How to properly transport a cat on a plane and what size carrier is needed

Buying a ticket and reserving a place for a cat

Most airlines give their customers the opportunity to reserve a seat in advance, including for pets. However, only a cat of a certain weight can be transported in the cabin (for example, according to Aeroflot policy, the total weight of the pet and the carrier should not exceed 9 kg). In all other cases, the pet is sent to the luggage compartment.

Transporting a cat by airline is extremely stressful for the pet and its owner.

Note! Cats may be refused transportation if the luggage compartment of the aircraft is not heated or the number of quotas - permitted places - is exceeded. However, if you managed to book the ticket, then this problem will not arise.

Those flying for the first time should contact the carrier and obtain detailed information about the current rules for transporting pets. Basic booking rules for cat owners:

a pet is treated as oversized luggage that can be taken with you into the cabin. Therefore, its weight should not exceed the parameter established by the carrier;
It is important to pay attention to the possibility of making free changes. Paid ones can be expensive;
Information about transporting animals should be provided in advance. For example, according to Aeroflot policy, it must be received no less than 36 hours before departure;
Before booking and purchasing tickets, it is important to weigh your pet and measure the dimensions of the carrier.

Important! Some carriers categorically refuse to transport cats and dogs, and this is their right. The owner has only one thing left to do - choose another flight.

If you overcome all the difficulties, flying a cat on an airplane will become possible

New rules for transporting cats on planes

Parliamentarians propose increasing the weight parameters of an animal (dog or cat) to 10 kilograms and giving owners the right to buy a neighboring chair to install a larger carrier and secure it. In this case, you can get away from the restrictions on the weight of pets, which is now eight kilograms.

“Airlines do not ban pets on board, but they do have strict rules. You can take your pet with you into the cabin or check it in as special cargo. The choice of the appropriate method depends on the weight of the pet. It must be remembered that transporting a cat or dog is impossible without documents,” explains civil lawyer Igor Cherny.

The preparation of proposals began after the sensational story with the cat Victor. Then his owner replaced the well-fed pet with another, so as not to check it in as luggage. The Ministry of Transport reported that issues of transporting animals by air are being studied within the framework of an interdepartmental working group. It is noted that among the proposals there will be a requirement to stipulate in legislation the liability of airlines for the death of pets.

“No more than five animals can be in the aircraft cabin at the same time. Therefore, when booking or purchasing a flight ticket, you must inform a company employee that the passenger is flying with his pet. Animals whose weight does not exceed eight kilograms are allowed into the salon. In this case, the cat must be in a special container or cage. It can accommodate no more than two pets,” says civil lawyer Igor Cherny.

A cat can be transported on an airplane in a soft bag with a hard bottom. But this is provided that it is small in size. When transporting such animals on board an aircraft, you need to pay a certain amount. Airlines prohibit leaving containers or cages near emergency exits. There is also a ban on placing them under the passenger seat.

“To transport pets in the cargo hold, you will also need a container. There can only be one cat in it. Animals flying in the cargo hold are checked in as special baggage. To do this, their owners need to go to the reception desk. The container with the pet will be weighed and a sign will be placed on it with information. This must be done so that if the cat is lost, it can be delivered to the owner. The air carrier must be notified that the passenger is traveling with their pet no later than 36 hours before departure. By this time, you will also need to collect the necessary documents, which will be issued by the veterinarian,” says civil lawyer Igor Cherny.

List of required documents

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The list of required documents differs depending on whether you plan to travel around Russia or travel abroad. In the first case, the main document is a certificate stating that the animal is vaccinated against rabies. It is important that vaccination is carried out more than 21 days before departure. Veterinarians indicate the date of the injection on the certificate, so there is no need to repeat the procedure immediately before the flight; they are vaccinated against rabies once a year.

Note! If it is necessary to transport kittens with a mother cat, then there is no need to vaccinate the babies; it is enough that the mother is vaccinated.

A wider list of documents will be required if the animal is traveling on an airplane for sale or to participate in an exhibition. In addition to the vaccination certificate, you will need a F1 certificate. However, the purpose of a cat’s flight is rarely specified, so in some cases the submission of this document can be safely avoided.

