August 25th, 2009
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Cats are lucky. Most of them fit under the average 20 pound weight limit (if not, you might want to put your cat on a diet before flying). That means they get to fly with mom or dad, in the passenger cabin. You, of course, want to make it as painless a process as possible for your kitty.
First, make sure your cat’s carrier is well-ventilated and large enough for her. Make sure your cat has her collar with i.d. on. Don’t let your cat be put through the x-ray machine at the airport. Sooth your cat with pets and touches (through the carrier) and treats on the flight. If you have a nervous cat, check with your vet about medication ahead of time. Your cat will thank you and so will the other passengers. Kelly is a dog columnist and pet writer. She lives in the Boston-area with her three pit bulls and one neurotic cat. |
I’ve learned the hard way that tranquilizers can go both ways. Instead of making my cats tranquil, they became hyper. Also, my concern with having a cat in the main cabins is that when nervous, they shed and you’re sitting next to someone who’s allergic.
Thanks for the tranquilizer comment!
Re: pet allergies – I would much rather make someone else uncomfortable than put my cat in the cargo area. Pets have died from cold, heat, lack of cabin pressure. They also get loose and lost due to irresponsible handlers. Here’s an alternative: http://www.petairways.com – an airway just for pets. They travel in the cabin.