How to transport a cat long distance with minimal complications

Where will the animal fly: in the cabin or in the luggage compartment

Dogs commonly fly as service or emotional support animals. On this American Airlines flight, a specially trained miniature horse was allowed into the cabin along with the passenger.

Transporting animals in the cabin as hand luggage

Pets are usually allowed into the cabin if they weigh up to 8 kg together with the carrier. Occasionally it can reach up to 10 kg - for example, Alitalia.

For maximum weight and carrying requirements, see the airline's website. Among the general rules: the size of the container is 105–135 cm in the sum of three dimensions, it is well ventilated and closes securely, the bottom does not leak (can be covered with a disposable baby diaper), the pet inside stands up to its full height and does not rest its head on the lid.

From February 14, 2021, Aeroflot has reduced the size of containers for transporting animals in hand luggage. Now the size of a carrying bag in the sum of three dimensions should not exceed 126 cm, and a rigid container cannot be more than 44x30x26 cm in length, height and width.

Airlines typically allow both soft and hard carriers for dogs and cats in carry-on luggage. In the cabin they are placed under the seat in front. According to the rules, the pet must sit in its temporary house during the entire flight. Sometimes they are allowed to put two animals in one container.

Some airlines don't allow pets in your hand luggage if you're flying business class; Finnair says this is because there's no space for cages under the seats.

A service dog and a guide dog will also fly in the cabin - even if they are lean shepherd dogs. Such animals need documents about their “profession” (in addition to all others), they must be wearing a collar and muzzle. The owner may need proof of disability. Psychological support dogs may be carried in the cabin or in the hold, depending on airline regulations.

As a rule, pets are taken into the cabin in addition to the usual piece of hand luggage, and not instead. Naturally, for money - read how to buy a plane ticket for a pet.

In some destinations, transporting animals in hand luggage is prohibited, for example, to the UK, where animals are sent only by cargo. Airlines have similar rules: on Emirates planes, all animals are sent to the hold.

Transporting animals by plane will be hassle-free if you follow simple instructions.

Transporting animals in luggage

Animals that, together with the container, weigh more than 8 kg will have to be checked in as baggage. They can also send a dog of an aggressive breed there, even if its weight makes it into the salon.

The maximum weight depends on the aircraft - 50 kg, for UIA - 75 kg, and may depend on the direction. If your pet is heavier than expected, it can be sent as cargo. In what other cases this may be useful, read the article about the official rules for transporting pets.

Which carrier to buy for an airplane

A regular cage is not suitable for transporting an animal into the luggage compartment. It's easiest to ask the store for a container that meets the IATA standard, but be sure to double-check that it matches your airline's requirements. Here, for example, are the rules for transporting animals at Aeroflot.

Fighting dogs may require reinforced cages: to give you an idea of ​​what we're talking about, here's a description of them on the Lufthansa website. For heavy dogs, it makes sense to add wheels to the crate, but be sure to remove them before putting them in your luggage.

Before the flight, the bottom of the cage is covered with waterproof diapers: stick it with tape so that it does not move out. Alternatively, you can use special absorbent diapers for animals. Place a blanket or blanket on top.

Do I need to feed animals during the flight?

There are different opinions about pet food in luggage. Many people are afraid that their dog will get an upset stomach due to stress, so they don’t feed them at all on the day of the flight. Others provide a small treat before the flight. If you are not sure, consult your veterinarian. Water is usually poured. To prevent it from spilling during loading, experienced owners, before sending it to the luggage compartment, ask for ice at the nearest cafe and put it in the drinking bowl.

If you are not bringing a dog or a cat , everything is more complicated. Read what animals cannot be transported in hand luggage and luggage and what to do if yours is among those prohibited.

Where did the superstition “the cat sat on the car” come from?

Most signs have their origins in ancient customs and historical events. For example, previously mirrors and salt were expensive, so spilling salt and breaking a mirror was considered bad luck.

Superstitions associated with cats also have historical background. In the Middle Ages, people died en masse from epidemics, infections carried by rats, including cats. Therefore, they were afraid of cats and tried to avoid them.