When transporting pregnant cats, you will need permission from a veterinarian for transportation. It is important that the duration of pregnancy is at least 1/3 of the term. However, the migration of such animals is extremely undesirable.

Flying abroad involves collecting documents that comply with the internal policies of the country being visited. It is important to familiarize yourself with them first. Possible options:

certificate F1, which is changed to certificate 5A at the airport. Within 3 months it can be used to bring the pet back;
European standard certificate when visiting an EU state. The animal will have to be microchipped first.

For your information! If the cat is traveling unaccompanied, then the list of documents is completely similar and depends on the destination.

An international veterinary passport is required when flying abroad

Veterinary regulations of the country

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When considering how to transport a cat on a plane abroad, it is important to find out what rules apply in the country you are visiting. Features of some states:

visiting Australia for cats from Russia is only possible if the animal is transported through an accredited country. But even in this case, upon arrival, the pet will be quarantined for 10 days;
England. Transportation is permitted only in the luggage box. The owner must have a document confirming that he does not intend to sell the pet;
Israel. A visit is possible only if the pet has had a blood test for antibodies;
Thailand. The country's quarantine service must be notified 15 days in advance that an arrival is planned. The owner independently writes an e-mail, in which he indicates the flight information, cat breed, address, and his contact information. You need to attach scanned copies of your passport and cat documents. The quarantine service will also respond by email. The received permit must be printed and presented at customs;
Türkiye. You can bring a cat into this country only in a licensed container with reliable fastenings. The animal must be clean and healthy, the dimensions of the container are no more than 115 cm in the sum of three dimensions (length + width + height). The maximum weight of the pet and carrier is up to 9 kg. If the owner has visited the carrier’s website and cannot translate what is written there, it is worth contacting a native speaker.

Each state has its own laws, and they must be followed.

Animals in the luggage or cargo area

A request to transport an animal in the luggage/cargo compartment is accepted for consideration by the airline no earlier than 48 hours before flight departure.

If the weight of an animal exceeds 8 kg, then travel for it is provided only in the luggage/cargo compartment; transportation is carried out in the luggage compartments of the aircraft in passenger containers (cages):

The size of the container should not exceed 280 cm in the sum of three dimensions, with a height of no more than 80 cm, length/width of no more than 100 cm
The weight of the animal, taking into account the weight of the container (cage), should be no more than 50 kg
The size of the container (cage) must allow the animal to stand up to its full height and rotate 360 degrees around its axis
Have a strong frame and connections so that the animal cannot gnaw or scratch them and escape
Ventilate on three sides. The main ventilation should be on the sides of the container (cage);
Have ventilation holes of such a size that the animal cannot stick its nose or paws through them, and have no sharp edges or protrusions
Be clean, with a waterproof bottom and sufficient water-absorbent material (absorbent bedding)
Have a side around the perimeter of the bottom of the container (cage) to prevent spillage of the absorbent material. The use of straw as bedding is prohibited
Have handles to ensure the transfer of the container (cage)

Attention! Transporting animals in wire containers is prohibited.

Animals must not be transported in luggage/cargo compartments that contain food cargo.

Carrying requirements

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They are different for different transport companies, so before booking and purchasing tickets you should familiarize yourself with this section of the transportation rules. The most general requirements are as follows:

the total weight of the cat and the shipping container is 8-9 kg;
the total length, width and height of the box must be 125 cm or less;
length parameter - 35 cm or lower;
must be made of durable material;
presence of two handles;
Air holes are required.

Note! If the requirements are not met, the cat will have to travel in the luggage compartment. In this case, purchase a plastic container with hard walls; using soft bags is unacceptable.

A high-quality carrier is an opportunity to reduce stress for your pet

Is it possible to take a cat to the salon?

