Travel Tips: How to Fly With a Cat

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Tags: Cats, Helping Pets, Holidays, living-with-your-cat, Summer Pet Safety, travel-tips-how-to-fly-with-a-cat-summersafetytips

1. Never fly your cat in cargo.

Make sure to book a flight that will allow your cat to be in the cabin with you. Check out some past pet-friendly airlines who have allowed pets in the cabin. (Photo: Thinkstock)

2. Visit your veterinarian

Check with your veterinarian to be sure that your cat is healthy enough to travel as well as to gather any papers and documents you’ll need. While you’re there, be sure to ask these questions of your veterinarian as well. (Photo: Thinkstock)

3. Try to book a direct flight

Doing so can minimize stress for your cat — and in turn, for you! (Photo: Thinkstock)

4. Check your carrier

Be sure that your carrier fits the airline’s requirements. Your cat should be able to stand up, lay down and turn around without any discomfort. Worried that your cat will hate the carrier? Try these steps to help your cat like his carrier at the start of your travel planning. (Photo: Thinkstock)

5. Confirm your hotels

Call and confirm that any hotels where you’ll be staying will also allow your cat. Worried about how your cat will behave in the hotel? Watch this video for tips for helping pets have safe hotel stays. (Photo: Thinkstock)

6. Don't forget identification

Check that your cat is wearing an easy-to-read tag on his collar. Don’t forget to also check that your cat’s microchip information is up-to-date. Haven’t microchipped your cat yet? Read why microchipping is so important. (Photo: Thinkstock)

7. Check the timing with your veterinarian

Ask your vet how often you should offer your cat food, water and access to the litter box while you’re en route to your destination. (Photo: Thinkstock)

8. Pack extra supplies

If your cat requires special food or medications, be sure to pack extra to avoid emergencies. (Photo: Thinkstock)

9. Prepare for stress

If your cat tends to be easily stressed, talk to your vet ahead of time about possible medical help. (Photo: Thinkstock)

10. Before you leave

Exercise your cat with some playtime and provide food and water (unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian). (Photo: Thinkstock)

11. Share the infographic!

See all these tips in one easy-to-share infographic! Click through for the full-size image along with the code to easily emebd it on your own site or blog.

12. Tell us!

Comment below to tell us how you’ll protect your cat on your next plane trip!  Then click the slide above to explore more Summer Pet Safety materials.

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