Taking cats on an airplane

[linda]

I learned a few lessons the hard way about traveling with cats on a plane.

First of all, make your reservations as early as possible because airlines often limit the number of pets that can ride in the passenger cabin of each flight. Then make sure you are assigned a seat that will fit your cats carrier -- sometimes the space under an aisle seat can be too small.

Double check the dimension that the airline allows for a kennel in the passenger cabin. Zippered soft kennels are good because they're flexible, but make sure they have LOTS of cushioning.

Permanently label your cat's kennel with your name, address, and telephone number - write it with an indelible pen on the side. Make sure your cat is wearing a collar, leash, and ID tag. Some airlines will check to make sure that your cat can stand and turn around in its kennel or they won't allow it on, so if your cat is really big you might have problems fitting into a kennel they will allow. Plus you want your cat to be comfortable anyway!

[JamesMead]

I once brought my kid's pet cat with us on the plane, and the process has taken us so long (3 hours!) that we decided never to bring any pet during plane travels ever again!

[Bernard]

What scares me the most is 6 months quarantine, for example, if i go to China or Russia, my cat should be on quarantine for 6 months after that! Everyone should be very careful about taking pets on the plane!

[Nikolap]

It is best to keep your pets away from such dangers. It is not so hard to ask your friend or relative to take care of your pet while you are gone.

[johnnymac]

Originally Posted by Nikolap

It is best to keep your pets away from such dangers. It is not so hard to ask your friend or relative to take care of your pet while you are gone.

hmm.. that reminds me of Beverly hills chihuahua

[todobigo]

I just read about the first cat to be diagnosed with H1N1, a.k.a Swine Flu, which he contracted from his owner. It's apparently not a serious illness in felines according to the Cornell University report that I read, but still -- we know air travel can be a breeding ground for illness and it certainly is for spreading that particular epidemic.

Better be safe than sorry. Has anyone ever seen kat kleenex?