Flying with a cat in the cabin
 

Hi.. any experiences or advice when flying with a cat? Soft-sided or hard-carrier preference? Thank you!

I've done this! The number one question, with a bullet, is: will your cat fit under the seat in front of you, sans carrier? B/c if he won't, he'll be really uncomfy squashed into a carrier that small. Having said that, we used a soft-sided, and would NOT do so again: even though it was a good brand, it tended to collapse on top of the beast along the top, and he spent a lot of time trying to claw his way out. I would suggest a hard-sided carrier that is as big as it can possibly be and still fit under the seat; the airline will give you the dimensions.<BR><BR>Also, you do know that you have to buy a ticket for the cat, right? You do, in part b/c the airline can then deal with any feline-allergics on the flight, by either re-scheduling them or you.<BR><BR>Good luck to you! Btw, we flew overseas with 5 cats: 2 under the seats, 3 in the hold. The 2 in the cabin did OK, though it was hard on them; the other 3 seem to have suffered, and I would avoid doing that to them again. However, everyone survived!

<BR>I will tell you my cat in the plane story and probably show my age at the same time:)<BR>I flew from LA to NYC with my little tiny kitten in my purse! No xrays at that time, so no one was the wiser, and before I am bombarded with scorn for doing such a thing, I was very young and the kitten ended up sleeping in my lap or being petted and fed by the flight crew. <BR>Today I would get the smallest hard sided carrier, I bet First Class would have more room for a carrier under those seats! But then, would the cat pay First Class too! Yikes~

Be VERY careful to pay attention to the plane.<BR>I carried on a cat in a hard-sided carrier on a small commuter plane in the winter. <BR>I did not realize the heating vents were on the floor.<BR>I checked the cat periodically just to be safe, and luckily noticed she was panting and gasping and moved her carrier up to the seat beside me before I had a disaster!<BR>Good luck.

I usually just get him a seat because he really likes the in-flight video and then I can eat his bag of peanuts because he's allergic to nuts. That &quot;train your cat to use the toilet&quot; video is finally paying off.

I traveled recently with 3 cats when I helped a friend move from Seattle to Sacramento. We went on Alaska Airlines--the cats did not need tickets--there were 3 of us (people) and we eached carried a cat on as our carry-on. We had 2 soft carriers and 1 hard--all were very large cats (Manx) and we had no bad incidents (they were surprising quiet) except Spencer did pee in his carrier, but Shama and Pathos were just fine. (I think we, the people, were more nervous about it than the cats.)<BR><BR>Good luck!

I used a hard case. Also, most airlines require a health certificate from the vet. We were really lucky when I flew cross country with my kitty (LA to NY) we got bumbped up to first class! She really enjoyed the smoked salmon for dinner.<BR><BR>I would also put something very &quot;worn&quot; with your scent on it in her carrier. Not so bad everyone around is going 'Whooooo who hasn't taken a shower in 3 years??!!&quot; I've heard it comforts the kitty to have your scent right next to them.<BR><BR>Funny story - &gt; when we got bumped up to first class, some stoggy old fart in the seat across the aisle from me said &quot;I trust you will keep that beast in its cage!&quot; I looked at him and said &quot;I trust you will be saying in your seat all night too, sir!&quot; I immediately got a little blanket to put over me and Jude slipped up onto my lap content for the 7 hour flight. (She HATES being in cages and would bash her face on the metal mesh til she bled!!) <BR><BR>I also gave her a little tranquilizer from the vet &quot;just in case&quot; but never needed to use. She's an awesome traveler! :)<BR><BR>Good luck and hopefully that old guy won't be on the same flight as you.

Loki, very funny!!<BR><BR>I wish my pup could fly so easily as a little cat. But he definitely would require his own seat, so until I can afford my own plane, he stays with the sitter:(

I traveled cross country with my cat in a hard case, under the seat. I gave him a tranquilizer from the vet and he slept the entire trip. He was very grumpy, and still a bit wobbly when I got to the hotel. The cat didn't need a ticket, but I did have to pay $25, I think, that was 5 yrs ago. Best of luck!

When my Mom flies down from MAine on AMerican she keeps that cat in the cabin with her. He travels in a soft carrier as it fit better under the seat in front of her. The vet gives him a little vailum and he is good to go. <BR> American charges 75.00 for him to fly in the cabin, no vet papers and he was removed at the Xray counter and he was examinde to make sure he was a real cat and that he was not packing any weapons. I kid you not, he was basically strip searched.

<BR>Mrsbu, did they make him take his little shoes off too? And what about underwires, or is the cat a boy?<BR>Lol, I can just picture the agent, holding this cat, checking it out. My cat would have started purring and tried to wash the agent! My daughters cat would have bitten him:lol

Thank you so much for your stories.. Maybe we need to build a sub - pet travelers guide!<BR><BR>United's fee is $80 which is not too bad. I've heard pros and cons about sedating the cat. However, if you dare to take this psycho cat out of the carrier at x-ray.. they had better figure out a way that she is going back in! She spits and hooks her claws in nicely! Haha.. once is enough!<BR><BR>Also, a friend suggested bringing one of those aluminum baking pans.. and do the kitty litter thing. on the layover in the bathroom... haha.. Has anyone tried this?<BR><BR>I have flown overseas with a dog and bird and it's much tougher on us! BUT they were in cargo!<BR><BR>Thank you!