Each country has its own signs, they are associated with generally accepted traditions and way of life. In North Africa they believe that a black cat will bring happiness; among the Slavs it is a symbol of evil spirits and dark magic. In one country, a cat in a car is a sign of joy, in another it is a sign of misfortune. Signs are formed in the minds of the people gradually, and their meaning is transmitted and modified from generation to generation.

To believe signs or not is up to each person. You can find a logical explanation for the belief, or you can intuitively put sacred meaning into it. The sign “a cat sat on a car” was formed recently; this superstition does not have a rich past. Depending on the situation, different interpretations of the sign are possible, both positive and negative. The negative influence of superstition can be avoided, the main thing is your internal positive attitude, belief in the good and attentiveness to your safety.

Transportation of animals by air. How dogs and cats cope with flying in the luggage compartment

Transporting animals on an airplane is an exciting experience for everyone.
But stress can be reduced. There are horror stories on the Internet about frost on cages and pneumonia in dogs and cats after a flight in luggage. This is nonsense: the luggage compartments in which animals are transported are ventilated and heated. The climate is not a resort, but at least +10–15 °C will be provided, and sometimes +25 °C happens. The exact temperature depends on the aircraft model and can be obtained from the airline customer service. Alert owners already on board ask the senior flight attendant to confirm that the heating is turned on in the luggage compartment.

But it is true that animals get nervous and sometimes fall into real panic in an unfamiliar place without their owners. Many are lucky, and in the darkness or dim light of the luggage compartment, their faithful friends calm down and fall asleep. In other cases, the pet howls the entire flight and by hook or by crook breaks out of the cage.

How to calm your dog or cat before a flight

In order for your dog or cat to endure the flight more calmly, it is worth preparing them well in advance. Six months in advance, or even earlier, buy a carrier that meets the airline's requirements, put a cozy, familiar bedding and toys in it - it should become a favorite corner, not a detention cell. Let the animal get used to the cage at home.

Many people use sedatives and/or sleeping pills to transport animals in luggage. Be careful with them: on the one hand, the animal is less afraid, and on the other, no one knows how the introduced substances will affect the body during overload. This is a case where it is easy to cause harm, so be sure to consult your veterinarian about medications and, if possible, use proven products to which your pet has no adverse reactions. Place a sticker on the container with the name of the product, dose and time of administration.

Some veterinarians believe that it is worth giving your dog or cat mild herbal sedatives like “Fitex” or “Kot Bayun” 7-10 days in advance, and not giving or injecting anything on the day of the flight. Discuss the exact regimen with your doctor.

“There was a veterinary service at the airport that you could contact with a request to inject the animal with sleeping pills for the duration of the flight. We contacted us in advance, so by the time we arrived, a doctor was already waiting for us with a syringe at the ready. We checked our flight, estimated the time, and the doctor assured that the dog would definitely sleep even longer than the flight. They injected me - and then the flight began to be postponed. First for two hours, then for another three, in the end we took off 8 hours later.

When it became clear that there definitely wouldn’t be enough anesthesia (our flight lasted 10 hours), we found the same veterinarian, but he, naturally, refused to add more. As a result, the dog woke up at the beginning of the flight and spent another 8 hours in a cage in the luggage compartment. Then it turned out that with her teeth she bent the metal bars of the cage, half a finger thick, and tore the mattress into small shreds. Before the flight, she was a tender and emotional young lady. And at the arrival airport we received an inappropriate hysteria - forever.”

Stanislava Evminova shared her sad experience of flying with a dog

Don't be scared! More often than not, everything goes well: read a story with a happy ending about flying with a dog to Samui and look at the inspiring photos published by Irina Goldman, who has traveled halfway around the world with her husky named Space.

“Space has been traveling since he was 4 months old, and in the last year alone we have had 20 flights. She is my best friend, and I am sure that a dog left without an owner for two weeks is more stressed than a few hours in the luggage compartment. Before the first flight, to make her feel comfortable, I trained her to crate. Now there are always favorite treats and a blanket there. I don't give you a sedative. Space is already used to it and can easily handle even transatlantic flights.”

