Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga.
Flying through the gentle skies is undoubtedly a cat’s preferred mode of travel as they love high places, can see migrating flocks of birds in the distance if their owner holds them up to the window, and can check out some new perfume coming from happy passengers. Cats feel at home on airlines, just like people.
While my cynicism for air travel knows no bounds, I still think it’s the safest way to travel, with or without a cat. However, the idea of locking Olga in a noisy, cold environment like the cargo area bothers me. It’s terrifying for anyone with a pet to imagine what it would feel and sound like to endure a cramped space for hours.
Olga in the Cabin
If I have to fly with Olga, she will join me in the cabin. He’s small enough to fit in an airline-approved carrier, and while every passenger on board will despise me without headphones, I think I’ll make it through the trip without going crazy. The cargo area isn’t as dangerous as everyone thinks, but since I’m lucky enough to have a small cat, the cabin is the perfect choice.
Cargo Area Safety
I read articles about cats and dogs dying in the cargo hold and checked the statistics. Considering that 188,233 animals were transported by air in 2022, and only seven died, the cargo area seems safe. There was only one injury and one lost pet, but if you look closer, you’ll see that some airlines are safer than others.
If I have an overweight cat or large dog that needs to travel in the cargo area, I will not put them on a Hawaiian Airlines or American Airlines flight. Since more incidents involving pets happen on those carriers, I probably won’t fly Olga in their cabins either. Unfortunately, you have fewer options if you have a brachycephalic cat, such as a Persian.
Brachycephalic Animals
Some airlines don’t allow you to travel with flat-faced cats or dogs, and others only allow you to keep them in the cabin. They have more difficulty breathing in the cargo area, and are more likely to suffer injuries or death. If you need to travel around the world with an Exotic Shorthair or French Bulldog, your safest route is likely to be by sea.
It’s hard for me to imagine a long trip on the water with Olga, and although some cats love marine life, she will be miserable because it will take longer to get home. In an airline cabin, he cries constantly and probably screams loudly when the food cart is delivered to him. His meows, like when traveling to the vet, won’t be sporadic but will keep time like a metronome.
The passengers next to me would ask for another seat and glare at me with anger in their eyes, but I would smile and say, “At least he’s not as annoying as a passenger who doesn’t know how to cover his mouth when he coughs or hold. their wine!”
