Is it safe to take your cat on a plane?
My cats are members of my family and I could never imagine leaving them behind If I had to travel abroad! However, it’s not that easy. There are a few things to consider before traveling. Especially if you plan to travel with your furry friend you should prepare in advance.
Although you can usually fly with a cat, you should still take care to respect the airline’s rules. Additionally, if you’re going abroad, you need to be aware of the rules in that country for transporting a live animal there.
In the following lines we have prepared for you a full guide for flying with your cats.
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Can I Fly With My Cat?
Of course you can! However, before you load them up and go to the airport, you’ll need to check some things first. A health certificate is necessary for domestic travel. This will certify that your kitty is at least 8 weeks old and fully vaccinated.
You can travel with your cat but make sure that your kitty is ok with that. First of all you have to be sure that your kitty cat doesn’t mind being in a travel bag. However, a pet sitter is the best choice for most cats. If you notice any signs of anxiety it would be better to leave your cat home with a friend, or pet sitter.
Booking The Flight For My Cat
All airlines allow felines to travel in the cabin, but there might be restrictions. For example some airlines may impose restrictions on the number of pets that may fly in the cabin, or maybe pets are not allowed in specific flights. So, call the airlines in advance to make sure that there won’t be any issues at check-in.
You must ensure that your luggage complies with the requirements because each airline has different weight and size restrictions for pet carriers. Most part of the flight your cat will be in the carrier, so he must feel comfortable in it.
It’s better to book non-stop flights to cut down on overall travel time and, consequently, stress for your cat. You should also be aware that your pet counts as a carry-on, necessitating the checking of an additional bag to hold your things.
Tips For A Perfect Flight With Your Cat
Don’t Give Your Cat Breakfast On The Day Of Travel
Try not to feed your cat the morning of the flight. It might seems brutal for your furry friend but some cats may feel nausea and vomiting. Of course, you still need to make sure they’re hydrated!
Make The Cat Carrier Comfortable
Your kitty will sped most of the time in the carrier. For that it’s essential to make it as cozy as possible. To achieve that you have to take with you some toys or a blanket to make your cat feel like he’s at home.
It would be good if your cat was familiar with the carrier. Consider purchasing your carrier a few days before your so that your cat gets familiar with it. Leave the carrier to a place that your cat has access to explore or maybe nap inside it. It would also be a good idea to take your cat on walks in the carrier and eventually short drives.
Ask Your Vet
Although the majority of cats don’t require medication, it might be wise if your cat has extreme anxiety. Your vet, who knows your cat’s history could provide information about any meditation needed for your journey.
Conclusion
So now you know how to fly with a cat! Contact your vet and the airlines and make sure that everything is ok for your kitty to travel.
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