The best airline-approved cat carriers

Flying with a cat can be stressful, but one of the best airline-approved cat carriers can make the journey smoother. When you place your cat at your feet in the plane cabin, a thoughtfully designed soft-sided pet carrier with the right features helps keep them safe and comfortable — and helps you relax, too.

To find the best airline cat carriers, I consulted veterinarians and pet travel experts and tested 31 models with my cats, Atlas and Lyra. My top pick, the crash-tested Sleepypod Air, compresses to fit under seats as narrow as 16 inches and includes comfortable touches that make it easy to carry and maneuver. For a more affordable option, the Frisco Premium Airline Compliant Quilted Carrier Bag is sturdy and cozy enough to keep your cat comfortable throughout your trip. Just keep in mind that it lacks a padded handle wrap, and its softer structure may make it slightly less comfortable to carry.

Before flying with your cat, double-check your airline's size limits for pet carriers. Southwest Airlines allows carriers up to 18 inches (L) by 10.5 inches (W) by 10 inches (H), while the maximum dimensions for Delta, American Airlines, and United are 18 inches (L) by 11 inches (W) by 11 inches (H). Some airlines have even smaller maximum sizes.

Read more about how Insider Reviews tests and researches pet products.

Our top picks for the best airline-approved cat carriers

Best overall: Sleepypod Air - $200 at Chewy

Best budget: Frisco Premium Airline Compliant Quilted Carrier Bag - $42 at Chewy

Best stylish: Away The Pet Carrier - See $228 at Away

Best expandable: Mr. Peanut's Gold Series Expandable Carrier - $69 at Amazon(available in patterns only; solid colors restock in late August)

Best backpack:Mr. Peanut's Monterey Series Backpack Airline Compliant Pet Carrier - $119 at Amazon

Best overall

Best for: Multifunctional use as a private, cozy carrier, a crash-tested automobile car seat, and a bed once you reach your destination

Skip this if: You're looking for a no-frills, low-cost carrier.

If your cat is a nervous traveler, the Sleepypod Air's dark, ultra-plush interior can provide a calming retreat. Rather than taking in their surroundings, cats seek out cozy, den-like spaces when anxious, says veterinarian Dr. Jo Myers. At a vet appointment, my 10- and 11-pound cats did just that when they climbed into the Air together while ignoring the second carrier I brought along. A year later, they still gravitate toward it. I leave it out at home, along with several cat beds, and it's one of Lyra's favorite nap spots. She often retreats there when the house gets noisy, whether my toddler is playing nearby or the vacuum is running.

For cats who need even more seclusion, an optional privacy panel helps shield them from visual stressors. The screen slides easily through the mesh top to help block out external commotion. While it reduces airflow, the carrier still provides about 20% ventilation, well above the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) 16% minimum requirement for in-cabin live animal transport.

It's one of the few pet carriers certified by the Center for Pet Safety (CPS), a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization that crash-tests pet travel products. This is a big bonus since many flights start with a car ride to and from the airport. The Sleepypod Air earned a 4 out of 5-star rating, losing one star because it lifted slightly off the seat during testing. Even so, Lindsey Wolko, founder and CEO of CPS, says that the carrier performed exceptionally well.

The Sleepypod Air is far more versatile than most carriers. A continuous end-to-end zipper makes it easy to convert the carrier into an open bed, fold it flat for storage, or remove and reload your cat during airport security screenings. It's equally helpful at the vet: Myers says that carriers with removable or wide-opening tops dramatically reduce stress because staff might be able to examine your pet without removing them from the carrier. During our visit, the vet vaccinated Lyra while she stayed comfortably inside the Air.

It's one of the more comfortable carriers to haul through an airport. The padded cross-body strap felt supportive, and the carrier rested comfortably against my body without collapsing inward. A built-in luggage strap kept it securely balanced on top of my rolling suitcase while I navigated curbs, which will make moving through a busy airport terminal much easier.

It's designed to meet most major airline dimensions, though you may need to compress it slightly. The ends are designed to fold in about 2.5 inches each, reducing the length of the carrier from 22 inches to approximately 17. I recommend practicing compressing the carrier before your trip.

The price is high, but the quality, replacement policy, and safety features make it a worthy purchase. The company offers a one-year return policy, whether or not the carrier has been used, and will replace it if it's damaged in a car accident.

Best budget

Best for: Pet parents on a budget who prioritize their cat's comfort over some discomfort from extended carrying

Skip this if: You want a carrier with crash-test safety certification or padded straps for easier carrying.