We have a friend whose son works with baggage screeners at Logan (Boston). Recently a dog skelaton showed up on x-ray machine for carry-ons. Turns out someone was trying to smuggle her live dog onto plane in her carry-on. (I wonder if the dog now glows in the dark)

I talked with my vet about sedating my cats for travelling. He says it's worse for them if they travel in cargo, because it's colder in there and there's nobody to check on them and see if they're OK. He's heard of sedated cats dying while being transported in cargo. He doesn't see anything worrisome about sedating them if they need it and they're travelling in the cabin; you can get them to respond to you every so often, and you'll know yourself whether they're too cold or too hot. There is some kind of kitty litter equivalent that I've seen on a website - wish I could remember the details - that you can put in the carrier for plane trips, long car trips, etc.

I have heard that you should use the &quot;wee wee pads&quot; instead of litter, that you should never sedate dogs, they can choke on their tongues etc...<BR>We just need to work on the airlines so the critters can have their own cabin, airline or seat:)

I have a great idea!! A petfriendly airline. Buy one seat and get one for pet of your choice!! A play area for dogs!! Probably not the safest, but we can't go anywhere because we HATE to board our doggies. Now I have a new business idea!<BR>

Am I the only one that is disturbed by cats in the cabin? I would much rather sit next to a chain smoking frenchie then a cat. I am highly allergic to cats, have had to have an adrenilin shot because it triggers killer asthma for me where as nothing else would. I would be pitching a fit if the person next to me had a cat with them. Sorry, JMHO but I think they shouldn't be allowed in the cabin.

No Monique, I am sure you are not the only one disturbed by cats on the plane. <BR> Fortunately , although I have allergies, cats and dogs don't bother me, but I would still rather sit next to a dog or a cat than a chain smoking anybody! or someone who decided to bathe in her favorite sickening perfume.<BR> But that is another thread:)

I'm sure you're not the only one disturbed by it, but I would personally much rather sit next to a cat than a baby or very young child.

Monique, I suggest you always tell the airline about your allergy when you fly; when I booked my cats, the airline informed me that if any of the other passengers on the flight declared an animal allergy in advance, I would have to be bumped from the flight, which I thought was perfectly fair.<BR>

We moved from Cincinnati to Buenos Aires and the two cats did fine in the cabin with us...even though they had to be in their bags for 16 hours. We chose to sedate them..it worked great for one he slept the entire time...the other fought it and was lethargic for about three days, but all in all just fine. Alos didnot have to buy a ticket just pay a fee. BTW some airlines won't take pets in the cabin on international travel.

I flew with a kitten, that I found in the middle of nowhere (Roseman Bridge)who was barely 2 months old from Madison County,Iowa to California. I used a hard-sided carrier. He was a perfect angel all the way home. I had an old t-shirt of mine with him.<BR><BR>Only problem was, he had the worse case of gas. The girl next to me (1st class drama queen) kept complaining everytime he did. I apologized but she continued to do so. I eventually tuned her out.<BR><BR>Turned out Madison was extremely sick, but with a lot of love, care and money he's now a very healthy chubby cat.<BR><BR>

Madison, I am sure that I am not the only person who has had the unpleasant experience of flying next to a Person with a gas problem, so I would not complain about a tiny little kitten:)<BR>Although as you mention Drama Queen, they always do seem to book a few on each flight don't they? Almost as if there is some list that they are on, so the airline can distribute them evenly, no one gets to fly without one:lol

We have a Doberman, a Jack Russell and a Maine Coon.<BR>The Maine Coon poots with much less frequency or volume, but makes up for it with odiferousness.<BR>However, I'd still take a gassy cat over: (I've experienced ALL of these)<BR>1.) Screaming baby<BR>2.) Toddler in seat behind me intent on putting out my eye with a Power Ranger<BR>3.) Large man snoring on me in last row of plane after eating terminal hot dog<BR>4.) Infant with diapers being changed during 2 hour tarmac wait after apparent &quot;gastrointestinal distress.&quot;<BR>5.) Obsessive-compulsive man behind me kicking my seat rhythmically and humming &quot;ohmmmm.&quot;<BR>6.) Non-stop &quot;Talking Granny&quot; with chronic halitosis.<BR>7.) Salesman Bob trying to pick me up.<BR>8.) Drunken revelers going to someplace fun when I'm on a business trip. (OK! So maybe I'm just jealous.)<BR>9.) ANY seat within 10 feet of a bathroom on any return flight from Mexico.<BR>

Diana,<BR><BR>Strangely enough, i've encountered quite a bit of those as well. But, i'll add one. <BR><BR>10) Mary Kay cosmetics salesperson on way home from Mary Kay event, intent on selling unwanted Mary Kay products. <BR><BR>No gripe about the products per se, I just didn't want any.

