How To Prepare Your Cat For A Flight

Flying is both exciting and stressful. That said, flying with your cat can be an extremely frustrating experience for you and your furry friend. It’s no secret that most cats and dogs hate flying. Understandably, you may struggle with how to prepare your cat for a flight.

The best way to prepare your cat for a flight is to get them used to the carrier case. Put them in the carrier case for walks and drives several times per week leading up to the flight. Place a blanket or pillow and several toys in the case as well so they are comfortable.

You can naturally calm them down if you spray the inside of the carrier with a cat pheromone. Never feed your cat before a flight, or else they may have an accident in the carrier. Follow along as we explore how to prepare your cat for a flight.

How Do I Calm My Cat Down Before Flying?

1. Arrive Prepared

It’s already stressful to get through security at an airport, and bringing your cat can further complicate things. You can reduce this stress if you make it easy for yourself to get your cat through the line. For example, it’s a great idea to bring a cat carrier that you can easily take your cat out of.

Airports require you to take your cat out of the carrier when you reach the security line. They must scan the carrier, so the last thing you want to do is bring one that’s hard to handle or open. Put a harness and leash on your cat before you leave the house.

That way, you don’t have to worry about your cat running around throughout the airport during this process. Remove the harness when you put them back in the carrier case so they’re as comfortable as possible.

2. Make The Carrier Comfortable

No cat looks forward to spending too much time in a carrier case. You can make the experience much better for them if you make it a comfortable space. For example, place a soft blanket or pillow on the floor of the case so they can get cozy.

Does your cat have any favorite toys? If so, they will appreciate it if you put some of them in the carrier case. Whether they play with them or not, the toys should at least provide some comfort.

The softer the carrier, the better. Hard-shell carrier cases are more durable, but soft cases are much more comfortable for the cat. Soft carrier cases are often cheaper as well, so it’s a win-win scenario.

3. Get Them Used To The Carrier

Most people don’t put their cats in carrier cases that often. Your cat may get especially stressed by the experience if you rarely put them in a carrier case. Slowly introduce the carrier to your cat in the days and weeks leading up to the flight.

Put your cat in the carrier with some toys a few times per week starting 2-3 weeks before the flight. Talk to them gently and stay with them so they don’t feel like it’s a punishment. Gradually increase how long you keep them in the carrier.

This will help them get used to being in the carrier for a longer duration, much like what they’ll experience on the flight. Make sure to give your cat a treat each time you let them out to ease their mind. Bring your cat on car rides or walks in the case so they get used to the movement as well.

4. Avoid Feeding Them

I know, this may sound bad, but you shouldn’t feed your cat before a flight. Cats are small, and so are their digestive tracts. The last thing you want is for your cat to have an accident on the flight.

Not only will you have to clean the mess, but your fellow passengers won’t like it. Never feed a cat within 4-6 hours of the flight or else they may have an accident. They may get cranky if you have an early flight, but that’s less of a problem with later flights.

Set a timer to feed them within the 4-6-hour window so they aren’t cranky during the flight. Pack some disinfectant wipes and paper towels just in case you must clean up after them.

5. Pack Plenty Of Food

Your cat will likely think about their next meal throughout the flight. Prepare yourself to feed them as soon as possible when you land. Pack enough food and treats to last you on the trip. Ideally, you should pack a little more than you may need just in case something comes up.

Put the food in a spot in your luggage that’s easy to access. That way, you won’t have to dig through your bag while your cat anxiously meows at you. Pack the food toward the top of the bag beside a dish to make it easy.

Find a spot in the airport where you can easily feed your cat upon arrival. Otherwise, you can wait until you get to your destination if your cat isn’t in a rush to eat.

6. Use Cat Pheromones

Cats are brilliant and complicated animals. They use their pheromones to communicate, calm down, and mark their territory. Luckily, you can buy cat pheromones and use the spray to keep your cat calm when you fly.

On the day of the flight, simply spray the inside of the carrier with the cat pheromone. They will immediately pick up the scent and identify the carrier as a safe space. This works wonders to help them get through the flight.

7. Consult Your Veterinarian

Have you had unpleasant experiences flying with your cat in the past? If so, then your best option is to call your veterinarian. They may request that you bring your cat in for a checkup.

The veterinarian may prescribe anti-anxiety medication for your cat if they have severe anxiety. Many veterinarians are hesitant to prescribe medication to cats because of the side effects. They are experts, so it’s important to trust your vet and give your cat the medicine according to the directions on the label.

How Much Does It Cost To Fly With A Cat?

Each airline is different, but it typically costs at least $100 to fly with a cat. Many airlines, like Delta and United, charge $125 to fly with a cat. You must also pay an extra fee for the carrier case on top of the base $100+ fee in most cases.

This fee costs up to $40, but it’s often as little as $25 or even less. Sadly, most airlines only let you fly with two pets at once. Make sure to reserve your spot as early as possible, as you cannot always fly with a cat on last-minute flights.

Summing It Up

Pack a soft, cozy cat carrier and fill it with toys and a blanket before the flight. Spray a cat pheromone in the case to mark the space as safe, so your cat is as comfortable as possible. Try not to feed them within 4 to 6 hours of the flight, or they may have an accident. If all else fails, reach out to your veterinarian to see if they have any advice.

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