How to Travel with a Ragdoll Cat by Airplane
Flying with a cat or kitten can be a daunting undertaking, especially when you have never done it before. If that’s the case, you may be asking yourself, How do I bring my cat on an airplane? Whether you’re picking up your Ragdoll Kitten from their breeder or taking your cat on a trip with you, here is a comprehensive guide on how to successfully travel in-cabin with your cat on an airplane. With the right preparation, it can be both an easy and pleasant experience. All paws aboard! 🐾
Check the Airline’s Pet Policies
The guidelines and procedures for flying with a pet will differ between airlines. It’s important to research the specific pet regulations for whichever airline you will be flying.
Add Cat to Your Ticket: Most airlines limit the number of pets permitted on each flight. So, it’s crucial to contact your airline and add your cat to your itinerary. Ideally, this should be done as soon as possible to ensure the flight has space for your cat.
Research Pet Fees: Most airlines will charge a pet fee if you are traveling with a cat. Pet fees vary between airline, but typically range between $100 to $200 and will be paid when you check-in for your flight at the airport.
Confirm Proper Documentation: Be sure to verify you have all documentation required for your cat. When traveling within the United States, you typically only need a document from your vet or breeder displaying the cat’s date of birth, but it’s best to confirm what’s required from the individual airline.
Get the Right Cat Carrier
To ensure your cat is able to travel safely and comfortably, it’s essential to choose the right carrier. We have included some guidelines for picking out the best cat carrier for airplane travel.
Check Size Requirements: Every airline will have their own size regulations when it comes to pet carriers. Be sure to confirm that your carrier falls within the dimensions allowed by your airline.
Ensure Ventilation: You will want to choose a well-ventilated carrier. Some airlines even have rules on how many sides of the carrier needs to be ventilated. When in doubt, double check.
Secure Design: It’s also essential to pick a safe carrier that your cat is unable to escape from. This will keep them securely stowed while traveling.
TSA Airline Approved Cat Carrier
Prepare Your Cat to Fly
Your travel day will go much smoother if both you and your cat are prepared. There are a couple things you can do to facilitate an easier experience.
Acclimate to the Carrier: Most cats do not like being kept in a cramped carrier and I don’t blame them! To minimize stress, you can familiarize them with the carrier prior to travel and help them associate it with positivity through treats and playtime.
Do a Test Run: To see how your cat will react on travel day, you can enclose them in their carrier and do a “test run” by placing them in car, which will mimic the movement of the airplane. If they are extremely anxious or excessively meowing, this will let you know that you may need to try some of the tips below to reduce their stress.
Limit Food: For 4-6 hours prior to your flight, you will want to limit your cat’s food intake. This will help prevent smelly accidents while on the airplane.
Tips for Keeping Your Ragdoll Calm
Most cats do not like traveling so they may become stressed or agitated in their carrier. If your cat is displaying signs of stress like vocalization and/or clawing at their carrier, there are a few things you can try to help alleviate their anxiety.
Familiar Scent: Placing a toy or blanket that smells like home inside the carrier can comfort your cat and help calm their nerves.
Pheromone Spray: You can also spray Pheromone Spray in your cat’s carrier. This mimics natural feline pheromones, which may help reduce your cat’s stress response.
Natural Calming Remedy: Another popular stress aid for cats is Bach Rescue Remedy for Pets. This is a homeopathic tincture that may minimize nervousness in your cat.
Prescription Medication: If you have tried all of the suggestions above and your cat is still exhibiting symptoms of stress, don’t worry. That means it’s probably time to consider a prescription medication like Gabapentin. This is a medicine you can request from your vet that is frequently prescribed for travel-related anxiety in cats. You will want to test out the dosage ahead of time and administer the drug 1-2 hours prior to the start of travel.
Check-in, Security and Boarding with Your Cat
Your travel day has arrived! We have outlined the step-by-step process of making your way through the airport with a cat.
Check-in: You will begin your travel experience by checking in at your airline’s check-in counter. Here you will obtain your boarding pass and pay your cat’s pet fee to the airline. Typically, the airline will give you a special tag to place onto your cat’s carrier after you have paid the fee.
Security Process: For many people, going through the security checkpoint is the most intimidating part of flying with a cat. There are two options to consider when bringing your cat through security with you.
Option 1: Request a Private Screening Room: You can ask the TSA agent for a private screening room. They will then escort you into an isolated room where they will check the cat and carrier. Allow extra travel time if you choose this option.
Option 2: Carry the Cat with You: If you do not request a private screening room, you will be required to place your cat’s carrier into the x-ray machine and carry your cat through security in your arms. This is usually a quick 3-5 minute process as you wait for the cat’s carrier to come out the conveyer belt. If you have a skittish or jumpy cat, you may want to bring a leash and harness for them to wear at this time (or request a private screening room).
Boarding: After making your way through security and to your gate, you will eventually begin the boarding process. The flight attendant may check the cat’s carrier and tag as you board the airplane.
During the Flight with Your Cat
If you followed the tips above for keeping your Ragdoll calm, your flight should go smoothly. We have included some additional suggestions to follow after boarding the airplane with your cat.
Sit with Cat-Friendly People: If your airline has open boarding, you might consider finding some animal lovers to sit next to. This isn’t always possible, but nice when it can occur.
Keep Under the Seat: Your cat’s carrier will be stowed under the seat in front of you during your flight. This is why following the carrier size requirement is crucial.
Avoid Opening the Carrier: It is against airline regulations to remove your cat from their carrier while flying. If your cat becomes anxious at any time on the plane, we recommend talking to them in a calm, soothing voice or distracting them with an exciting toy.
Travel Supplies for Your Ragdoll
There are some items you can bring to make the travel experience with your cat a little bit easier. Here are a few things we personally consider travel essentials for a cat while flying.
Travel Water Bottle: If you are going to be having a long travel day with your cat, bringing a Pet Travel Water Bottle can be convenient. This will help prevent dehydration.
Potty pads: It’s a good idea to be prepared for any potential potty accidents. If your cat does go to the bathroom, Potty Pads can prevent it from seeping into the carrier.
Toys: A great way to prevent boredom and anxiety in your cat is to pack toys. These Crinkle Balls are great for keeping in the carrier with your cat and a Cat Teaser Wand is an excellent option for distracting your cat during periods of stress.
Treats: Don’t forget the travel snacks! These Freeze-Dried Chicken Cat Treats are a favorite for many cats. Treats will keep your cat’s blood sugar stable while traveling and will help them associate their airport experience with positivity.
Leash & Harness (Optional): If you plan to take your cat out of their carrier and hold them through security, a Cat Leash and Harness can be a nice safety precaution. However, they are not essential or required.
A Stress-Free Travel Day with Your Cat
Hopefully this article provides you with a more in-depth understanding of what to expect when traveling by plane with your cat. Taking your cat on an airplane doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming. If you prepare and plan for the experience, you and your cat can both arrive at the airport confident and calm. You might even make some fun memories along the way!
Ragdoll Kitten Traveling to Airport