Most transport companies practice this method of transporting an animal, as it helps to get rid of unnecessary problems. A pet that is close to its owner experiences less stress and will not continuously meow or show aggression. In addition, if the cat is near the owner, then it is he who bears most of the responsibility, and not the carrier. Therefore, you should not think that carriage in the cabin is denied “out of harm’s way”. On the contrary, this method is more profitable and simpler for companies. But they are forced to think about the comfort and safety of other passengers, which is why they develop certain rules.

Important! Transporting a cat is only possible in a carrier with a solid bottom. This can be a special box with hard walls or a comfortable soft bag made of fabric.

If your pet does travel in luggage, you need a tight container equipped with reliable fastenings.

Preliminary preparation:

Place a diaper made of absorbent material on the bottom, on which the cat will go to the toilet. Filler cannot be used; there is a high risk that it will crumble.
You can put your cat's favorite toy or item in the carrier, this will help reduce stress somewhat.
You should not feed your pet before departure, but you can give him water.

Some owners transport cats after giving them sleeping pills. The method is effective, but dangerous, since such drugs have an extremely negative effect on the health of animals. They can only be given if there is a recommendation from a veterinarian, for example, if the animal is terrified of flying out, and it will not be possible to transport it otherwise.

The best way to transport cats is in the cabin next to the owner.

How to transport a cat on a plane

Carrying cats on an airplane in 2022 depends on the rules of the airline you choose. Tariffs and conditions are indicated in a special section on the official website of any carrier.

Call the hotline and find out if you can take your cat with you on a particular flight. You may be refused if you already have too many pets on board: for example, S7 allows only two animals in the cabin, while most companies have five pets.

Important: you must notify the airline that you are flying with a cat no later than 36 hours before departure.

What documents do you need to take with you when traveling around Russia?

In order to fly with a cat within Russia, you will have to obtain a veterinary passport and get the necessary vaccinations. This will be indicated in state certificate No. 1. The documents must be completed in advance at the veterinary institution.
A microchipping certificate is not required for flights within Russia.
The animal must be vaccinated against rabies . This is why it is impossible to transport kittens under 12 weeks of age on an airplane - they have not yet been given such a vaccine. You need to get vaccinated at least 30 days before your flight.

Which cat can you take to the salon?

Airlines allow cats weighing up to 8-12 kilograms to be transported on planes. Pobeda and Aeroflot, for example, have a standard of no more than 8 kg.

A cat must not weigh more than 8 kg to be allowed to fly in the cabin. Photo: globallookpress.com

You will definitely be required to have the cat in a special carrying container. For small animals, a bag with soft sides is allowed, but for those who weigh more than five kilos, a container with hard walls and a floor in which the pet can easily stand up to its full height is required.

Is it possible to send a cat to the cargo area?

The same rules apply for cats as for other pets. If you weigh more than 12 kilos, go in your luggage. But experts are against it, because it is a huge stress for animals.

If transportation of a cat in the cargo compartment of an airplane cannot be avoided, it must be checked in as baggage: a piece of paper with the name of the pet, indicating its breed, age, name and telephone number of the owner is pasted onto the cage. Before the flight, check the accommodation conditions for the cat and whether the luggage compartment is heated.

What type of carrier is needed for a cat on an airplane?

For cats up to 5 kilograms, a carrier with soft sides is suitable. For the rest, you definitely need to buy a bag or cage with solid walls. Dimensions must be confirmed with the carrier. If the bag is larger, you will not be allowed on the plane.

Please check with the air carrier in advance about the permissible carrying dimensions. Photo: Andrey ABRAMOV

The bag must be made of durable material, the doors must have a lock so that the pet cannot get out.

It is better to put special napkins or diapers at the bottom of the bag, put a sippy bowl with water or put a piece of ice. Take your favorite toy on the flight, this will make the animal calmer and more familiar. Be sure to bring specific medications with you if your pet is taking them.