Traveler Irina Goldman

How to prepare your cat for a trip

Prepare for any trip in advance. This also applies to animals. Since they themselves are not aware of what awaits them, it is the owner’s job to mentally and physically prepare the pet to remain in conditions of discomfort. After all, any vehicle, and especially a car, is always vibration, new smells and sounds. And most animals react negatively to such changes. The pulse and breathing quicken, the animal may become aggressive, begin to “complain” loudly and try to escape. If he gets hot, he can go to the toilet under himself. These problems must be avoided.

You can start preparing by taking sedatives. It's a good idea to consult your veterinarian before doing this. But if you don’t want to visit an animal clinic, you can use homeopathic sedatives yourself. They are sold in pharmacies and pet stores. The essence of the method is to calm and dampen the cat’s reactions to stimuli in advance.

Shortly before the trip, the cat can be introduced to the car. The animal must be given the opportunity to smell, walk around, and feel the atmosphere of the car. This will make it possible to slightly reduce fear. After all, when she finds herself in the car as a passenger, the place will not seem unfamiliar to her, and it will be a little easier to get used to the vibration.

How to buy a plane ticket for a dog, cat or other animal

First, make sure that the airline allows you to carry your pet. The most reliable way to transport a specific pet is directly to the carrier.

Select a date and flight, and before purchasing , call the airline and ask if you can bring your pet. Airlines have restrictions on the number of animals on a flight: for example, no more than two cages can fly in the S7 cabin at a time. Antagonistic animals, for example, a cat and a dog, may be denied transportation in the same cabin. This means that if another passenger has already informed the airline that they will fly with a dog in their hand luggage, then they will offer to check your cat in their luggage.

If transportation is given the go-ahead, then buy a ticket and immediately call the airline back to coordinate the transportation of the animal. The deadline for such a call is 36–72 hours before the flight departure (depending on the airline), but it is better not to delay so that other passengers do not take up the pet quota. The call center will either immediately confirm the transport of the animal or call you back in a day or two.

“I usually book a ticket without paying, then call the airline and say that I’m flying with a dog. Having received confirmation that the quota for animals has not been selected, I buy the ticket and call again to get final permission to transport.”

Traveler Sergei Markovsky, who often flies with his Airedale terrier Arto

How and by when you need to pay for transporting an animal, check with the call center. You may be asked to pay at the airport at a special ticket office during check-in, in advance on the airline’s website, or by phone via a voice menu.

The cat is afraid to ride in the car: reasons

We all know how careful our beloved cats are. To get used to a new environment, they need a lot of time: a small predator, getting into a new place, tries to sniff and examine every nook and cranny. In the car, the animal is bombarded with a whole avalanche of new and mostly unpleasant sensations.

These are, first of all, new smells. Agree, the “aroma” of a car is not always pleasant to a person: it often smells of fuel or other auto chemicals. Let’s not forget that our mustachioed friends feel all this much more strongly. The chemistry just hits their delicate noses. And the notorious air fresheners, which, in our opinion, somewhat improve the situation, also stink unbearably for cats.

New sounds also frighten the cat. The sudden roar of a running engine, the sound of a car horn, music pouring from car speakers - all this cacophony drives the cat crazy. We remember that a cat’s hearing, like its sense of smell, is much more sensitive than ours. And the noise is unpleasant to their ears, designed to hear the lightest mouse steps. And if a sudden traffic situation made fellow travelers scream, then all hell breaks loose. Panic settles in the cat's heart.

The car shaking, the landscape flashing outside the window - all this is so different from the cat’s usual home environment. If you travel on public transport, to all this is added a large number of strangers, whom many cats also treat with great distrust. What happens, what will follow this nightmare? The animal cannot understand. And besides, the car does not have the main symbol of peace and stability - your favorite bowl! This is why every cat is afraid to ride in a car.

How much does it cost to bring a dog or cat on a plane?

Ready for takeoff!
Animals are not included in baggage allowance and are not carried free of charge by any airline.

Only guide dogs accompanying blind or deaf passengers and service dogs, and sometimes psychological support dogs, fly without additional payment.

Payment for other pets depends on the airline and comes in two types: fixed and by weight. Weigh the animal along with the container.

