How do I calm my cat down for air travel?

“Help your cat see the carrier as a safe space,” she says. “Leave it out all the time, and place a favorite blanket and treats in it, or even feed your cat meals in the carrier. During the flight, that familiar-smelling blanket will provide them with some comfort.”



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Sedatives can interfere with regular breathing and other bodily responses, and pets may react differently and unexpectedly to medications when they are in the air. In fact, most airlines will not fly a sedated pet, as over-sedation can be a cause of animal death during air transport.

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Yet, while it's possible for your kitty to travel with you around the world, you should first consider whether air travel is really the best thing for your cat. All travel, but air travel in particular, is stressful for cats.

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Adult dogs and cats easily make it through the night without having to relieve themselves, so your pet should also be OK on most very long flights. Regardless, you'll have to line their carrier with something absorbent - a Dry Fur pad works nicely under your pet's own crate pad or thin blanket.

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As long as your kitty stays in the kennel, there's nothing you can do if your cat starts meowing. Call the airline about their pet policy so you won't get a big surprise. You vet can also prescribe a mild sedative to help your cat relax a bit.

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Strategies to de-stress cat road trips include:
  1. A Thundershirt® which swaddles the cat much like swaddling an infant and can reduce anxiety.
  2. Feliway® pheromone wipes and spray can be used to prepare the carrier and can help to lower anxiety.
  3. A pheromone calming collar can contribute to reduce anxiety.


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The mild sedative used in Benadryl is sometimes recommended by veterinarians for anxiety. An example would be traveling by car or airplane. Some cats get quite anxious or upset when traveling and giving Benadryl can be an excellent sedative for traveling.

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Confine your pet Use a pet restraint, preferably a hard-shelled crate, to keep your cat contained in the car. If you're flying to your new home, follow your airline's recommendations for the proper crate or carrier. Make sure the carrier is secured and level in a seat with a vent pointing toward it for ventilation.

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Confine your pet It's not safe to let your kitty roam the vehicle freely. Use a pet restraint, preferably a hard-shelled crate, to keep your cat contained in the car. If you're flying to your new home, follow your airline's recommendations for the proper crate or carrier.

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With some research and preparation, both you and your kitty can fly safely and in comfort. The rules are much the same as when flying with a dog, but as with canines, you should still talk with your vet and your airline ahead of time.

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