How to Transport Cats Safely

Many cat owners love their furry companions and treat them as family members. Cats can be great travel companions, and some owners take their feline friends on holidays or when relocating. Whether you’re bringing home a new kitten, taking your cat on a trip, or moving house, there are several considerations to ensure a safe and stress-free journey. Traveling can be stressful for both you and your cat, so we want to make sure the process is as smooth and comfortable as possible. We transport cats all over Australia, but there are a few things to consider before heading to the airport. Ask yourself: How old is your cat? Is your cat in good health? Is your cat a brachycephalic breed (flat-faced)? These factors will affect how we transport your feline friend. To help us understand your cat’s travel needs, we consider the following:

Not all cats are the same.

While most cats can be transported without any special requirements, some breeds need extra precautions. Brachycephalic cats, such as Persians and Scottish Folds, must undergo a veterinary examination and obtain a brachycephalic fit-to-fly certification before travel. Please refer to our brachycephalic section for more details on how to prepare your snub-nosed cat for its flight.

Crate size matters!

All cats must fly as animal cargo within a specially designed section of the plane and will spend the duration of the flight in an airline-approved pet crate. These crates are typically made of durable plastic with plenty of ventilation on the sides and a secure metal door with space for a water bowl. The crate must not be collapsible or have wheels. It should ideally have a false bottom to keep your cat dry in case of accidents and metal screws securing the top and bottom halves together.

It’s essential to choose the correct crate size. If the crate is too small, your cat may be uncomfortable or denied travel. If it’s too large, you may pay extra since some airlines charge based on crate size rather than weight. Your cat should be able to enter the crate, stand without touching the top, turn around, and lie down comfortably. If you don’t have a crate, we can help determine the right size based on your cat’s measurements:

• A – Length from the nose to the base of the tail
• B – Height from the ground to the chest
• C – Height from the ground to the top of the head
• D – Width across the widest part of the body
• Weight is also a key factor, as each crate has a maximum weight limit.

If you provide us with these details, we can recommend the best crate for your cat.

Sharing is Caring

It is possible for multiple cats to share a crate, but airlines have restrictions:

1. All animals must be of the same species—cats and dogs or cats and birds cannot share a crate for obvious reasons.
2. Cats must be from the same household and get along well.
3. Each cat must weigh less than 14kg.
4. Both cats must be able to stand, move, and lie down comfortably within the crate.
5. Up to 2 adult cats can be housed together and up to 3 kittens can be housed together. Brachycephalic breeds cannot travel in the same crates as another cat.

Valuable Tips for Transporting Your Cat:

1. For a cat to fly on a Virgin flight, it must be at least eight (8) weeks old. If the cat is between 8-12 weeks old or over 12 years old, a Fit-to-Fly medical certificate from a vet is required.
2. For a Qantas flight, the cat must be at least twelve (12) weeks old, and no medical certification is required unless over 12 years old.
3. All cats over 12 years of age require a Fit-to-Fly medical certification before travel.
4. The cat must not be unduly aggressive.
5. Your cat must not be sick, recovering from surgery, or have recently given birth.
6. The crate must meet airline regulations, be sturdy, well-ventilated, and provide enough space for the cat to stand, turn, and lie down. A crate that is too small may lead to rejection and additional expenses for rebooking, purchasing a new crate, or overnight holding.
7. Use a collar that won’t get caught in the carrier door.
8. Attach ID tags to your cat’s collar: one with your name, phone, and home address.
9. Label the crate with your name, phone number, address, and destination.
10. Trim your cat’s nails before travel to prevent them from getting caught in the crate’s ventilation holes or door.
11. Acclimate your cat to the crate by training them to use it weeks before the flight to reduce stress.
12. Do not sedate your cat unless prescribed by a vet.
13. Avoid feeding your cat 4-6 hours before the trip. You can provide small amounts of water or ice cubes in the water tray.
14. Before the flight, allow your cat time to relax and use the litter box.
15. After arrival, only open the crate in a secure indoor area to prevent your cat from escaping.

Pet Container Requirements

As a pet owner, you must provide a container that meets IATA standards and is airline-approved. Airlines may refuse transport if the container does not comply with guidelines. Your crate must meet the following requirements:

• Your cat must be able to stand with its head up.
• Your cat should be able to turn around comfortably inside.
• Some airlines do not accept wire crates.
• The crate must be strong enough to prevent damage and escape.
• The total weight (cat + crate) should not exceed 65kg, but airline limits may vary.
• The crate must not have wheels.
• Only one cat is allowed per crate unless:
  • They are from the same litter.
  • Each weighs under 14kg.
  • They are under six months old.
  • If a cat is over 14kg, it must travel alone.
  • Two cats under 14kg can share a crate if they are compatible.

Conditions When Cats Are Transported at Owner’s Risk

If your cat has any of the following conditions, a Fit-to-Fly examination is required before travel:

1. The cat is pregnant or has given birth within 48 hours of departure.
2. The cat is over 12 years old.
3. The cat is between 8-12 weeks old.
4. The cat has been sedated.
5. The cat is recovering from surgery, sick, or injured.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safe and comfortable journey for your feline friend!