The cat is afraid to ride in a car: signs

Most pets are vocal about their fear. Many owners know that a cat's hysteria associated with a car ride can last the entire trip - sometimes for several hours. Heartbreaking meowing, the desire to break free and run away, sudden aggression - this is how a cat’s fear manifests itself. In addition, most pets begin to salivate excessively when they panic. Many cats breathe with their tongues hanging out and their mouths open, like dogs. Wet paws (after all, cats only sweat through their pads), clumps of fur, trembling - all these are signs that your cat is deathly afraid of such trips.

How much does it cost to transport dogs and cats on different airlines?

AirlineOne way transportation priceAeroflot On flights within Russia - 3,750 rubles, on international flights from September 15, 2021 - 200 $ or € (depending on the route, previously it was only 75 $). UTair On direct flights within Russia: in the cabin - 3,000 rubles ., in luggage a pet weighing up to 20 kg - 3000 rubles, 21-30 kg - 6000 rubles, 31-50 kg - 9000 rubles. On direct international flights: in the cabin - 50 €, in luggage for a pet weighing up to 20 kg - 50 €, 21-30 kg - 100 €, 31-50 kg - 150 €. Ural Airlines On flights within Russia - 2500 rubles, in the CIS - 35 €, in non-CIS countries - 60 €. Pobeda Transports animals in a container with a total weight of up to 8 kg only in the cabin. 1999 rubles online and through the call center; 3000 rubles at a Russian airport; 55 euros at a foreign airport. Nordwind (“North Wind”) Transports animals only in the cabin. On flights within Russia - 2250 rubles, on international flights - from 35 to 62 $ or € (depending on the route). Turkish Airlines On flights within Turkey: in the cabin - 80 liras, in luggage for a pet weighing 9-15 kg - 120 liras, 16-22 kg - 180 liras, 23-28 kg - 220 liras, more than 28 kg - 260 liras. On direct international flights: the price is calculated by weight according to excess baggage rates, but not less than $70 in the cabin and $140 in the luggage compartment. Lufthansa On flights within Europe: in the cabin - 60 €, in the luggage compartment a container with dimensions of 60x45x40 cm – 100 €, dimensions up to 105×75×79 cm – 200 €. On flights outside Europe: in the cabin - 70–110 €, in the luggage compartment container with dimensions 60x45x40 cm - 130-190 €, with dimensions 105x75x79 cm - 260-380 €.Aegean AirlinesPrice depends on the season: from November 1 to December 31 and from January 1 to June 15 there is a low tariff, and from June 16 to October 31 there is a high tariff. On flights within Greece: in the cabin - 20/30 €, in luggage for a pet weighing up to 25 kg - 40-50 €, over 25 kg - 80-90 €. On international flights: in the cabin - 50-60 €, in luggage for a pet weighing up to 25 kg - 95-105 €, more than 25 kg - 160-170 €.airBalticIn the cabin - 50 €. In the luggage compartment: pet weighing up to 32 kg - 100 €, 33–75 kg - 200 €. Belavia In the cabin - 50 €, in the luggage compartment: pet weighing up to 32 kg - 100 €, 32-70 kg - 150 € .Alitalia On flights within Italy: 40 €, on international flights - from 75 € to 170 $ (depending on the route).

Data current as of August 2021

If your cat gets sick in the car

Some cats get carsick. Signs that this is happening to your pet include:

• drooling and constant licking of the mouth;
• vomit;
• the cat breathes through its mouth.

2-3 hours before the start of the trip, do not feed the cat so that it has nothing to vomit. But if this does happen, you should always have a large amount of wet wipes ready to clean the interior.

In addition, you can use cat tablets against motion sickness, which are sold in veterinary pharmacies.

Where to go with an animal at the airport

Arrive at the airport 3-4 hours before departure to have time to sort out all the formalities.

At the entrance to the airport, the container is passed through a scanner, and the owner and the animal walk through the frame. To prevent a frightened animal from running away, it must be on a leash.

First, go through veterinary control. There are often queues there, and the average visit takes 30–40 minutes, or even more. If you are flying abroad, for speed, you can fill out the necessary certificates yourself and only have them certified on the spot. It happens that veterinary control does not work around the clock - check in advance. What documents will be required to pass veterinary control, read the article about the official rules for flying with a pet.