The Frisco Quilted Carrier Bag has a durable design and cozy interior, making it an exceptional budget option. In testing, the mesh held up to scraping, the zippers ran smoothly, and the removable sherpa mat retained its softness and cat appeal even after a wash cycle. Best of all, my cats chose to lounge in it time and time again.

Two doors make coaxing a wiggly or reluctant cat inside significantly easier. The carrier features a door on top and one on the side, a feature former associate home editor Kinsley Searles appreciates. "I have a wiggly, young kitty who isn't used to being in a carrier just yet, but she's always so comfortable in her Frisco carrier," she says. "I can leave a side open for her to crawl in naturally or place her inside through the top. Since it's so easy to take her in and out, her acclimation to the carrier has been seamless and stress-free."

Useful extras such as built-in storage pockets and travel accessories add value. A velcro-secured pocket can hold keys or a phone, and a mesh pouch is handy for keeping treats and travel documents within reach. The carrier also comes with a collapsible silicone bowl and an ID tag, so you can check two essentials off your packing list.

Unpadded straps and a top-heavy luggage sleeve make it a bit clumsy to haul, but its rigid plastic base keeps the bottom from sagging under your cat's weight. The shoulder strap and top handles lack padding, so they can dig into your hands or shoulder during extended walks. The luggage sleeve slides easily over suitcase handles, but you'll need a free hand to keep it steady. Fortunately, a removable plastic insert inside the base prevents the bag from sagging or folding inward under your cat's weight.

Best stylish

Best for: Style-conscious travelers with anxious or accident-prone cats who want a carrier that's as easy to clean as it is to carry

Skip this if: You're shopping on a budget or need a carrier that folds flat for storage.

The Away Pet Carrier blends sleek design with top-tier safety. The Reviews team is a big fan of Away's luggage line for its streamlined designs and thoughtful features. With its pet carrier, your feline companion can travel with the same sophistication and comfort. Like the Sleepypod Air, it is CPS-certified. It earned a perfect 5-star crash-test rating.

A soft interior and adaptable privacy make it a cozy, calming retreat for anxious cats. My feline testers loved the soft sherpa interior mat, making this carrier a prime napping spot at home and on the go. Mesh windows on two sides and the top provide excellent ventilation while still giving your cat a sense of security. If your cat is an anxious traveler, simply roll down the privacy window for a calmer experience.

Multiple carry options and a rigid frame keep both you and your cat comfortable on the move. You can carry it using the leather handle, wear it crossbody with the adjustable shoulder strap, or slide the back sleeve over a rolling suitcase handle. I found the crossbody strap offered the most support, while the luggage sleeve held secure across multiple suitcase brands. Whichever way you choose to carry it, the sturdy frame holds its shape without collapsing inward on your pet.

Easy-to-clean materials make post-trip cleanup a breeze. The carrier's nylon exterior and interior are easy to wipe clean. Even the pockets are lined with nylon, and the waterproof front pocket includes drainage holes, ideal for storing a collapsible water bowl. The machine-washable interior liner attaches with velcro and is easy to remove, so you can toss it in the wash once you reach your destination.

Its rigid structure takes up more closet space than collapsible carriers, and the premium price may give shoppers pause. But for me, the carrier's crash-tested design alone makes it worth the investment. It's also backed by a 100-day return policy and a one-year warranty. After a year of regular use — and plenty of compliments from veterinary staff — I wouldn't dream of returning it.

Best expandable

Best for: Long travel days with cats who prefer extra room to stretch out rather than staying confined

Skip this if: Your cat is very anxious and would rather stay tucked inside a dark, den-like carrier than have access to more space.

Editor's note: This carrier is only available in patterned prints until solid colors restock in late August.

Mr. Peanut's Gold Series Expandable Carrier gives your cat room to stretch out during long layovers or flight delays. It includes a zippered panel on its right side that unfolds into a mesh atrium, nearly doubling the carrier's interior space. While the expandable section can't be used in flight, the feature makes it the best carrier for cross-country flights with layovers and extended stays away from home.

It features multi-door entry, maximum airflow, and plush bedding to keep cats comfortable. The spacious carrier has front, top, and side loading doors, along with a roll-up privacy flap over the top door. Importantly, the Gold Series Expandable Carrier provides ample ventilation to prevent a cat from overheating. Inside, it has a soft plush bolster bed and a safety tether. The bed is hand-wash only and is easy enough to spot-clean. After I washed it in the machine on a delicate cycle, it looked nearly new after air-drying.

