Is it traumatic to take a cat on a plane?

Kirsten Theisen, director of pet care issues for the Humane Society of the United States, believes air travel is simply too stressful for most animals, especially when they are placed in an aircraft's cargo hold. “Flying is frightening for animals,” says Theisen.



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Most of the time, cats travel quite well without the need for medication. Some cats, on the other hand, experience tremendous stress when subjected to air travel. Consult your veterinarian to create the best travel plan for your cat if she does not travel well.

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Some animal rights groups, including the Humane Society of the United States, recommend against traveling with your cat anywhere but the cabin if it can be avoided — and not all airlines allow cats to be transported as cargo. You could also opt to use a pet shipping company.

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It's not necessarily cruel to put a dog on a plane, but it can be a stressful experience for them. It's important to take steps to ensure your dog's safety and comfort during the flight, including choosing a reputable airline, providing a comfortable carrier or crate, and preparing them properly for the journey.

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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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Dogs and humans aren't the only ones who can suffer from car sickness or motion sickness. Cats can also develop gastrointestinal distress while traveling in the car, and for some, traveling by air or boat can induce the same reaction. Vomiting is, of course, the tell-tale sign of motion sickness.

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Most of the time, cats travel quite well without the need for medication. Some cats, on the other hand, experience tremendous stress when subjected to air travel. Consult your veterinarian to create the best travel plan for your cat if she does not travel well.

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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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Most of the time, cats travel quite well without the need for medication. Some cats, on the other hand, experience tremendous stress when subjected to air travel. Consult your veterinarian to create the best travel plan for your cat if she does not travel well.

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RyanAir does not permit any type of live animal to fly in the cabin of its aircraft unless it is a guide or assistance dog trained to perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability (physical, sensory or psychiatric) and must be certified by an organisation that is a full member of Assistance Dogs ...

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Strategies to de-stress feline flights include:
  1. A Thundershirt® which swaddles the cats much like swaddling an infant and can reduce anxiety.
  2. Feliway® pheromone wipes and spray can be used in the carrier prior to flying can help lower anxiety.
  3. A pheromone calming collar can help to lower anxiety.


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Boarding can be a very stressful event for both you and your cat. Cats are creatures of habit and are often resistant to change. Some of the common issues we see with cats that are stressed include behavioural changes, becoming withdrawn, going off their food and often a change in their urinary habits.

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There have been too many animal incidents on aircraft this summer, including the Delta Air Lines passenger who lost her dog while traveling from Santo Domingo to San Francisco last week. The airline is still searching for the pooch after it escaped from its kennel.

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Is flying bad for dogs? Flying can be a stressful experience for dogs, and in some cases, it can lead to health problems or injuries. Dogs that are prone to anxiety or have pre-existing medical conditions may be particularly susceptible to the negative effects of flying.

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The short answer is yes, animals like dogs and cats are also sensitive to the harmful effects of high elevation, which can include, in addition to what's mentioned above, vomiting, headache, and, in extreme cases, a build-up of fluid in the lungs and brain, particularly if they will be active when they reach high ...

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Pets. Animals are not allowed on our flights, apart from recognised registered guide and assistance dogs. Also see our service dog policy: Special assistance.

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