Rules during the flight

Carrying cats on an airplane in 2022 involves the following cabin rules:

you cannot be with your animal near the emergency exit (such seats will not be assigned to you and changing to them during the flight is prohibited);
Officially , you cannot let a cat out of a carrier during a flight. Of course, you can try this, but only if the neighbors do not mind and do not complain to the steward. If the airline staff asked you to put your pet in your bag, you should not argue with them, this is fraught with problems and a fine;
the carrier bag with the animal cannot be placed on the next chair ; the cage or bag must be held in your arms;
We will try to provide passengers with animals with more comfortable seats - for example, in the first row. But only if they are not occupied by people with disabilities and children.

In the luggage compartment

This method is used by those owners who are forced to transport very large animals or several cats at the same time. According to the rules of most air carriers, it is allowed to take into the cabin a carrier bag with one cat, which will always be in the owner’s line of sight, that is, in his arms. It is unacceptable to place a bag under a seat or next to an emergency exit, as it is contrary to safety rules.

Therefore, if there are several animals, then there is only one way out - to use the luggage box. On modern aircraft, this compartment is heated, boxes with pets are placed in a row and fixed.

Note! Separate ones do not transport cats in the cabin at all, so pets inevitably go into the luggage box.

Cost of transporting a cat on an airplane

Since a pet in airline parlance is luggage, the cost of a flight for it is charged at baggage rates. The amount may vary depending on the specific carrier:

within the country - 2600-4000 rubles;
abroad - from 7000-8000 rubles* and above.

For most cats, flying is extremely stressful.

Preparing your pet for flight

Transporting a cat on an airplane requires mandatory preliminary preparation of the pet. 4 hours before departure you should not give him food, but you can give him water. A container of water is placed in the container; it is allowed to put some entertainment for the pet there.

Important! You should not give sedatives without a veterinarian's prescription.

It is important to accustom your cat to a carrier bag in advance to save him from unnecessary stress. Some inexperienced owners force cats into a container, which is why the animal becomes afraid almost immediately. It is important that the pet perceives everything that happens as a game, which is why they introduce the bag at home, leaving it open and giving the cat the opportunity to examine it. After this, you can take the animal outside in the same container to make sure it is safe. Only after such preparation can you choose an airline and book a ticket.

It is recommended to have with you:

garbage bags;
wet wipes;
water and dry food to feed and drink your pet upon arrival;
disposable diapers;
disinfectant to get rid of unpleasant odors.

Note! Some carriers refuse to transport kittens under 4 months of age, that is, the age when animals can receive the necessary vaccinations. To avoid troubles, this point must be clarified before booking a ticket.

Preliminary preparation for the flight will help get rid of troubles on the plane

Animals in the cabin

Transportation of cats, dogs and birds in the aircraft cabin is carried out only with the consent of the airline and provided that they are accompanied by an adult passenger, exclusively in the economy class cabin; transportation of animals in the business class cabin is prohibited. The service for transporting pets and birds is not provided on flights shared with S7 Airlines YC-4027/4028, YC-4071/4072, YC-4073/4074.

Conditions for transporting animals in the aircraft cabin:

Only one pet in a cage (cat, dog, bird) or a maximum of 2 animals of the same litter in one cage with a total weight not exceeding the norm is allowed for transportation in the aircraft cabin per passenger.
The weight of the animal(s) together with the cage should not exceed 8 kg
Animals must be kept in a container or cage

The container/cage must:

Do not exceed 115 cm in the sum of three dimensions, while the height of the cage is no more than 35 cm, width and depth no more than 40 cm
Allow the animal to stand up to its full height and turn 360 degrees around its axis
Have a strong frame and connections so that the animal cannot gnaw or scratch them and escape
Ventilate on three sides. The main ventilation should be on the sides of the container (cage)
Have ventilation holes of such a size that the animal cannot stick its nose or paws through them, and have no sharp edges or protrusions
Be clean, with a waterproof bottom and sufficient water-absorbent material (absorbent bedding)
Have a side around the perimeter of the bottom of the container (cage) to prevent spillage of the absorbent material. The use of straw as bedding is prohibited
Have handles for easy carrying
Wicker containers/carrying bags can be used when transporting cats and dogs weighing up to 3 kg

Attention! Transporting animals in wire containers is prohibited.

