How to Fly With a Cat

If you want to bring your cat with you on flights, make sure you have an airline approved cat carrier/kennel to put the animal in. Travel by air can be stressful for your pet, so keep the cat in the kennel and near you. Avoid putting your animal in the cargo hold.

Each airline has their own rules and policies for pets traveling in the cabin or cargo area. Some require a certificate of health from a veterinarian. The cat must be in an airline approved cat carrier/kennel and kept in the kennel. The kennel must be kept with you in the aircraft cabin.

Use an airline-approved soft-sided kennel.

Getting a cat on an airliner can cost between $95 and $150 for a ticket to the main cabin. You should check with the airline for details. Another option is to get in touch with an organization like Pilots and Paws which transports pets by air in small aircraft.

To prepare your cat for flight, make sure the animal is healthy. You may need a certificate of health from a veterinarian to verify the animal is healthy enough to travel. You may also need to show the airline proof of up-to-date vaccines.

Make sure the kennel door is secure and keep it closed during the flight. Consider having your cat microchipped, and keep a harness on your pet even while they’re in the kennel. That way if your cat does get out of their kennel, they’ll be easier to find and catch.

To keep your cat comfortable during the flight, line the kennel with absorbent material. Make sure your cat has room to lie down and is not too crowded with excess toys or bedding. It can be helpful to give the cat mild sedation before flight—this is like the cat version of having a glass of wine. Let your veterinarian guide you.

Make sure the cat can lie down in the kennel. You should line the kennel with something absorbent that has the scent of the owner on it. That t-shirt you slept in for two nights will do the trick. The scent of the human they trust will have a calming effect.

While it may be tempting to put the cat on your lap during the flight, DON’T. Keep them in the kennel. Not everyone likes cats, and other passengers may be allergic.

Always keep them in their kennel, and have them chipped just in case they escape. Do not let anyone pet the cat, as they may lash out in fear.

Arrive at the airport extra early so you can get through TSA quickly. Carry the cat through the gates that are used for service animals.

While dogs are accepted as service animals, cats are not.

When cats are flying in the cabin, they are expected to be kept in their kennel under the seat in front of you.

Because your cat kennel will likely be under the seat in front of you, choose a seat that has extra leg room if possible. Opt for a window seat to keep your cat further away from the commotion of people and carts moving through the center aisle.

Pilots N Paws is a not-for-profit organization that provides travel for pets that are relocating and their owners do not want to drive them or fly them on an airliner. For these flights, the cat is in a kennel and strapped into the back seat. You may even be able to ride along with the cat.

It is possible to take a cat on an airliner. Just follow the rules and you should be all set for a smooth flight with your feline. If you are interested in learning more about aviation, subscribe to FLYING Magazine.

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

Taking a cat on an airplane can cost $95 to $150, depending on the airline.

How do you go through TSA with a cat?

TSA has gates that service animals are permitted to go through. The cat in the kennel uses this gate as well.

Do planes hurt cats’ ears?

The cat will not like the noise, but the pressure should not bother them.