Diana,<BR>then there is the person (large,small,young or old) that coughs and sneezes through the entire flight..

Scarlett &amp; Diana your remarks are priceless. <BR><BR>Thanks<BR><BR>

<BR>Scarlett Diana<BR><BR>After many years of flying on business you brought back lots of memories--albeit not all good!!!<BR>Think I've met all those types also.<BR>Never did bump in to a gassy cat though unless you count that 35 year old girl who must have had quite a night!!!!

This is one of the funniest posts I have read in a long time---<BR><BR>A glowing dog?!! LOL and Loki---sharing your cats peanuts with the cat peeing viedo--TOO TOO funny..<BR><BR>While I have a little dog, I am apprehensive to take her on a plane as I think she would freak- and CARGO--NEVER!!! She is way too precious to me.<BR><BR>I too would take a PET over a screaming kid ANYDAY!!<BR><BR>Pet friendly airline- buy one,get seat for pet free?!!! PERFECT!! Sign me up!

For the person who posted about a new business idea: there actually is a pet airline launching. Companion Air. They havent taken their first flight yet as I gather its a long wait for the regulatory board approvals. But it should be interesting once it launches.

<BR><BR>I can just picture that airline/airplane.<BR>Hydrants everywhere for the dogs to relieve themselves. Shops selling biscuits and bones instead of bagels and hotdogs. Instead of book stores, they will have all the squeaky toys and little pillows and balls with I LOVE NY on them.<BR>Then there is the plane itself:)<BR>Two seats on each side, one really wide to accomodate a large curled up hound or a couple of kitties who must fly together. In the front and in the back, a small room with a litter box and a hydrant. Attendants come around with trays of bottled water, bones and biscuits. Long wide aisles for those who still need to &quot;go for a walk&quot;....<BR>and little doggie and cat blankets for overnight flights when the a/c is too much. :o) Pup says sign him up!

LOL, if only that was the way it was...dogs would be in heaven I'm sure. I think the dogs still have to be crated, are placed in the back of the plane, but you are free to &quot;visit&quot; them!Also, as flying permits, they will allow your &quot;companion&quot; out! And yes, I think they serve &quot;doggie snacks&quot;!<BR>As long as my guy doesnt have to go into cargo, I'm interested!

<BR>I remember a long time ago, we took a ship home from Hawaii and there were dogs in large kennels on board. The would be taken out and walked anytime they wanted, it was so cool:)<BR>although it takes sooo much time and I get seasick, I think if I were moving to Europe, I would have to do it that way, to be sure Pup lived through the trip.:)

Hey Diana and Ann - you forgot one other:<BR><BR>Sitting in the center seat between two VERY LARGE people that are each taking one third of your seat, thus you are squished and look like you are having an epileptic seizure while merely attempting to take a sip of water!<BR><BR>Yep - I definitely deserved 2/3 of my fare back because I only got to use 1/3 of my seat!!!

Oh Ann, I feel your pain.<BR>Scarlett, those people who hack and wheeze the whole time make me want to fly in a plastic bubble. Didn't their mamas teach them to cover their mouths?<BR>Oh yeah, how could I forget them wlongman?<BR>Even some people who are not overweight like to really S-P-R-E-A-D out and commandeer the armrests on both sides when you first get seated so ya have to sit there with your hands in your lap and your arms stuck to you ribs the whole trip.<BR>Gang, we also forgot :<BR><BR>Teen listening to Marilyn Manson or other headbanger stuff on Walkman with cheap headphones allowing you to hear &quot;Chemical Warfare, oh yeah, Chemical Warfare&quot; for the duration.<BR><BR>Lady trimming nails - clip, clip, clip.<BR><BR>Two women having a long animated conversation about their physical maladies. &quot;Well, my gynocologist said... blah blah blah.&quot;<BR><BR>Man telling his coworkers on flight to sales convention all about his new sportscar, golf game, big deal, new house, wife's implants, etc. etc. yada yada.<BR><BR>Oh, the pleasures of travel! Sign me up for Companion Air's first flight. The animals are better behaved.<BR><BR>

at least a pet won't cry, push/shove, take up to much room...and my personal favorite...my seat being kicked repeatedly during the whole flight(s) by the kid/or super tall passenger behind me. are we there yet?

<BR>**The person that sits behind you and talks (loudly because his/her ears are plugged up) while everyone else on the plane is trying to sleep, with his light on! :)<BR>My little cat is quiet, smells good, and never leaves the light on.

Friend and I were flying first class from Charlotte to Rome, Italy a couple of years ago. She broke one of her nails stowing her carryon. As soon as she gets the nail glue out and opens it, we hit a big pocket of turbulence, nail glue goes flying through first class managing to cover everyone and everything. Needless to say, everyone was pissed and complained about the smell for 8 hours.<BR><BR>Moral of the story? No nail glue on the plane.

OMG! Imagine the cat got stuck with the nail glue!! Then there would really be some complaining, especially from the cat! Lol~

Diana-one more...<BR>- woman behind you giving self full manicure- w/polish remover then polish, then topcoat.