Planning your cat's journey means considering their response to the carrier, unfamiliar surroundings and handling, alongside their age, size and individual needs. The next step is to check which arrangements every flight on the itinerary accepts.
What should I tell you about my cat?
Gather their age, breed or type, weight and approximate measurements. Describe their experience with the carrier and response to unfamiliar people or surroundings. When several cats travel, each animal and the proposed transport arrangements need to be assessed individually.
- Details and needs of each cat separately.
- Carrier dimensions, if you already have one.
- Previous journeys and handling difficulties.
How should I prepare the carrier?
Do not assume a carrier is suitable because it was used on an earlier journey. Check its dimensions and design against the operating airline's conditions. Allow time for your cat to become gradually familiar with the carrier they will use.
Observing how your cat enters and remains inside can reveal difficulties before departure. The dedicated guide explains carrier selection and preparation in more detail.
What should I plan for at the airport?
Explain how your cat responds to handling and whether leaving the carrier in unfamiliar surroundings has caused difficulties. Handling during checks must be coordinated with the staff responsible and the applicable instructions.
Agree who will manage the cat and the documents, particularly when several people or animals are travelling. Do not assume procedures will be identical at every airport.
What if my cat is young, older or needs particular care?
Ask your vet whether the journey is suitable for your cat's circumstances and share the needs that should be considered. Accepted ages and entry requirements depend on the airline and countries involved.
Individual circumstances can affect journey duration, connections or handling. They are best assessed before the itinerary is confirmed.
Can my cat travel in the cabin?
This depends on the cat, carrier and conditions on every flight. Cabin travel (PETC) and accompanied hold travel on the same flight as the companion (AVIH) are different arrangements; weight alone does not determine the choice.
Who accompanies my cat?
If the owner is not travelling, a professional may accompany the pet through Pet Nanny. If the owner is travelling and wants a professional to accompany both of them, the service is Chaperone. Preparation and coordination are included in both services; the scope is agreed for the journey.
SERVICESExplore the Pet Nanny service →
SERVICESExplore the Chaperone service →
How do I arrange arrival?
Confirm who accompanies the cat, who receives it, the handover location and contact details. Communicate itinerary changes so coordination can be reviewed.
What should be confirmed before booking?
Confirm your cat's acceptance on every flight, the approved carrier, suitable connections and the documents for the itinerary. A passenger ticket does not, by itself, confirm a place for the cat.
Check the procedures and document checklist for the actual origin and destination. Travel brings together that information and access to a journey assessment.
