Can you bring cats on a plane?

Pets can be a fun way to travel but can also make your journey pretty scary or stressful if you do not maintain caution while taking them out. If you have a feline and wish to take it along during air travel, you may surely wish to know if you can bring cats on a plane. The answer is, yes, you can! But as with any area of travel, there are rules and guidelines to follow. Thus, in this article, we will provide you with the information you need to know about flying with your cat, from the airlines’ policies to the methods to calm the cat down. Your travel time with your cat will surely be trouble-free with the expert tips! So, let’s explore!

Airline Pet Policies

Overview of General Airline Policies for Bringing Pets:

• Most airline companies allow pets such as cats to travel in the cabin or checked baggage, but they might have variable specific policies.
• In general, small cats travel in the cabin, but depending on the definition of larger pets, they are sent to the cargo hold of the airplane if required by the airline’s rules.
• All pets must be in the right travel carrier that fits the airline’s size and safety standards, which generally includes the requirement of a certain type of carrier to be fitted under the seat in front of you.

Importance of Checking Specific Airline Rules Before Booking:

• Different airlines have different pet travel rules, often including a size limitation, a special carrier, and sometimes an added fee.
• The airline’s pet policy is critical in that a person can get a rude surprise upon arrival at the airport if some airlines restrict the number of pets to be carried in the passenger cabin per flight.
• By knowing these regulations beforehand, you can be sure that you and your cat will have a trouble-free journey, especially when asking yourself Can you bring cats on a plane?  

Key Differences Between Airlines’ Pet Policies

• Cabin vs. Cargo: Pets may be allowed on board the airplane by some airlines and they may require the larger pets to be either transported in the hold or brought in the cabin by the owner.
• Fees: Pets may be charged differently for travel by different airlines. Airlines charge either by the length of the flight or the same fee can be paid all through the flight.
• Documentation Requirements: Particular carriers may necessitate a health certificate and a record of immunization or other essential documents, while others may adopt a substantially less restrictive position.

How to fly with a cat internationally?  

Flying with your cat internationally involves meticulous preparation and compliance with pertinent regulations. This guide is designed to help you and your furry buddy organize a hassle-free trip:

Research the Destination’s Pet Entry Requirements:

• To learn how to fly with a cat internationally, you need to know the rules of your airline and the regulations related to pet importation in your destination country.
• One of the biggest differences is that different nations have various conditions for the incorporation of pets, such as the quarantine period, health certificates, and vaccination papers (specifically for rabies).
• There is a possibility that some countries will ask for a pet passport or an import permit, which is why, it’s recommended that you know the entry procedures well in advance.

Visit the Vet for Necessary Documentation:

• Make an appointment with the vet to obtain a health certificate and confirm your pet has received all the obligatory vaccinations. 
• Some airlines or countries might require that pets wear an identification tag in the form of a microchip.

Check Airline Pet Policies:

• It is a fact that international flights will not carry pets by airlines. Therefore, it is crucial to clarify this beforehand. Ensure that the airline you avail allows you to take your cat in the cabin or cargo area.
• Pay attention to the airline’s pet carrier size and weight requirements and any pet travel fees you may be charged.

Book Early and Notify the Airline:

• As flying with your pet might be restricted by the airline, it is advisable to book your flight as early as you can and inform the airline of your intention to travel with a cat.

Prepare for Airport Security and the Flight:

• Moreover, it is essential to know that it is likely that you will have to take your cat out of the carrier for security screening. A leash and harness are perfect options to secure them while at the airport.
• Furthermore, make sure to include in your travel kit, essentials like a portable water bowl, the calming product your cat may require, and the feeding kit essentials when checking in.

Understand the Return Process:

• If you are making a return trip, you are required to research the re-entry regulations of your native country, which may necessitate extra documentation or medical examinations.

How much does it cost to take a cat on a plane internationally?