Next is check-in for the flight. Your documents for the animal will be checked, it will be weighed along with the carrier and sent to the ticket office to pay for transportation (except in cases where, according to airline rules, animals are paid for in advance). You will then return to the check-in counter and receive your boarding pass.

If the animal flies in the luggage compartment, then most likely you will need to take it to the oversized baggage reception desk.

On international flights, go through customs control and declare your pet before boarding. Read how to do this in a separate article.

After arrival, pick up the animal at the oversized baggage claim point or next to the regular baggage carousel. If you arrived from another country, go through veterinary and customs control.

“We flew from Kharkov to Riga via Kyiv with two cats. During the transfer we learned that the second flight had been postponed by 8.5 hours and was leaving early in the morning.

The airline representative said that they would provide us with a hotel without any problems. But when it turned out that the cats also needed to be accommodated, the employee immediately refused. After some bickering, we managed to call a senior manager, who, again after persuasion and attempts to prove that the cats were also passengers of the airline, we convinced him to look for the option of checking in with cats. After 10–15 minutes, a hotel was found that was ready to accept guests with animals. A friend went to the supermarket to get a tray and filler, and everyone spent the night peacefully.

But the adventures didn't end there. In Riga, customs officials said that certificates for the transportation of animals to EU countries, issued for cats at the Ukrainian airport, do not meet the requirements. In the end, they took pity and let us through, but warned us that in the future there might be problems with the export and import of these cats. Now we live in Latvia and don’t know if we can move somewhere with our mustachioed friends.”

Transportation of animals - personal experience: our reader Stanislav managed to ensure that, when the flight was delayed, the cats were accommodated in a hotel with their owners

What to take on the road

Before transporting your cat in the car, stock up on the necessary equipment. The most important will be:

• carrying;
• favorite toys;
• water;

A special plastic box or fabric bag equipped with good ventilation is used for carrying. You should not put your pet in a regular box or put it in a bag that is not suitable for this: this way you will avoid overheating and lack of oxygen. Place a diaper on the bottom. You can put your pet's favorite toy in the carrier. The familiar smell will have a calming effect.

If you don’t have a carrier, you can use a reliable harness. You should not let your animal roam freely around the car. A cat frightened by a sharp noise can attack the driver while driving, which can result in an emergency. Therefore, the animal must be well secured in place. A strong harness with reliable fastenings is suitable for this.

However, do not forget that a frightened animal can use its claws. Therefore, you can lay a thick towel on your knees, which will save the owner’s clothes and skin from scratches.

Need for food and water

You need to take the feeder with you only in case of a long multi-day trip. In this case, it is better to use dry food, which does not spoil so quickly.

Be sure to take a drinking bowl and clean still water with you. The pet needs to be given water during stops. The hotter it is inside the car, the more liquid the cat should drink.

Cats, like many other mammals, are prone to motion sickness in cars. There is no need to feed your pet right before the trip, otherwise the entire contents of its stomach may end up on the upholstery. At the first vomiting in the animal, it is worth stopping the car.

If the cat has never been transported by car, and its reaction to the trip is not clear, you need to get special tablets in advance. Veterinary pharmacies sell medications for motion sickness and vomiting.

Another serious danger for cats on the road (especially long-haired breeds) is overheating. In hot summers, the temperature inside a car can rise to critical levels, which often causes heat stroke.

Pay attention to the main signs of overheating in cats:

• frequent and heavy breathing with an open mouth;
• significant increase in body temperature;
• apathy;
• vomit.

If the air conditioner can't cope with the stuffiness, the cat needs help: drink water often to prevent dehydration, wet your hands with water and run them through the cat's fur. The interior of the car must be ventilated, but at the same time you need to be wary of drafts, because the animal may catch a cold.

You should not leave your cat in a parked car for too long, because your pet can overheat not only in the summer under the scorching sun, but also in winter by leaving the carrier near a hot stove.

There are cats that react excessively emotionally to trips. They can behave inappropriately, try to get out at any cost, hurting themselves and their owner. This kind of extreme stress can cause injury and serious illness. Therefore, some animals are given anesthesia or sleeping pills before the trip.