The padded straps and a luggage sleeve make navigating busy airport terminals comfortable.

The carrier is outfitted with an adjustable padded shoulder strap, a faux-leather handle, and a 10-inch-by-4-inch mesh pocket on the back for treats and paperwork. The padded strap didn't dig in or feel awkward with a 10-pound cat inside, and I could easily adjust the length on the go. When I used the luggage strap, the carrier remained mostly balanced on my suitcase, slipping only about an inch to one side over bumps.

The carrier comes in a limited number of colors and prints. The color options sometimes go out of stock, so you may need to opt for a patterned carrier instead. The upside is that the patterned options often cost about $50 less than the solid colors.

Best backpack

Best for: Caregivers who want hands-free navigation

Skip this if: Your cat is a nervous or inexperienced traveler who requires frequent monitoring or soothing.

Mr. Peanut's backpack carrier keeps your cat secure while leaving your hands free for luggage or snacks. An interior safety tether and self-locking zippers keep your cat safely inside. But if your pet isn't an experienced traveler, you'll want to keep a close eye on how they're handling the trip. Wearing a carrier on your back makes it tricky to monitor your cat, says certified cat behaviorist Julie Posluns. Fortunately, this model includes an adjustable padded shoulder strap, making it easy to carry in front or at your side, though it's not long enough for a crossbody fit.

A wider, horizontal profile fits under airline seats without having to tilt your cat on their side. Unlike vertical pet backpacks, it has a wide profile similar to a traditional carrier. This design eliminates the need to turn the carrier — and your cat — on its side for stowing under the seat in front of you. It does sit a bit higher on my back than my favorite cat hiking backpack (reaching mid-back or higher depending on your height), but it's a small price to pay for a cat's comfort. The carrier comes in medium and large, but only the medium size meets most airline carry-on restrictions.

A cozy interior keeps cats comfortable, and the machine-washable pad makes cleanup simple. According to the brand, an interior machine-washable thermal pad is designed to keep cats comfortable in any climate. While I can't confirm its effectiveness at regulating temperature, my cats certainly approved of it as a napping spot. To test its ease of cleaning, I smeared a mix of dry and wet cat food on the interior and exterior. A quick wipe-down with a damp paper towel removed most of the mess from the nylon exterior. The interior quilted design trapped some dried food bits in the crevices, but the washing machine took care of the mess. A pre-wash scrub may be necessary for some dried-on accidents.

Thick back padding provides comfortable support, though tightening the straps is key to stability. The carrier didn't put a strain on my back during walks, thanks to its mesh padding that offers breathability and cushioning. However, it lacks a waist or chest clip for added stability on long airport treks. Instead, I tightened the shoulder straps to hold the carrier flush against my back. Ari Kaplan, a physical therapist, says that keeping a backpack close to the body distributes weight away from the back and toward the legs, improving balance and reducing the tendency to lean forward.

What to look for in an airline cat carrier

The best airline-approved cat carriers come in many different styles at varying price points. Our experts recommend considering the following factors when shopping to ensure you get the best value for safety, comfort, and minimizing stress for your cat.

Key features: Several factors contribute to a carrier's usefulness, comfort, and safety. Based on our own experiences traveling with cats and the advice of veterinarians, below are the key features to consider.

