make cats as comfortable as possible. This includes acclimatizing cats to loud noises, using calming products such as pheromone sprays and collars, and providing familiar items such as blankets or toys to reduce anxiety. Additionally, consulting a veterinarian for advice and obtaining the necessary health certificates is crucial.
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What You'll Learn
- Acclimatise your cat to loud noises by taking them to the airport beforehand
- Use a Thundershirt or swaddle your cat in a blanket to reduce anxiety
- Use calming products like Feliway pheromone wipes, sprays, or collars
- Consult your veterinarian for medication to reduce anxiety
- Keep your cat entertained with treats and toys
Acclimatise your cat to loud noises by taking them to the airport beforehand
Cats can experience tremendous stress when subjected to air travel. The noise and movement of a plane, as well as the airport environment, may cause distress. Acclimatizing your cat to loud noises before you travel can significantly improve their experience. Here are some steps to achieve this:
Firstly, get your cat accustomed to car rides. Once your cat is comfortable with car travel, take them to the airport and sit outside with them in their carrier. The loud noises and commotion may be frightening for your cat, so it will likely take several visits for them to adjust. You can gradually move closer to the airport building, towards the flight check-in area, rewarding your cat with treats for good behaviour.
Allow a few weeks for your cat to get used to airport noises. If your cat is extremely fearful, consider providing familiar bedding to muffle the external sounds. You can also try using a Thundershirt® to swaddle your cat, which can reduce anxiety. Feliway® pheromone wipes and sprays can be used in the carrier to help lower anxiety, as can a pheromone calming collar.
Remember, the more comfortable your cat is, the less likely they are to meow. So, take the time to acclimatize your cat to the airport environment and loud noises before your trip. This will help ensure a calm and stress-free journey for both you and your feline friend.
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Use a Thundershirt or swaddle your cat in a blanket to reduce anxiety
Airports and airplanes can be stressful for cats due to the noise, activity, and confinement in a small space. One way to reduce anxiety in cats at airports is to use a Thundershirt or swaddle them in a blanket.
The Thundershirt is a vest that applies gentle, constant pressure, similar to swaddling an infant. It is designed to reduce anxiety in cats and is sold specifically for this purpose. It is easy to use and does not require any training. The manufacturer claims that it is over 80% effective and is veterinarian-recommended. It is made of attractive, durable, and machine-washable fabric and is available in different sizes and colours. The Thundershirt for Cats is priced at $39.99.
Some cat owners have expressed concerns that the Thundershirt may be too tight or restrictive for their cats. However, others have found that their cats adjust to wearing it over time. It is important to ensure that the Thundershirt fits properly and is not too small for your cat.
Swaddling your cat in a blanket with their own scent or a towel can also help reduce anxiety. This can be done in combination with using a pheromone spray such as Feliway to further decrease stress. A harness and leash can also be used to prevent your cat from escaping if they become startled by loud noises or other stimuli at the airport.
In addition to using a Thundershirt or swaddling, there are other ways to reduce anxiety and create a positive travel experience for your cat. It is important to acquire a suitable travel carrier and familiarise your cat with it before the trip. You can feed your cat in the carrier and leave it open and accessible to create a positive association. Practising entry and exit from the carrier will also help during security screening, as you will need to carry your cat through the scanner while sending the carrier through the X-ray machine.
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Use calming products like Feliway pheromone wipes, sprays, or collars
Airports and airplanes can be stressful environments for cats due to the noise, activity, and confinement in small spaces. To help reduce your cat's anxiety in these situations, you can use calming products like Feliway pheromone wipes, sprays, or collars. Here are some detailed instructions on how to use these products effectively:
Feliway Pheromone Wipes and Sprays
Feliway is a well-known and reputable brand that offers a range of pheromone-based calming products for cats. Their wipes and sprays contain feline facial pheromones that mimic the natural messages cats release when they feel comfortable and happy. These "happy messages" help cats feel safe and secure when travelling or in stressful environments.
To use Feliway wipes or sprays, follow these steps:
- Before your trip to the airport, purchase Feliway Classic Spray or Wipes.
- Approximately 15 minutes before your cat enters their carrier, spray or wipe the product inside the carrier. This will help your cat associate the carrier with feelings of comfort and security.
- You can also spray or wipe Feliway on a towel or blanket that you bring with you to the airport. This can provide a familiar and calming presence for your cat during the trip.
- Always follow the directions on the Feliway package to ensure safe and effective use.
Feliway Pheromone Collars
Another option to help calm your cat at the airport is to use a pheromone-releasing collar. These collars are designed to release calming pheromones that can help reduce your cat's anxiety. Here's how to use a Feliway pheromone collar:
- Purchase a Feliway calming collar in advance of your trip.
- Before your travel day, allow your cat to get used to wearing the collar. This will help ensure they are comfortable with it when you arrive at the airport.
