Is it unhealthy for cats to fly?

If your cat is a snub-nosed or brachycephalic breed, such as Persian, Himalayan, or Exotic Shorthair, special considerations must be taken. These breeds may have respiratory challenges that can be aggravated by traveling in the cargo hold. Some airlines may restrict them to the cabin or even embargo their travel.



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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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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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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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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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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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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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Should I ask my veterinarian for a cat sedative for travel?
  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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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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While cats have been known to fall from over 30 stories and survive, it's not very common or thoroughly researched. That being said, studies suggest cats can fall as far as 20 stories, over 200 feet, and survive with little to no injuries.

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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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Train them by letting them sit in the car for a little bit to get used to the smells & sounds, then begin taking small rides around the neighborhood, to your vet, or run errands together. Make sure you have a cat carrier that they are comfortable in, and that is safe for traveling long distance with cats.

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A carrier will help keep you, your cat, and other people on the road safer. Our favorite carrier is the Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed. The Sleepypod doubles as a cat bed and a carrier, which allows for your cat to travel in the comfort of her own bed. This is perfect if your cat gets stressed while traveling.

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While a crate is a great option for shorter road trips, it's not ideal for a trip longer than six hours. Your cat needs access to water and litter, and anything more than six hours is a bit unfair. To give your cat a little more room, try a large dog crate.

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Pets are treated as a priority and should be put on last and taken off first. In the case of the long-haul flights with transfers the pets are checked at any refuel/transfer points and their water bowls are replenished.

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Animals can also suffer the effects of atmospheric pressure, like humans, and may present: mild ear pain; decreased hearing; tinnitus.

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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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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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Pros: A flight is much faster than a drive, so you can get it over with pretty quickly! Plus, if you fly with your cat in-cabin, you can still be next to your pet and provide it with comfort. Cons: In many ways, flying can be more stressful for cats.

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