How to Travel By Air With Your Cat

You're traveling for the holidays and don't want to leave Fluffy behind. That's great, but if you're flying home there are some things you need to do to ensure Fluffy gets there feeling fine.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Soft-sided animal carrier
• Small dish
• Liners, available in any pet store
• Small pet blanket
• Leash and halter

1. Let the airline know you're going to take your pet with you into the cabin when you book your tickets. They'll ask some questions and likely charge you extra, but don't put your cat in as checked baggage. Ever.

2. Put your cat into his halter. You'll want to have easy access to the clip so you can put the leash on him when you have to take him out of the carrier (at security check points, for example).

3. Line the carrier with the disposable "housebreaking" liners they sell in pet stores. Put the pet blanket on top.

4. Put your cat into the carrier. Leave her in there unless absolutely necessary. You don't want to risk her getting loose in the airport or on the airplane.

5. Get some water once you're on board the plane. Put it into the small container and place that in the carrier. Not too much water, just enough for your cat to get a drink. Airplanes are a dry environment, so check the water level often.

6. Slide the carrier under the seat in front of you, where you'd normally stow your small bags (hence the soft-sided carrier). Your cat will fly being able to smell, see and hear you, and as long as you keep her water fresh, you can go great distances with her.

Tips & Warnings

• Always talk to your vet before traveling with your pet. They'll have additional advice based on your particular pet.
• Have a tag made for the collar with your name and contact information such as a phone number or an email. (You should have this anyway, but especially when traveling.)
• Be sure to buy a harness with a top ring to attach a leash too. (See the warnings.)
• Pack some moist towelettes to clean your cat with when you get to where you're going. They sell these in any pet store.
• If you take the cat out of the carrier, for any reason, always snap the leash onto the harness before taking your cat out and have the leash looped over your wrist. Having a harness with a top ring for attaching the leash will make this much, much easier.
• Always plan for the unexpected. Carry pet food with you just in case you get stuck in an airport or experience an unexpected layover.