Remember that any sleeping drugs carry a serious burden on the body. Anesthesia can even be fatal for some cats. That is why it should not be abused, and can only be used in the most extreme cases. You can administer anesthesia or give sleeping pills to your pet only under the supervision of a veterinarian.

How to train your pet to travel in a car

Many people get cats as companions who will always be close to the owner. But do not forget that cats are territorial animals that become strongly attached to their home. That is why they are not particularly inclined to travel frequently and for long periods of time. Let's look at how to transport a cat in a car without stress and accustom him to frequent trips.

First, you need to train him to carry him. You can lay animal bedding in it, put your favorite toy or put a feeder. The cat must learn to enter the carrier without fear and feel relaxed in it.

You need to gradually accustom your cat to a harness. First, put it on your pet without walking it for 10 minutes every day. Afterwards, attach a leash to the harness and walk around the apartment with the cat. When your pet gets comfortable, you can start walking outside.

It is advisable to accustom a kitten to a car from childhood. Just don’t forget that by this time your pet must have all the required vaccinations. First, the cat can be placed in the car. Let the animal examine and sniff everything.

When the cat gets used to it a little, you can start the engine. At first, the animal may be frightened by the loud sound and vibration, but over time it will get used to it. Afterwards, you can go with your cat to the park or nature. In this case, the pet must be treated for fleas and ticks.

All necessary products for your pet can be purchased in the Beethoven or Pet online store.

To avoid problems during transportation, try using a few tips that will definitely help you along the way:

1. Do not limit walks to trips to the veterinarian, otherwise the cat will associate the car with unpleasant procedures.

2. During the trip, communicate with the cat: you can talk, stroke the face and sides. It is worth constantly checking its condition. If your cat becomes ill, stop the car and let the animal recover.

3. Make sure that the car doors are always well and tightly closed, as are the windows. If the cat finds a loophole through which it can run out, it will be very difficult to find it afterwards. To be on the safe side, you can put a collar on your cat with the owner's phone number.

4. Don't forget that all animals have individual character traits. It is not a fact that your cat will be able to get used to constant trips in the car. If the cat screams heart-rendingly, scratches and tries to get out of the car at any cost, the number of trips must be significantly reduced.

Such a pet will not become your travel companion. But if a cat sits calmly in your arms during a trip, looks around with interest and explores the world around him, calmly breathes through his nose, and allows himself to be stroked, then such an animal can be safely taken with you on walks in the car.

We looked at how to properly transport a cat in a car. You should prepare all the necessary equipment in advance. You should not transport your cat again if it is pregnant or sick.

And during the trip, the animal must be well secured so that it does not harm itself or others. At the end of the trip, feed your pet and leave it alone for a while so that it calms down and comes to its senses.

Personal experience of flying with an animal

Olga Shchelkunova moved to Samui and brought her dog Alma with her:

“We flew with Aeroflot. They have a direct flight to Bangkok, clear rules and a fixed rate for animals - 75 €. For some airlines, the price for an animal is calculated by weight, and for our twenty-kilogram dog together with the container it cost up to $600.

I’m an alarmist, so I called Aeroflot almost a year in advance and double-checked all the information from their website. I also bought tickets by phone: before purchasing, you need to send a request and receive confirmation that the animal is allowed on this particular flight. Confirmed immediately, no need to wait.

We started preparing the dog in advance - we took it with us everywhere, socialized it, showed it that there are cars, electric trains, loud noises, crowds of people. We didn’t give any sedatives on the day of the flight—I didn’t take the risk. But within ten days I started giving herbal sedative drops. We were introduced to the carrier six months before the trip - we wanted it to become a favorite home, where it was comfortable and safe. According to the rules, the container must comply with IATA standards. But our Gulliver 6 IATA carrier turned out to be bad - it cracked after a small fall, and then the little dog completely chewed off the lock from the inside, it’s good that this was after all the flights.

A month before the flight in Thailand, it was necessary to request permission to import the dog - it was sent by email.