• Shape and design: A carrier should be large enough for a cat to comfortably lie down and turn around. Some cat carriers have built-in expandable sections that can double or even triple the size of a carrier. These are ideal for allowing your cat to stretch out between flights safely.
• Interior mat: Ideally, a floor mat will be removable and machine washable. It should securely attach to the bag's interior to prevent it from sliding around.
• Loading doors:Dr. Gwen Gadd, a veterinarian at the East Bay SPCA Theodore B. Travers Family Veterinary Clinic, says the best cat carriers have two doors. If your cat refuses to come out of their carrier, it may be easier to gently lift them from a door at the top of the carrier rather than struggling to remove them from the door in the front.
• Carrying straps and handles: A quality carrier should have a removable shoulder strap, preferably padded for comfort, and a double handle for lifting. A strap that wraps around and secures the handles helps keep them balanced and out of the way.
• Pockets: Pockets are essential for keeping your cat's gear and yours close at hand. A cat carrier should have multiple pockets, with at least one secured by a zipper, button, or hook-and-loop closure.
• Ventilation: According to IATA live animal regulations for in-cabin transport, pet carrier bags must have a minimum of 16% ventilation. Most soft-sided carriers meet or exceed this requirement with mesh panels.
• Privacy flaps: Some carriers feature a privacy flap that can be lifted or lowered depending on temperature and a cat's specific needs. While you will need to keep at least some areas open for ventilation, hiding helps cats feel safe, which is especially useful during a stressful event such as flying.
• Interior safety tether: An interior safety tether that clips to your cat's harness can help prevent sudden escapes. However, Wolko says to use it only during breaks to feed or give water to your pet. "The tether inside the carrier should not be used during active travel, as the pet can become tangled," she says.
• ID tag: The carrier should have its own ID tag to help reunite you with your pet if you're separated, though it's no substitute for outfitting your cat in one of the best cat collars with an ID tag attached or microchipping.
• Luggage strap: While not essential, a luggage strap or trolley sleeve that slides over a suitcase handle makes navigating the airport with a cat in tow much easier.
• Dimensions and in-cabin airline capability: Most major airlines, including Delta, American, and United, allow in-cabin carriers up to 18 inches long, 11 inches wide, and 11 inches high. Carriers that meet — or can slightly compress to meet — these dimensions are generally a safe bet. A few other airlines, like Southwest (18.5" L x 13.5" W x 9.5" H) and JetBlue (17" L x 12.5" W x 8.5" H), have stricter size limits.
• Ease of storage: Unless you frequently travel with your cat, a carrier that quickly folds flat for storage adds convenience.

Safety: Unlike child car seats, there are no universal safety standards or inspections for cat carriers. Some brands advertise their carriers as "crash-tested" or "safety-certified," but those claims can be misleading. "In-house crash testing may be inherently biased or skewed when it is conducted by the same company that manufactures the product," says Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, a veterinarian and veterinary medical advisor for Rover.

Some brands go the extra mile by subjecting their carriers to rigorous testing by third-party or nonprofit safety organizations. We recognize crash safety ratings from the Center for Pet Safety (CPS), a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization that studies the safety of pet products. "They are one of only a few independent bodies that does crash testing under transparent, standardized, and scientific conditions, using benchmarks based on safety standards for children's car seats," Greenstein says. CPS collaborates with Subaru of America, Inc., to conduct specially designed crash tests with dummies. Among our recommended picks, the Sleepypod Air and Away Pet Carrier have been crash-test certified for auto transport by the CPS.

Currently, CPS studies do not extend to air travel and flight safety. Despite the absence of standardized air travel safety tests, crash-test certification remains the gold standard. Wolko says carriers are most susceptible to failure at seams where the mesh connects to the carrier body. She recommends inspecting carriers for any signs of loose threads, weak spots, or faulty zippers to ensure their overall safety and reliability throughout transit.

Wolko says you'll want to consider your entire journey, including driving from home to the airport and transportation to your destination. Some carriers include exterior straps for securing a car seat belt. However, Wolko says that unless the carrier has been crash-tested and third-party safety certified by an organization such as the CPS, a cat carrier should always be placed on the backseat floor behind the passenger seat instead of on the seat itself. "It minimizes the impact and provides a lot of protection," she says. "If you do get into a sudden stop, they're not going to fly all over the place."

Size: A carrier should be roomy enough for your cat to comfortably turn around and lie down while still compact enough to fit under the seat in front of you. Carrier size requirements vary by airline, so double-check your airline's specific requirements.

Fortunately, size isn't usually a limiting factor for cats. More often than not, they prefer to curl up in a small ball and hide during the trip, says Myers, adding that extra room for playing, eating, drinking, or using the litter box during the flight is typically unnecessary. However, if you anticipate a long layover and want extra legroom for your cat, an expandable carrier like Mr. Peanut's Gold Series Expandable Carrier is a good choice.

Weight restrictions: Many in-cabin cat carriers are suitable for cats weighing up to 15 or 18 pounds. If your cat is on the heavier side, double-check the weight limit for the carrier you're considering purchasing and make sure your cat has room to move around comfortably in it.

Ventilation: Most carriers are designed with enough ventilation (at least 16%) to meet the International Air Transport Association (IATA) minimum requirement. Some carriers may have less or more, so the amount of ventilation you choose depends on your and your cat's preferences.

Since Myers says most cats prefer to hide in stressful environments, carriers with privacy walls and flaps may be beneficial. Alternatively, she recommends bringing a towel or blanket that you can place over the carrier if your cat becomes stressed. "Even if you cover the carrier with a towel, it's far from airtight," she says. "Simply check on your cat occasionally, without disturbing them any more than necessary."

