Top Tips for Traveling with a Cat

September 6, 2024

Last Updated on December 13, 2024 by Lauren Belzer

Traveling with a cat might sound like a challenge, but with the right preparation, it’s absolutely doable. Whether you’re taking your feline friend cross-country or visiting family a quick flight away for the holidays, knowing how to make the trip smooth (and as stress-free as possible) is key!

Here’s my guide to traveling with a cat, filled with my top tips from years of flying with my Persian cat, Todd.

Book Early & Reserve Your Cat’s Spot

One of, if not the most important, steps when flying with a cat is to book early and confirm their spot with your chosen airline. Most airlines only allow a limited number of pets in the cabin per flight, so it’s important to call customer service right after you book your ticket to add your cat to the reservation.

This is especially important during peak travel seasons like the holidays when flights are more packed than usual. Plan ahead so you can be sure your cat can join you without any last-minute issues!

Pro Tip: If flying Alaska Airlines with your cat, use the following prompt with their customer service chat to expedite the process: Hello, my name is [first & last name]. Would you be able to assist with adding my cat to reservation [confirmation code] for my flight on [date]? He/she will need to be in cabin with me. I will be using a soft-sided carrier!

Choose the Best Cat Carrier for Air Travel

Your cat’s travel carrier is their “safe space” during the trip, so picking a good one is crucial. We swear by the Wild One Travel Carrier—it’s airline-approved, durable, and functional. Some features to look for:

Ventilation for proper airflow
Soft-sided carrier with a comfortable interior for the cat’s comfort
The right size to fit under an airplane seat

Cats tend to be a little weary of pet carriers at first, so before the flight, let your cat get used to the carrier at home. Put treats or toys inside so they associate it with positive things.

Pro Tip: If budget allows, consider having two different carriers for travel and vet visits. If your cat associates your carrier with vet visits, something they may have a negative experience with, they’ll be more reluctant to cooperate for travel.

Prepare Your Cat for TSA

Airport security can be a stressful part of traveling with your cat. You will need to take the cat out of the carrier and carry them through the scanner while the carrier goes through the X-ray machine.

Some tips to prepare:

Use a harness and leash for extra security
Stay calm – your cat will be more stressed if you show that you’re stressed
Practice at home if your cat isn’t used to being held and handled

Pro Tip: If you are a U.S. Citizen, enroll in TSA PreCheck for shorter lines at the airport, and a quicker security experience. Otherwise, choose a quiet time for your flight to avoid crowded security lines.

Consult with a Vet Before Flying with Your Cat

Before your flight, especially your first one, it’s a good idea to take your cat to the vet. They can ensure that they are in good health to travel and offer advice tailored to your cat’s potential needs.

While sedative medication seems like it might be a quick and easy fix, it’s generally not recommended unless specifically advised by your vet for your cat.

Instead, consider natural calming solutions like pheromone sprays or collars, or other natural remedies. As always, give anything new a try well before the flight!

Pack a Cleanup Kit

Accidents happen, even with the most well-trained and well-behaved cats.

A few times, mid-flight, my cat has decided to poop in his carrier. When you have to go, you have to go! Thankfully, I had a cleanup kit ready to go. Here’s what I always pack:

Pee pads – make sure there is one lining the bottom of the carrier at all times
Pet-safe wipes
Pet poop bags
Small trash bags
Non-aerosol air freshener (optional)

If you find it helpful, this is my process for making the in-flight clean-up less stressful:

Find a way to maneuver your cat to the side of the carrier or take them out for a moment so that you can remove the pee pad and clean them up with pet-safe wipes if needed.
Fold up the pee pad to cover the mess & put it inside of a pet poop bag. Then, put the poop bag inside of not one, but two scented trash bags. Trust me, you want to do this 3-bag system and use the scented trash bags, to mask any smell.
Go to the lavatory to throw it away, if possible. If you can’t for whatever reason, this is why we use the 3-bag system with scented trash bags!
Spray non-aerosol air freshener on the ground at your feet to help mask any lingering smell, if needed.

Pro Tip: I’m a window seat girl through and through, but if this is something you’re worried about, be sure to book an aisle seat so you can get up quickly and bring your cat’s entire carrier with you to the lavatory and carry out your clean-up routine in there.

Keep Your Cat Comfortable

Flights can be uncomfortable for both humans and pets. Here are my go-to tips for keeping your cat calm and comfortable in flight:

Avoid feeding them right before travel. Ideally, withhold food 6-8 hours before the flight to give them time to digest and prevent pooping in-flight or motion sickness.
Put a familiar blanket or toy with them in their carrier.
Avoid moving the carrier and leave it as untouched as possible under the seat in front of you. The more you adjust or check on them, the less uninterrupted time they have to try to relax.

Don’t Forget to Pack The Essentials

When flying with your cat, having the right stuff with you can make all the difference. Here’s a checklist of must-haves:

Travel bowls for food and water
Small portions of your cat’s food and treats – in case of delay or cancellation
A harness and leash

Those are the basics, but you know your cat and what they need better than anyone. My cat, Todd, has feline asthma—so we’re always making sure that we have his Aerokat chamber and inhalers with us when traveling with him just in case.

Prepare for Stress-Free Pet Travel

Traveling with a cat takes practice. Trust me, the first few trips induced a little bit of anxiety. That’s normal! We started traveling with Todd when he was just 3 months old, and over time, he’s become somewhat of a pro at flying. With the right prep, your cat can feel safe and even enjoy being a part of your adventures. Happy traveling!