In the queue for the veterinary control at Sheremetyevo, nothing happened at all for 40 minutes; I almost turned gray. And on the plane, immediately after takeoff, we asked the flight attendant if everything was okay in the special compartment. He called the elder, who assured us that everything was ok, and confirmed that the captain of the ship knew about the animal.

I was afraid that we would arrive and they would give me a frostbitten corpse. Fortunately, our dog survived the flight well. The only thing that angered her was that she was being taken somewhere away from us and then not immediately released. But as soon as we let the dog out of the carrier, she immediately happily jumped up on us, licked us and began to mark the bushes. I didn’t lose my appetite, and my enthusiasm didn’t diminish either.

The next day we were still flying from Bangkok to Koh Samui on a Bangkok Airways plane. They also have everything clear, prompt support service and a good tariff for transporting animals on domestic flights. After the flights, the dog was happy from the first day; we did not notice any signs of shock.”

Read more about how animal transportation works and what vaccinations and documents are needed to fly with a pet.

A cat is afraid to ride in a car: how to help a friend

What is the way out of this situation? Don't leave your cat alone at home for a long time! And the option of hotels for pets is not suitable for everyone for a number of reasons.

Ideally, of course, the cat’s acquaintance with the car should occur gradually. For the first time, just sit with the owner in the salon, sniff everything you need, and get to know an unfamiliar place. A little later - hear the sound of the engine, then drive a short distance. If all this takes place in a calm environment, the animal will see that the owner is calm and happy, the stress will not be so strong. And the age of the cat also matters - we all know that it is easiest to learn new things in childhood.

But, even if your pet has gone through all these stages, and even more so if this was not possible, you need to firmly understand one truth: you can only carry a cat in transport in a carrier. Only this will guarantee that you will successfully reach your destination. Neither a pet’s calm temperament nor its travel experience guarantees a cat’s reasonable behavior in an emergency situation. One can give an endless number of examples when a frightened animal caused serious accidents or, out of fear, caused injuries to itself or its owners.

That's why we put the cat in a carrier - we know how much our little friends love cozy houses. To keep your cat calm, you can lay out a bedding that your pet likes to sleep on at home. An absorbent diaper will also not be superfluous, especially if the animal is very impressionable. It is very important that the cat has the opportunity to drink.

By the way, many experienced cat travelers recommend giving preference to thick, well-ventilated and spacious plastic carriers on long trips. It is easier to secure the drinking bowl in this one, and it itself can be secured with a seat belt. And for the most delicate people and owners of spacious cars, there are tents for transportation - in such a “camping palace” you can even install a tray.

One more thing: if you know that your animal is easily excitable or is afraid that it will get motion sickness, consult your veterinarian in advance. He may prescribe you a sedative or a remedy for seasickness.

And, of course, the most important thing is a person’s behavior while traveling. Under no circumstances should you scold a frightened cat, shush it, or, especially, use force. A calm voice, kind words, a loving hand lying on the carrier will help the cat “take control of itself” and calm down.

Show your care and patience - and the result will definitely be good. There is a known case when a loving owner taught a young cat to ride a motorcycle with him. The world-famous red-haired “Englishman” Bob, as you know, always loved to ride with his man on the bus.

Let your travels always be pleasant - just like in that same cheerful song: “Tra-ta-ta, tra-ta-ta, we are taking a cat with us!..”

Svetlana Mosolova

In hot weather, you should never leave a cat in the car while you run out to run errands. Even if it's for 5 minutes. In sunny weather, the air temperature in a closed car rises to +40 +50 degrees Celsius in a matter of minutes - and the cat dies or, at best, suffers a heatstroke.

We always take the pet with us or leave someone in the car who will open the window or turn on the air conditioner.

In addition, in hot weather it is recommended to take with you a special cooling mat for cats and dogs.

so that the pet lies on it.

Transporting animals by plane: rules, tips and answers to the most frequently asked questions

Where do animals fly - in luggage or in the cabin? Usually only small animals are allowed into the aircraft cabin: together with the carrier, they must weigh up to 8 kg. In rare cases, pets that, together with the cage, weigh up to 10 kg are allowed in hand luggage. The rest of the animals fly in the luggage compartment.

