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It is no secret that every cat parent wants to spend more time with its beloved feline baby.
Because of that, many cat parents decide to take their cats with them on vacation.
As ideal as it may sound, taking a cat out of the country requires meeting several legal requirements.
It also requires considering the cat’s well-being during the travel itself.
We all know that our beloved felines are incredibly fond of their homes and familiar environments.
Taking them out of that familiar environment is stressful, especially when the craft is already in the air.
Being in large and moving planes is something cats dislike in general. And what about their needs during the flight? Where are cats supposed to pee and poop while on a plane?
Are Cats allowed in the Cabin?
To avoid a cargo journey, do your homework on the airline you want to use before scheduling a flight with your cat.
A cargo trip is not ideal, particularly if you take connecting flights rather than a direct one.
During the changeover, your pet in the cargo hold may be on the wrong aircraft.
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, Air Canada, Air Europa, Air France, and United Airlines allow you to travel with your cat in the cabin, although the criteria vary.
For example, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Air Canada, and JetBlue restrict carriers weighing more than 20 pounds.
In addition, all airlines restrict the number of pets permitted in the cabin, so book your ticket early to ensure a spot.
Cat Bathrooms on a Plane
Regardless of the flight’s length, chances are your furry feline will, at one point, have to use the bathroom.
Even if you and your cat are facing an extremely short flight, you must be prepared and assume your cat will need to pee at least during the trip.
This is because flying is a stress-inductor that makes cats nervous.
Nervous cats are more prone to frequent urination and require regular trips to the cat bathroom.
The best way to provide your cat with a personal bathroom on the plane is to purchase a specially designed portable litter box.
Instead of investing in a high-end portable litter box, you can make one yourself. All you need to do is find a shoebox cut to 2 inches high.
Additionally, alongside the litter box, do not forget to purchase several small-sized litter bags with zip locks and a small bag of cat litter.
Depending on the length of the journey and your cat’s needs, you will need to make a bathroom schedule.
When the time is right, take your cat and its portable litter box to the restroom.
Assemble the box and let your cat use it. Again, it is important not to push things forward.
Chances are your cat will want to explore the surroundings before using its toilet.
Once it investigates and feels comfortable in the new environment, your cat will use the bathroom. Then, you can pick up the pee/poop and put it in the small bags.
Alternatively, you can put several absorbent pads in your cat’s carrier – that will keep things clean and fresh for a little while.
The absorbent pads are the right solution for shorter trips. Longer trips require investing in a portable litter box or making one yourself.
Conclusion
Traveling with your cat is not as easy as it may sound. But, on the contrary, it can be quite a challenge.
During the trip, the well-being of your beloved feline baby is your responsibility.
To make the traveling as pleasant as possible, please check the regulations for your country and the country you visit.
Purrfect n’ Pawesome is the brainchild of Amanda, who has been into researching and writing about pets to help other pet parents in nurturing their adorable pets. Currently, she runs Purrfect n’ Pawesome along with her team of experienced and dedicated pet experts. Along with being an awesome writer and entrepreneur, Amanda is a cat mom to two innocently spoiled cats, Balanca and Scruffy.
She has been writing about pet care and nurturing and wants to share her readers’ experiences, learnings, and knowledge.
Over the years, she had the opportunity to work with various pet owners having multiple breeds, and that exposure gave her experience and the lessons of a lifetime.
Her family, her entire universe revolves around her two cats, who give her endless support and inspiration to move ahead with her objectives in life. Amanda is a live example of a balanced approach to all parenthood questions we all face in life.