How we tested the best airline-approved cat carriers

This guide was reported by Shoshi Parks and Janelle Leeson, both seasoned cat product testers with a combined clowder of four cats who sniff, paw, ride in, and, if they're comfortable enough, nap in the selection of carriers up for consideration.

Parks is a certified professional dog trainer who has tested everything from litter boxes to cat toys with her two cats. Leeson is a former foster cat mom who has transported dozens of stressed-out cats and kittens and once flew cross-country with her own cat in the cabin. Her two cats regularly help evaluate the latest and best pet products for Business Insider Reviews.

With advice from veterinarians and pet safety experts, we developed our selection and testing criteria for the best airline-approved cat carriers. Since 2021, Shoshi and Janelle have tested 31 carriers, and Janelle continues to test new carriers as they're released to keep this guide current. The dozens of carriers we evaluated underwent the tests described here.

Feature comparison: We created a system for scoring each carrier based on the key features described in the What to look for section above.

Scrape test: We scraped a mesh section of each carrier 50 times with a fork to test its durability, noting any damage or discoloration.

Zip test: To test the durability of each carrier's zippers, we completely zipped and unzipped one of its loading entrances 50 times. In the process, we observed changes in the zipper's ability to run its course smoothly.

Luggage test: If a carrier included a luggage strap, we evaluated how well it remained balanced on top of a suitcase. We placed a 10-pound weight inside and attached the carrier to a suitcase handle so it rested on top of our luggage. Then we rolled it over a curb, up a ramp, and along the sidewalk and street of a city block.

Ventilation test: Wolko says ventilation is important to prevent a cat from overheating during travel. We measured the dimensions of each carrier's mesh panels and calculated the percentage of the total surface area they comprised. We favored bags with more ventilation. According to IATA live animal regulations, pet carrier bags must have a minimum of 16% ventilation.

Walk test: We took each soft-sided carrier containing a 10-pound weight on a 15-minute walk around a neighborhood. Each was carried using the shoulder strap and held at the front of the body the way a person would if they had a real cat inside. For the last block of the walk, we switched to using the hand-carry straps. The backpack carriers were taken on the same walk but were not carried by hand. With each one, we paid attention to how comfortable it was to carry, how much it bounced, and whether it collapsed inwards.

Goop test: We devised this test to determine how easy it would be to clean the carriers if a cat vomited or defecated in transit. We mashed together cat kibble, canned food, and water with a mortar and pestle to make the goop, then spread a tablespoon on an exterior wall and interior mat of each carrier. After 48 hours, we wiped the goop from the exterior using dish soap and water and cleaned the mats in the washing machine.

Drop and stomp tests: We brought the carriers to a local park, loaded each one with a 10-pound weight, and threw them off of a 10-foot play structure, looking for any damage that occurred upon landing. We then rolled the bags several times on the ground with the weight still inside, looking for damage to the stitching, mesh, or zippers. Later, at home, we placed each carrier on a rug and stomped on it a dozen times with bare feet, noting whether its frame changed shape or the bag suffered any other damage.

How to prepare a cat for flying

In the weeks before their trip, introduce your cat to their carrier or kennel in a positive way. "Make the carrier feel like a cave or a home or something that's comfortable, something that they're not just jammed into the first time they're on their way to the airport," says Murtaugh.

Place the carrier in an area of the home where your cat spends a lot of time and encourage them to explore it by placing catnip and treats inside or by playing with them in and around the space.

Murtaugh says that taking your cat on a car ride or other forms of transportation while in their carrier may also be helpful in the weeks before the flight. He recommends placing a bed or blanket that smells like home inside the carrier and using a pheromone spray or collar to help take the edge off.

If your cat has a history of experiencing debilitating stress during travel and will be flying in the cabin, you can speak to your vet about prescribing an anxiety-relieving medication. However, it's important to test the medication out before your flight. "Make sure there won't be any untoward side effects," says Murtaugh. "Your vet can help you tailor that to your cat's needs."

The IATA recommends against sedating a cat before flying in the cargo hold. It can be fatal for older, chronically sick, or highly stressed animals. Susan Nilson, a cat and dog trainer and behavior specialist, says calming pheromones such as Feliway or Pet Remedy are safe alternatives.

Airline cat carrier FAQs

What do vets recommend for cat carriers?

