Recently, I saw a short video on Facebook (a Real) from a page called ‘One-Eared Uno’ about a cat named Uno traveling on an airplane as an in-cabin pet. Since I’ve written extensively about traveling with cats on planes, I was curious to see if the video offered helpful advice.
After watching it closely, I realized it was more clickbait than informative. I tried to reach out to the content creator about this, but received no response. So, I decided to dispel this video misinformation and point you to the right direction.
Taking Your Cat Out of the Kennel
In the video, Uno the cat is removed from his kennel in a public area and interacts with strangers. While this might be an option for some cats, it’s generally not recommended for most.
Why? Cats are creatures of habit and security. When you take a cat to a new place with unfamiliar smells and noises, their stress levels can rise significantly.
Additionally, the video shows Uno near a dog. For obvious reasons, this should be avoided.
Instead, try this: When at the airport, find a quiet area away from crowds and noise. Keep your cat covered at all times, with a small portion exposed so they can see you. A sleeping pod or family restroom can be great options for a private, calm space where your cat can stroll, use the litter box, or have a bite. Airport dog patches are obviously not a place for a cat, too.
Feeding Before Flight
The video shows Uno eating before boarding. This can lead to unpleasant consequences. Cats with full stomachs are more likely to vomit during the flight, especially if there’s turbulence.
Avoid feeding your cat for at least 2 hours before the flight. This will help prevent the risk of nausea and vomiting.
Medication for Anxiety
In the video Uno is given 1 mg Gabapentin to keep him calm during the flight. Many cats benefit from anxiety-reducing medications for travel or vet visits. Gabapentin is sometimes prescribed by veterinarians to help ease anxiety. However, never give your cat medication without consulting your vet.
Important: Airlines generally do not allow sedated animals on board. This is because sedation poses a significant health risk, including the possibility of death. If your cat is found to be sedated during check-in or boarding, you may be denied boarding.
My personal advice: Avoid giving your cat sedatives or stress-relief medications. The combination of cabin pressure, altitude, noise, and other factors will stress your cat, that’s certain. But I’d rather have a stressed cat than one that risks its life due to sedative drugs.
Keeping Your Cat Secure During Flight
The video shows Uno out of his carrier on his owner’s lap. While this might look cute, it’s incredibly dangerous and could be life-threatening.
Turbulence can happen at any time, without warning. If your cat is out of their carrier during turbulence, they could be thrown upward with such force that it could be fatal.
In the video is also stated that “FAA regulations require your a cat to be securely stowed under the seat in front of you. That is incorrect. The FAA does not have specific regulations requiring cats to be stowed under the seat in front of you. However, most airlines have their own policies regarding pets in the cabin, which often include requirements that the pet carrier be small enough to fit under the seat.
It’s always best to check with your specific airline for their exact requirements before traveling with your pet. They can provide you with information about carrier size, fees, and any other necessary documentation. However, many owners take the carrier onto their lap. Here’s how to secure it:
- Empty seat: Place the carrier on the empty seat next to you and buckle it in with the seat belt.
- No empty seat: Extend the shoulder strap, place it over and under the carrier, and then buckle your seat belt. This will help prevent the carrier from flying away during turbulence.
Don’t Overpack Your Cat Carrier
The video suggests using a carrier with extra pockets for personal electronics. While this might seem convenient, it’s important to prioritize your cat’s well-being over electronics.
Overpacking can make the carrier uncomfortable for your cat. Instead, pack your electronics in a separate bag.
Remember: You paid a pet fee to bring your cat on board, so the carrier doesn’t count toward your personal item allowance as the video states.
Cat Litter and Customs
While I haven’t personally experienced it, it’s possible that TSA might check cat litter for explosives.
If you’re traveling internationally with your cat, be prepared to dispose of any dry cat food upon entry into the U.S. This happened to me once.
While the video “One-Eared Uno” might seem lighthearted, it contains misleading information that could put your cat at risk. Traveling with your feline friend can be a smooth journey if you prioritize their comfort and safety.
Remember, keep them secure in a carrier at the airport, avoid feeding them close to flight time, and never medicate them without consulting a vet.
During the flight, the carrier goes under the seat for safety, and electronics should be packed separately.
Finally, be prepared for potential TSA checks of cat litter and possible restrictions on dry cat food when entering the US.
With proper planning and these tips, you and your cat can enjoy a stress-free and safe flying adventure.
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