- On the day of your flight, ensure the collar is securely fastened and fits your cat comfortably.
- The pheromones in the collar will provide continuous calming messages to your cat throughout their time at the airport and during the flight.
It is important to note that while Feliway products can be very helpful in reducing your cat's stress levels, they may be more effective in enclosed spaces rather than large, open areas like airports. Combining the use of Feliway products with other strategies, such as acclimating your cat to their carrier and harness before the trip, can further enhance your cat's comfort and reduce noise-induced anxiety at the airport.
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Consult your veterinarian for medication to reduce anxiety
Cats can experience anxiety, and it may be difficult for you to tell when your cat is anxious. Signs of anxiety in cats can be as subtle as a change in posture or as drastic as urinating on the carpet. If you think your cat is anxious, pay attention to their behaviour so that you can describe it to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can then determine if your cat could benefit from anxiety medication.
Your veterinarian will recommend the best medication for your cat based on their symptoms and triggers. For example, if your cat's anxiety is caused by specific triggers, such as loud noises, benzodiazepines may be prescribed. Oxazepam may be particularly effective for noise-related anxiety, such as thunderstorms or fireworks. It is important to note that these medications can take one to two hours to kick in and may cause side effects such as increased hunger and balance issues.
Gabapentin is another medication that can help cats with situational anxiety. It is most helpful when a cat's anxiety is related to car travel, vet visits, or loud noises. It is important to give gabapentin to your cat two to three hours before a stressful event. Side effects may include sedation, balance issues, and lack of energy, and these typically wear off after eight to twelve hours.
Antidepressants may be a good option if your cat has anxiety without any specific triggers. These medications take a few weeks to work but provide longer-term relief than benzodiazepines or gabapentin. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a type of antidepressant that raises serotonin levels in the brain, helping to decrease anxiety and impulsive behaviour. It is important to note that SSRIs can rarely cause seizures in cats, so you should contact your veterinarian immediately if this occurs.
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Keep your cat entertained with treats and toys
Cats can experience tremendous stress when subjected to air travel. The noise and movement of a plane may cause distress, and the large open spaces of an airport can be overwhelming. To reduce your cat's anxiety, you can try to keep them entertained with treats and toys. Here are some tips to achieve this:
Firstly, it is important to prepare your cat for the unique challenges of air travel. In the days leading up to your trip, leave the carrier out and accessible, creating a positive association by feeding your cat inside it. You can also place a toy or two inside to encourage your cat to explore and feel comfortable in their carrier. During the flight, a familiar toy can provide a sense of comfort and help keep your cat entertained.
Treat-based puzzles are an excellent way to keep your cat mentally stimulated and engaged. These puzzles require your cat to figure out how to access the treats inside, providing both a physical and mental challenge. You can purchase treat-dispensing toys or get creative by making your own. For example, stuff treats inside cardboard boxes with small holes for your cat to bat at and explore. Just remember to factor these treats into your cat's daily diet to avoid overfeeding.
Interactive electronic toys can also provide physical and mental exercise for your cat. These toys have moving parts that stimulate your cat's predatory drive and keep them engaged. Some even have automatic on and off settings, providing unexpected play sessions throughout the day. If your cat enjoys chasing laser dots, an automatic laser toy can be a fun option.
In addition to toys, you can use treats to create enriching experiences for your cat. For example, try playing a game of hide-and-seek by hiding small treats around your home for your cat to discover. This taps into their natural curiosity and provides a rewarding and interactive experience. Just be sure to adjust the difficulty based on your cat's preferences and abilities.
By incorporating treats and toys into your travel preparations and your cat's time at the airport, you can help reduce their stress levels and provide some entertainment during the journey. Remember to observe your cat's reactions and adjust your approach as needed.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to reduce noise from your cat at the airport:
- Get your cat accustomed to the carrier.
- Use a calming aid such as a Thundershirt or Feliway pheromone spray.
- Consult your veterinarian for medication to reduce anxiety.
- Acclimate your cat to loud noises by taking it to the airport beforehand.
- Bring familiar bedding to muffle external noises.
To prevent your cat from meowing on the plane, you can try the following:
- Tire your cat out before the flight by playing with toys.
- Keep your cat entertained with treats or toys during the flight.
- Use a calming aid such as a Thundershirt or Feliway pheromone spray.
- Consult your veterinarian for medication to reduce anxiety.
- Speak to your cat in a calm, soft voice.
If your cat has an accident in its carrier, clean it up as soon as possible. The smell may cause your cat to become anxious and make noises. Consider using a litter box inside the carrier for easy cleanup.
During takeoff and landing, your cat must remain in its carrier under the seat in front of you. To reduce noise during these times, you can try speaking to your cat in a calm, soft voice.
If your cat is being disruptive on the plane, you may be refused entry onto connecting flights or asked to leave the plane before takeoff. To avoid this, try to keep your cat calm and comfortable throughout the flight.