Cats should always be transported in a secure carrier specifically designed for pets — never in a cardboard box, tote bag, or laundry basket. A well-designed carrier prevents escapes and can help your cat feel calmer while traveling. When properly secured in your vehicle, a pet carrier can also offer life-saving protection if you need to brake suddenly or are involved in a collision. Always follow the manufacturer's directions for securing the carrier in your vehicle or place it on the floor behind the front passenger seat. While only a limited number of carriers have been crash-tested, Dr. Alison Gerken, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist at San Francisco SPCA, recommends choosing CPS-certified models, such as the Sleepypod Air.

To minimize travel-related stress, look for a carrier with multiple access points, such as a front door and a top entry or removable top. This setup allows you to gently lift your cat in and out rather than pulling them through an opening or tipping the carrier. "That kind of handling can be extremely frightening and can create lasting fear around future travel or veterinary visits," Gerken says. Dr. Lisa Radosta, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist, agrees that feline-friendly design features are essential for comfort. She also recommends Sleepypod carriers for their proper ventilation, soft cushioned interiors, and optional privacy panel for anxious cats.

Do cats prefer hard or soft-sided carriers?

It really comes down to the individual cat. Some feel more secure in a hard-sided carrier, while others prefer the coziness of a soft-sided one. For air travel, however, soft-sided carriers are typically the better choice. "Soft-sided carriers are lighter, cozier, and often easier to carry," Gerken says. The trade-offs are that soft carriers can sag inward on your cat and are more difficult to clean if your cat has an accident.

For trips to the vet with an anxious cat, a hard-sided carrier is the best option. These carriers are sturdy, easy to clean, and, most importantly, commonly feature a removable top. "This design lets cats stay in the bottom half during the exam, which helps them feel more secure," Gerken says. There are some drawbacks, though: Hard-sided carriers tend to be bulky, harder to carry, and are rarely crash-tested.

Because both styles have advantages, Gerken says many cats do well with a hybrid or semi-rigid carrier. That's why she recommends the Sleepypod Air, which blends the structure of a hard carrier with the comfort of a soft one. It can also unzip into a bed to allow for lower-stress handling at the vet.

How do I know if my cat carrier is airline-approved?

If you're bringing your cat into the plane cabin, you'll need a soft-sided carrier that fits within your airline's size restrictions, which vary slightly by airline. No matter which carrier you use, Wolko advises making sure your cat has enough room to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. There should be at least 2 to 3 inches of space between the top of your cat's ears and the inside roof of the carrier.

How much does it cost to fly with a cat?

In-cabin pet fees vary by airline. United Airlines charges $150 for a one-way flight, and Delta charges $150 for domestic flights. Transporting a cat in the cargo hold on a domestic flight typically costs around $300 per trip. For international flights, you can expect to pay as much as three times that amount.

How much ventilation should a carrier have?

For soft-sided carriers, Wolko says mesh should be on at least three sides to ensure proper airflow. If your cat is flying in cargo, airlines require kennels to have ventilation on all four sides. According to the IATA live animal regulations, both soft- and hard-sided carriers must provide at least 16% ventilation.

Do cats need to go to the bathroom on a flight?

Most healthy cats won't need access to a litter box during a standard flight. "Just based on the physiology of cats, they could probably go from Boston to Hawaii without needing to void," says Dr. Bob Murtaugh, a veterinarian and chair of veterinary medicine for the National Academies of Practice.

If your cat is traveling in the cargo hold, kennels can't be outfitted with a litter box — only an absorbent liner and soft bedding are permitted. "If the travel day will be more than eight hours, during a layover pet owners can arrange a comfort stop for cats to be let out of their carrier," says Elaine Mathis, pet travel specialist and project manager at Happy Tails Travel. When you let your cat out of their carrier, secure them with one of the best cat harnesses attached to a leash.

Do cats need food and water on a flight?

For shorter in-cabin flights, most cats won't need food or water. However, if your cat is flying in cargo, Mathis says both a food and water bowl should be in the carrier, regardless of flight duration. She recommends using dishes that secure to the crate's door and are easy to refill from the outside, such as Lixit's Quick Lock Crock 10-ounce bowls.

What are the signs that my cat may be in distress in flight?

Murtaugh says there are a few clear signs of distress during air travel, often caused by fear or excessive heat. Panting, restlessness, and vocalization may signal significant anxiety or overheating. Bright red gums may indicate overheating, which requires immediate cooling.

With approval from a flight attendant, you can place the carrier on your lap so your cat can feel airflow from the overhead vent or wipe them with a wet cloth to help lower their body temperature. Before your trip, Nilson recommends lightly spraying the empty carrier with calming pheromones to help reduce stress.

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