Making Air Travel a Pleasant Experience For Your Animal
Okay, maybe it won’t ever really be pleasant for your cat, but you can lessen the negativity by planning ahead and making your kitty as comfortable as possible during the journey. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Make sure she is okay in her crate for long periods of time. A commercial flight isn’t the best time to introduce your feline to her
crate. She should be familiar with it beforehand, and feel comfortable sleeping in it and spending time there. Make it a comforting place with a few
toys, some familiar bedding, and maybe a treat or two.
Notify the flight crew and attendants that you have a live animal in cargo hold. If they’re made aware of your cat, they’ll be able to care for her during the flight, and also keep her in mind during any layovers or delays on the flight. It can also help her avoid spending long periods of time out on the tarmac with all the other luggage.
Ask your vet about medication to help her relax. If your cat has had trouble traveling in the past, a tranquilizer might be an option to consider. It’s not really recommended if she doesn’t need it, because in some cases it can interfere with your animal’s breathing, but in extreme cases of agitation or stress, it will be the best thing you can do. Make sure to get your vet’s approval and complete instructions on how to administer the medication throughout the trip.
