Cats are known for being routine-oriented pets who hate to stray out of their comfort zones. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t make excellent travel companions. Taking some precautionary measures will make their journey as enjoyable and as stress-free as possible.
Whether you’re traveling out of necessity or planning a trip abroad to your dream destination, we’ll share some tips on how to travel with a cat and everything else you need to know below.
How to Travel With a Cat: Common Airline Pet Policies
Planning a trip abroad can feel daunting, especially if you need to bring your feline companion along with you. As a first step, make sure to familiarize yourself with each airline’s pet policies and whether or not they can accommodate your cat.
Some airlines have no-pet policies in place, while others will allow them to ride in the hold or in the cabin for an additional fee (and provided they satisfy all other requirements).
While every airline will have their own unique stance, here are some of the most common airline pet policies and safety regulations:
- Your cat will need to be kept tethered (either harnessed or leashed)
- Most airlines will require your cat to be kept in a pet-safe carrier that can fit under the seat in front of you, typically 17.5 x 12 x 7.5 inches, though every airline will have their own specific size requirements
- Your cat must have up-to-date vaccinations and show no signs of illness or infectious diseases — you may need to obtain a recent health certificate from a USDA-accredited veterinarian
- Your cat should be well-behaved and not cause a disruption or endanger other passengers
Airlines also sometimes set size, weight, and breed limits. Check with the airline before you travel to learn more about their specific requirements and any fees involved.
You should also consider the destination you are flying to. Some countries prohibit pets from entering, leaving, or traveling through them, while others require additional paperwork or proof of rabies vaccines.
Airline Pet Travel Fees
If an airline is able to accommodate your cat, you will typically be expected to pay a pet fee. The exact fee will depend on the airline and whether they’re flying in the cabin with you or in the hold. However, in general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $95 to $150 each way for your cat to travel with you.
Can I Fly With My Emotional Support Cat for Free?
Emotional support cats used to be protected under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) in the US, which granted them additional air travel privileges, including exemption from pet-related policies and fees. This meant that airlines had to legally accommodate emotional support cats on board the cabin at no additional cost.
However, as of 2021, this is no longer the case due to revisions to the ACAA. The ACAA now only extends these travel protections to working animals like service dogs. Most airlines have opted to treat emotional support cats as pets and provide no additional protections, and they are therefore usually subjected to the standard pet fees and policies.
While it is unlikely that your emotional support cat can board the plane for free, be sure to enquire with airline staff directly to learn if they provide any additional accommodations.
How to Travel With a Cat Safely: Preparing for the Journey
There are plenty of measures you can take to ensure your cat’s journey is as stress-free and comfortable as possible. These include:
- Add a warm blanket, toys, and soft, cozy bedding to the carrier to help them relax
- Ensure the carrier is well-ventilated and made of sturdy, easy-to-clean material
- Get your cat accustomed to the carrier before you travel
- Don’t forget to bring the essentials along with you, especially if it’s a long journey — think a collapsible bowl, food, treats, wipes, and bottled water
- Avoid feeding your cat just before the flight to minimize nausea
- Ensure their vaccinations and other necessary health records are up to date
You should also make sure to speak to a veterinarian for further travel advice. If your cat is particularly prone to anxiety, they may be able to prescribe a sedative to help relieve their stress during the journey.
Learn More About Pet Air Travel Today
While traveling with your feline may seem overwhelming at first, airlines do often accommodate them for a fee, and many cats will enjoy the journey with the right support.
Be sure to consult airlines in advance to learn more about their pet travel regulations, policies, and fees. The staff will be more than happy to answer any questions or concerns you have.
As some parting advice, always put your cat’s health and wellbeing first. Although accommodations like comfortable bedding can help make the trip less stressful, not all cats have the right temperament for long journeys. You know your cat best, and when in doubt, err on the side of caution.