Air travel may make the most sense for you, but does it make sense for your cat? While it isn't a decision to be made lightly, sometimes flying is the only way for you and your cat to stay together. Keep the following tips in mind to make your trip safe:
One Month in Advance
1. Call the travel agent or airline to reserve space and get seat assignments.
2. Verify the airline's pet-carrier and pet-travel policies.
3. Make sure your cat's carrier is well-ventilated and large enough for your cat.
4. Take your cat on short car trips to help it adjust to its carrier.
10 Days in Advance
1. Visit a veterinarian for health certificates, vaccinations and sedatives, if necessary.
2. Place the health certificate in a carrier pocket or keep it with your plane tickets.
3. Obtain an appropriate collar, identification tag, leash and harness.
4. Label the carrier with your name, home address and phone number, and a contact name, address and phone number in the city to which you are traveling.
5. Take a photo of your cat and keep it with your airline tickets.
Four to Six Hours in Advance
1. Feed your cat one last time, then withhold food.
2. Pack a carry-on bag with a small bottle of water, dry food and absorbent carrier liners.
Before Leaving for the Airport
1. Offer your cat a small amount of water.
2. Buckle your cat into its collar, leash and harness and place it in the carrier. Secure the carrier with the car's seatbelt.
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