The expenses related to international cat travel depend on many disruptive components such as the airline, destination, and whether your cat is flying in the passenger cabin or as a checked bag. Important points to examine how much it costs to take a cat on a plane internationally:

• Airline Pet Fees: The majority of airline companies impose a fee for having a cat brought to the airplane which usually ranges from $100 to $200 for travel in-cabin. If your cat needs to fly in the cargo hold, the charge can be much more, sometimes more than $300, knowing the airline and the size of your pet.
• Pet Travel Carrier: Purchasing an airline-approved pet carrier depends on the specifications of the brand. The carrier must comply with the safety and dimensional requirements set by the airline.
• Veterinary Costs: Traveling around the world may necessitate a health certificate, vaccinations (including rabies), and perhaps microchipping. Although these costs can differ.
• Quarantine or Import Fees: Some countries may require pets to undergo quarantine or also have specific import fees that can depend on the regulations of the destination.
• Additional Expenses: When you travel to a country that demands a pet passport or import permit, you may have additional costs varying between $50 and $150.

Flying with a Cat for the first time: Here’s Everything You Need to Know

• Book Early and Reserve a Spot for Your Cat: It is important to make a reservation as early as possible and inform the airline that you will be on the same flight as your cat since many airlines do not allow a large number of pets to be carried in one flight. Furthermore, you can choose a direct flight with the least time to reach your final destination.
• Choose the Right Carrier: Your cat will travel in an airline-approved carrier, and it must meet the size requirements to fit under the seat. Also, ensure that it is comfortable, well-ventilated, and secure. A soft-sided carrier is often preferable for in-cabin travel. Familiarize your pet with the carrier about a month before the scheduled flight date. This will help your cat get accustomed to it, thereby lessening stress. 
• Visit the Vet: Before the flight, ensure your cat is healthy enough for travel by scheduling a visit with your veterinarian. You will likely need a health certificate, and your cat should be immunized as a precaution. Some airlines may require you to have documents, so please confirm this with them.
• Prepare for Airport Security: Security checks at the airport will include removing your cat from the carrier for screening and passing the carrier through the X-ray machine. To ensure no surprises, it is suggested that you take a leash or harness and secure the pet during this procedure.
• Make Your Cat Comfortable: Familiarize your cat with the carrier in advance. Let your cat spend some time in the carrier at home. Thus, it will not be a strange place for it. Put in the carrier some floppy stuffed toys or a blanket the cat likes the most. It will help to encourage the feeling of being in a safe place. You can also use some calming sprays or treats to help get rid of anxiety.
• Plan for In-Flight Comfort: When traveling by air, your cat should always remain in the carrier. Ensure that they can drink water and are as comfortable as possible. As a precaution against motion sickness, it is advisable not to feed them a large meal right before the trip.
• Pack Pet Travel Essentials: You should bring some essential items along the trip, including portable food and water bowls, a small supply of cat food, wet wipes, and a portable litter box or pee pads in an emergency.
• Avoid Flying Brachycephalic Cats: You should never fly with flat-faced or brachycephalic cats, as they may be at risk of breathing difficulties. Some examples of brachycephalic cats are the Persian cat, Himalayan cat, Exotic shorthair, and British shorthair. 
• Take Care of Your Cat’s Nails: Clip your cat’s nails well to prevent them from getting stuck onto the doors or bile of the carrier. 
• Avoid Tranquilizers: Do not sedate or tranquilize your pet unless recommended by a vet. Sedation might confuse your pet, and even result in further distress during travel. 

Read Also: Can You Bring Cigarettes On A Plane?

Alternatives to Flying with Your Cat

Even though it is feasible to travel by plane accompanied by your feline still cannot be considered the optimal or the facile option for every cat owner in case you are doubting “Can you bring cats on a plane”? Yes, it would be possible to have a cat on a plane but some other travel alternatives could be more comfortable for your cat. Let us review the possibilities:

Hiring a Pet Transport Service: Moving animals and ensuring their comfort and safety during transportation are the specializations of pet transport services. They take care of all the logistical tasks, which include managing documentation and interacting with various carriers of transportation such as airlines. They are the most secure choice for a long-distance move, convenient for international travel, in which the obfuscation of regulations is directly tackled.

Conclusion

“Can you bring cats on a plane?” Certainly, cats are allowed on a plane, but it involves extensive preparation. From the policies of the respective airline to making your cat comfortable while traveling, the main thing is planning for a smooth experience. Whether the choice is to place your cat in the cabin or the cargo hold, it is important to check health requirements, have the right carrier, and think about your pet’s comfort. You can ensure a hassle-free and safe trip for both of you by adhering to the above points.

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