This article was co-authored by Molly DeVoss and by wikiHow staff writer, Cheyenne Main. Molly DeVoss is a Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist (CFTBS), a Certified Cat Behavior Consultant (CCBC), a Fear Free Certified Trainer (FFCT), and the Founder of Cat Behavior Solutions. Molly specializes in using positive reinforcement to modify and prevent unwanted behaviors in cats and reduce cat shelter surrender. Molly has sat on the Dallas Animal Advisory committee since 2013 and was voted one of the Top 12 Extraordinary Cat Behaviorists of 2020 by Catpetclub.com. She is certified by both the Animal Behavior Institute and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She is also the host of the weekly podcast Cat Talk Radio.
There are 17 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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Flying with two cats on a plane might seem daunting, but as long as you follow your airline’s guidelines and prepare before going through TSA, it can be a breeze. Visit your trusted vet for a check-up and ask them for a health certificate for each of your feline friends. Then, book a flight with an airline and check their carrier size requirements and their guidelines for traveling with multiple animals. Get your cats used to traveling in a carrier (especially if they’re sharing one) before you fly. Keep reading to learn more.
Things You Should Know
- Book an appointment with your vet to make sure both your cats’ vaccinations are up to date and they’re healthy enough to travel on a plane.
- If your cats weigh under 14 kilograms (31 lb) and can share a confined space, they may be able to share a carrier. Check your airline’s in-cabin requirements.
- When going through TSA, remove your cats from the carrier and walk through the x-ray machine. Follow the TSA officer’s instructions during screening.
Steps
Preparing Your Cats for the Flight
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Teach both cats to ride in the carrier comfortably. To get your cat comfortable with being inside a carrier, start by placing the carrier in an area where your cats spend a lot of time. Place comfortable bedding and a favorite toy inside.[19]
- Feed your cats near the carrier. Gradually move their food closer to the carrier until they eat comfortably next to it. Then, move the food bowl inside the carrier.
- Leave tasty treats in the carrier for your cats to find each day.
- Once your cats are comfortable with eating inside the carrier, practice gently closing the door for a few minutes while they’re eating.
- Close your cats inside the carrier and practice moving them around inside your home. Afterwards, reward them with treats or play sessions.
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Attach a luggage tag to the carrier and line it with towels. Attach a luggage tag with your name, phone number, address, and the name of your pet to the carrier. Line the bottom of the carrier with towels or pee pads to absorb any accidents.[20]
- If your cats wear collars, make sure the tags include your name, phone number, address, and your cats’ updated vaccination information.
- Carry a photograph of your pet with you during your travels in case they escape from the carrier.
- Mark the carrier with the words “LIVE ANIMAL” if you’re not traveling with them in-cabin.
Boarding the Plane With Your Cats
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Place a familiar blanket on top of the carrier. Take a familiar blanket or towel with you to drape on top of the carrier. The familiar scent can be comforting for cats, especially if they’re feeling anxious.[21]
- You can also spray the blanket with a pheromone spray 15 minutes before you travel to help them feel safer.
- Airlines will not allow you to open the carrier during the flight.[22] However, you can reach down to the closed carrier to soothe your cats.
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Avoid feeding your cats 4 to 6 hours before the flight. This is to reduce any nausea and accidents that your cats might experience during the flight. Give your cats a short drink of water and some exercise immediately before placing them in the carrier.[23]
- You can bring solid or moist cat food in your carry-on bag in case there’s a delay.[24] Check with your airline to see their guidelines on feeding animals on a flight.[25]
- Consider trimming your cats’ nails before the flight to make sure they can’t damage the carrier or accidentally harm you when going through TSA and boarding the flight.
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Remove your cats from the carrier when going through TSA. Place the carrier on the belt so it can be x-rayed. Carry your cats through the screening process and follow TSA officers’ instructions. Once you’re done, return your cats to their carrier away from the security checkpoint.[26]
- In some cases, your cats might be able to walk through the screening process if they’re wearing a harness and leash.
- A TSA officer may give you an explosive trace detection swab to make sure there’s no explosive residue on your hands.
Expert Q&A
Tips
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Write your name, address, and phone number on the carrier and make sure your cats are wearing a tag with the same information.[27]Thanks
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Bring a photo of your cats on the flight with you in case they get lost.[28]Thanks
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When in the airport and going through TSA, look out for K-9 units and handlers that might scare your cats.[29]Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.petsthattravel.com/flying-with-cats/
- ↑ https://www.petsthattravel.com/flying-with-cats/
- ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/flying-with-your-cat
- ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/flying-with-your-cat
- ↑ https://www.iata.org/contentassets/b0016da92c86449f850fe9560827bbea/guidance_for_passengers_traveling_with_their_dog_or_cat_in_the_cabin_final.pdf
- ↑ https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/plane-talk-traveling-animals
- ↑ https://www.southwest.com/help/booking/pet-policy
- ↑ https://www.southwest.com/help/booking/pet-policy
- ↑ https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/live-animals/pets/
- ↑ https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/travel/traveling-with-pets.html
- ↑ https://www.southwest.com/help/booking/pet-policy
- ↑ https://www.petrelocation.com/cats/how-much-does-it-cost-to-ship-a-cat
- ↑ https://www.humanesociety.org/blog/delta-congress-move-improve-airline-travel-pets
- ↑ https://www.petrelocation.com/cats/how-much-does-it-cost-to-ship-a-cat
- ↑ https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/travel-safely-your-pet-car-airplane-ship-or-train
- ↑ https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/live-animals/pets/
- ↑ https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/live-animals/pets/
- ↑ https://www.delta.com/us/en/pet-travel/overview
- ↑ https://www.aspcapro.org/sites/default/files/resource/downloads/2020-2020-06/aspca-teaching-cats-to-ride-in-carriers.pdf
- ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/travel-safety-tips
- ↑ https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/getting-a-cat/how-to-choose-and-use-a-cat-carrier
- ↑ https://www.iata.org/contentassets/b0016da92c86449f850fe9560827bbea/guidance_for_passengers_traveling_with_their_dog_or_cat_in_the_cabin_final.pdf
- ↑ https://www.iata.org/contentassets/b0016da92c86449f850fe9560827bbea/guidance_for_passengers_traveling_with_their_dog_or_cat_in_the_cabin_final.pdf
- ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/pet-food-solid
- ↑ https://www.aacargo.com/learn/animals-faqs.html
- ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2022/12/14/tsa-offers-tips-traveling-small-pets-through-security-checkpoint
- ↑ https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/plane-talk-traveling-animals
- ↑ https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/plane-talk-traveling-animals
- ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2022/12/14/tsa-offers-tips-traveling-small-pets-through-security-checkpoint