Receiving cats after a flight

After the plane lands at the airport, your pet can be collected in a special locker located next to the baggage claim point. The specific location depends on the design of the premises and is determined directly at the airport. Animals are usually handed over on special trolleys after luggage has been handed over to passengers.

For your information! If the flight involves a transfer, then pets located in the luggage compartment will be moved to another aircraft by airport staff. No action is required from the owner.

Cases when transportation is not possible

To transport a cat by air, it is important that it is vaccinated against rabies, as well as against panleukopenia. After these vaccines, the veterinary passport contains a doctor’s note about the date of the injection, the drug, and there must be a stamp from the institution and the doctor’s signature. In addition, airline specialists have the right to refuse boarding to an animal that has not undergone anthelmintic treatment.

Note! Persian cats and other pets with upturned noses are at high risk. The specific anatomical structure makes it difficult for them to breathe during the flight, so if possible, it is better to transport them in another way, for example, on the Pobeda train.

It is unacceptable to transport infected, sick animals, as well as those on which experiments were conducted, on airplanes. In addition, when studying the question of how to transport a cat on an airplane, you should keep in mind that it will not be possible to transport the animal without a carrier.

Flying is stressful for cats and humans, but following the rules will help avoid a lot of problems.

These are the basic rules, compliance with which will help you easily transport a cat on an airplane across Russia or to distant destinations. The most important thing is to prioritize your pet’s comfort and think about how to reduce stress for him.

*Prices in the article are for February 2022.

Story No. 1

Our cat left the apartment only for trips to the veterinarian - she was timid. It was necessary to calm her down before the flight, so about two weeks before the flight they began to feed her with Vetpokoin on the doctor’s recommendation. We went to see him in advance for a consultation, and also clarified all the nuances of transportation with Aeroflot. We got vaccinated and showed a passport with all the marks at the airport. Nothing more was needed. Valentina V. , Flew with a cat from Vladivostok to Moscow (cat age 5.5 years, British breed)

Yes

Valya did everything right. It is imperative to go to the veterinarian: no Internet or cat lovers forums can replace consultation with a specialist. There are more phlegmatic animals, and there are more restless or aggressive ones. It is for the latter that veterinarians prescribe sedatives. This is safe and even useful: the flight will be less stressful for the animal.

It is also important when purchasing a ticket or immediately after, if you buy online, to call the airline and coordinate the transportation of the animal. We emphasize that this is critically important, since each type of aircraft has restrictions on the number of animals transported in the cabin and in the luggage compartment, as well as on their compatibility on one flight. It is imperative to obtain confirmation from the airline that the transportation of animals is permitted on a particular aircraft.

On the way to the airport, the cat meowed wildly. We hoped that we would still take her into the cabin with us, but we were worried that she would drive other passengers crazy with her screams. We asked where the cat would fly after veterinary control at the airport. It turned out that the cage did not fit the dimensions, and we had to check it in as luggage. We missed this moment because the move was sudden. They didn’t think about it, in general.

No

Valya can be understood - he had enough other things to do before leaving. But it’s still worth knowing in advance where and how the cat will fly. This is affected by the total weight, that is, the weight of the animal plus the weight of the cage with all blankets and diapers. In order for the cat to enter the salon with you, the total weight cannot exceed 8 kg. The main requirement is a rigid cage. Soft carriers are only suitable for carriage in the cabin.

Now imagine the weight of a plastic cage with a cat inside and draw a conclusion. If the cat is no longer an elegant young doe, you will most likely have to check it in as luggage. Think about this in advance, calculate the weight and check with the carrier where the cat will fly, so as not to cry from sudden separation before departure.

By the way, unlike dogs, the structure of the skull and the breed of cats do not affect anything. Even Persians with a flattened muzzle can easily endure the flight. You can't fly with just wild cats. Pugs are jealous!

Our flight was delayed, the animals were loaded separately, and the cages sat next to the plane for some time, and this was in November! It seems that we suffered more than these animals. If we have to fly again, we’ll think about how to take the cat with us into the cabin. I don’t think she will be less afraid, but we will definitely be calmer.