Make Your Cat Comfortable Flying in an Airline Pet Carrier

Feb 3, 2011
Amanda Potter

: Relaxed in his Carrier - (c) Amanda Potter

Learn how to select an airline approved pet carrier, adjust your cat to it, and prepare your cat's new space for a comfortable journey.

Travel of any sort, but certainly airline travel, can be quite stressful for even the most even-tempered cat. Strange noises, smells, and people, not to mention the trying conditions of most live animal sections in cargo all can contribute to this stress. However there are times when expats and others may find it necessary to bring their pets aboard. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to make your cat’s trip in an airline approved pet carrier more comfortable.

Selecting the Right Carrier

The first and most important decision any traveler with cats needs to make is the selection of an appropriate pet carrier. Not only must you provide for sufficient space and rigidity, but you must also meet the requirements of your selected airline least they refuse to load your pet. While requirements for pets traveling in the hold vary, some common minimums are:

A hard plastic carrier with ventilation on at least 4 sides.
Interior space sufficient for your pet to sit, stand, and turn around in. KLM, for example, requires your pet be able to stand fully erect without touching the top of the kennel.
A securely latching door without locks that might impede access to the animal in an emergency. When you check your pet in, the airline may zip-tie the door shut, but zip-ties can be cut if necessary.
Separate food and water containers accessible without opening the carrier.
No wheels or removable wheels. Wheeled pet carriers can roll around and harm either your cat or someone else’s pet.

If the current carrier you own for your cat doesn’t measure up, definitely find a new one. Airline approved pet carriers can be purchased at major pet stores and staff can typically help you. You should also make your purchase as early as possible to make your cat’s acclamation to the carrier easier.

Acclimate your Cat

The next step is to get your pet accustomed to the new carrier. You want your cat to see the carrier as his personal space where he is safe and comfortable. That way, when you move it (with him inside) the stress of the move will be less. If you’ve already crate trained your cat, congratulations, you’re ahead of the game. But if you have not, or if you have a new crate, put aside a few weeks to ease your cat into the new space.

First open the crate up as much as possible, fill it with warm/comforting things, and place it in a secure location. Kittens will often take immediate to the new space, while older cats may require additional coaxing or more time. If you can, leave the top off the carrier. As your cat gets use to it, add the top, and then finally the door. Practice closing the door with the cat inside as well to be sure he won’t scratch and cry.

Throughout this process resist the urge to force your cat into the carrier. You want him to view it as a space of refuge, not of fear. Good crate training now will pay off later when you cat has a personal hideaway in your new home.

Set-Up the Carrier for Moving Day

Finally the day has arrived for your flight. You’ve arranged to bring your cat in the carrier to the check-in counter and from there he will be whisked away to meet you at your destination (or quarintined).

As you prepare your pet’s traveling home away from home, keep a checklist of the airlines requirements on hand (See KLM’s list as an example). Set-up the airline pet carrier with the following items:

Write “Live Animal” and the name of your cat clearly on the carrier.
Line the bottom of the carrier with pee pads to help keep accidents away from your pet.
On top of the pee pads place a few towels or a blanket your pet is accustomed to sitting on in the carrier.
Attach food and water containers to the door of the carrier. It’s advised to freeze water in one of the containers so it won’t slosh around in flight.
Add a favorite toy if it is large enough not to fall out of the carrier.

In addition to covering the amenities your cat will need for flying, be sure to feed, but not over water him to reduce the chance of accidents. It’s best to wait until the last minute to load your cat so you can reduce the overall time he spends inside the airline pet carrier during the trip.

Reunite with Your Cat

When you arrive at your destination, be sure to pick up your cat as soon as possible. At your new place of residence have a litter box, food, and water ready before you release your furry friend. Be patient and loving and your cat will handling his flying adventure just fine.