Is it dangerous to transport an animal in luggage? The luggage compartments where animals are transported are quite comfortable: they are ventilated and heated. The exact temperature can be obtained from the airline support service. To prevent your pet from getting nervous in an unusual environment, prepare him for the flight in advance. Buy a carrier a few months before your flight, put familiar bedding and your pet's favorite toys in it, and let him sleep there. This will make the travel cage a cozy den for him. As for the use of sedatives and sleeping pills, consult your veterinarian: they are not always beneficial.

What kind of carrier do you need on a plane? Please check the airline's website for specific carrying requirements and maximum cage weight. The general rules for transporting animals are as follows: the size of the container is 105–135 cm in the sum of three dimensions, the carrier is well ventilated and securely closed. Make sure that the pet stands up to its full height inside and does not rest its head on the lid. The bottom should not leak - just to be sure, put a disposable baby diaper there.

What documents are needed to fly with animals? Transporting animals by plane requires a certain set of documents. A veterinary passport and veterinary certificate form No. 1 are required. Read more about documents for flying with a pet.

How to buy air tickets for a dog or cat? First of all, before booking your flights, call the airline and make sure that it allows you to carry your pet: there may be restrictions on the number or types of animals on flights. If transporting your pet is allowed, buy a ticket and call the airline immediately to coordinate the details. The deadline for such a call is 36–72 hours before departure. Don't wait until the last minute to make sure you hit your pet quota. The call center will tell you how and when to pay for the transportation of your animal. They may offer to pay when checking in at the airport at a special ticket office, in advance on the airline’s website, or by phone through the voice menu.

How much does it cost to transport animals by plane? As a rule, animals are transported on board the aircraft for a fee. Only guide dogs accompanying blind or deaf passengers and service dogs, and sometimes psychological support dogs, fly without additional payment. Payment for other animals depends on the airline and comes in two types: fixed and by weight. The pet is always weighed together with the container. Check your carrier's website for the latest requirements.

Do cats and dogs need vaccinations before flying? Yes, animals must be vaccinated before flying. The most important vaccination - against rabies - is done after microchipping. To enter Europe, for example, it must be done no later than 21 days before departure. Dogs also need to be vaccinated against canine distemper, hepatitis, viral enteritis, parvo- and adenovirus infections and leptospirosis. Cats - from panleukopenia. Minks and ferrets must be vaccinated against canine distemper, viral enteritis and pasteurellosis, and rabbits - against myxomatosis, pasteurellosis and viral hemorrhagic disease. See the exact list of vaccinations for transporting animals by air.

Transport equipment and accessories

The modern market for pet products is so extensive that you can find everything you need for almost any situation. Traveling with cats in a car has long been a part of some people’s lives, so experts have come up with and developed many devices to facilitate the process of transporting an animal.

Cat in the car

Note! It is not recommended to carry a cat in a car in your arms. This can be resorted to only if the animal is already familiar with the interior of the car, has become accustomed to it, and the trip promises to be short.

When traveling in a car, you need to purchase a special cat harness and keep it on throughout the entire journey. A leash is attached to the harness, the other end of which is tied to some object in the cabin. This is a necessary safety measure. The cat should be able to sit comfortably on the seat, but should not be allowed to move freely around the car.

Such devices are suitable for cats that can behave calmly in a car. But still, the best and safest accessory for transporting cats is a carrier bag. This is a special “container” that allows the cat to move around calmly in it, but at the same time eliminates the possibility of the animal escaping.

The carrying bag must meet the following requirements:

• The presence of holes that allow air to pass through (this can be a mesh wall or grille).
• The size of the container should correspond to the size of the cat - the animal should not be cramped.
• The presence of special holes for securing the leash.
• Stable bottom.
• Reliable walls and locks.

You should also get a small bed in advance. You should not place the cat directly at the bottom of the container.

A cat can be trained to travel without a carrier

What else is useful to know:

• New life for travelers. How are airports operating during the coronavirus pandemic?
• Tips for flying during coronavirus: important information about masks
• From scissors to alcohol. What can and cannot be carried in hand luggage and luggage
• How to carry luggage and hand luggage on Aeroflot and Pobeda flights
• Animal etiquette. How to behave when meeting wild animals on vacation so as not to harm them