Please do not put your cat through the x-ray machine. Airport
x-ray machines are set at very high dosage levels because they are expecting to only
examine non-living items. X-rays are very dangerous for you and your pet so
please take the extra time and energy to remove your cat from his carrier.
This will save you and your pet a lot of pain and grief in the future.
If you're traveling in the USA, you'll want to leave yourself plenty of time for the
added security -- and possible education of the TSA agents. Although the
TSA's web site
clearly states that pets should never be put through an x-ray machine, there are stories
that show that all the agents aren't up to speed on this topic. Read
one story of agents overstepping
their authority.
Remember before you take your cat out of his carrier to get rid of all extra metal
from your pockets (e.g. coins, keys, metal tags on your cat's collar --
if there's too much total metal between you and your cat, the alarm goes off). It's really
frustrating when you keep setting off the alarm and you have a squirming cat in your arms.
We usually inform the airline attendants that we're traveling with
a cat and request that we be allowed to pre-board. Even if the airline doesn't
offer the convenience of pre-boarding, the attendants usually
move us toward the front of the line once we explain how this
could prevent our cat from disturbing their other passengers.
RC prefers sitting by the window ... okay, okay ... I prefer to sit by the window
... but he benefits by getting one stable wall so no one can jostle him. We
usually don't put a suitcase under the seat next to him which gives him
more air flow. We figure stretching our feet out beside him probably adds to his
comfort because he detects our scent ... of course, we don't mind the convenience.
If the flight lasts for over 7 hours, I take RC to the restroom with a
disposable litter box. If we're flying on one of
the more modern airplanes, I look for the restroom for the handicapped ...
they are spacious and heavenly when you're trying to cram yourself, a litter box,
and a restless cat inside. Otherwise, see if one of the restrooms has a
diaper changing table. It gives you more surface space, but be sure
to set up the litter box on the floor -- you don't want a sudden shift in the
plane to dump your cat and his box. :)
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It's taken RC a while to realize when we're traveling and
a litter box is offered, he should grab the chance to use it. RC seems to
have a 10 to 11 hour bladder and if I can set up a litter box for him 8 to 9 hours
after the last time he used it, he'll usually take care of business in seconds.
It's important to wait until he shows some sign of restlessness or else it's
almost always a wasted effort. Another trick that often works is to feed him
in the rest room. He often munchies up and then empties out in minutes.
Of course, we're always prepared for "accidents"
and if this is your kitty's first flight, I'd be sure to be ready for your cat
to spend more time looking around than using the box ... eventually nature will
resolve the issue.
Documents and Red Tape
It doesn't seem to matter where we travel, RC needs a current vet's certificate
and rabies certificate to travel by air. Check with both the departure and
destination
countries about their specific requirements for
entering and leaving the country with a four legged friend. RC had to get an
export license to fly out of Costa Rica and Thailand, but those have been exceptions.
Generally, it's the destination country that has special requirements.
If you're flying within the USA or from the USA to another country,
then you'll need an
US Interstate and International Certificate of Health Examination for Small Animals.
Your vet should be able to supply this with ease. Although
many European countries don't require the International Certificate be authenticated
by the USDA, we think it's worth the extra effort ... the last thing we want is to
be told RC can't enter the country because we needed another
stamp that's only available on the other side of the Atlantic. See the
FAQ for more details about the international
health certificate, authentication, plus
quarantine and import policies.
If you fly into Mexico, be sure to keep the Mexican Ministry of Health Certificate
that you'll receive at the airport. Waving this document around anytime someone questions
whether your cat should travel with you makes most challenges disappear.
Flying to and in Europe is as easy as it gets. RC
entered Europe the first time via Switzerland and never had to show his papers nor
was he inspected by the officials. Another trip into Germany was almost as hassle
free, except the official did verify his Rabies vaccination was current.
A travelogue I saw several years ago suggests that France has a similar easy
entry policy. After traveling for 14 months in Europe, I suspect any European
country that allows pets to visit quarantine free will make the entry as seamless.
If you have specific questions about your cat flying with you,
see the frequently asked questions section.
