Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga.
Flying the friendly skies is undoubtedly a cat’s preferred type of travel since they love high elevations, can see migrating flocks of birds in the gap if their owner lifts them as much as the window, and might analyze several recent scents coming from the blissful passengers. Cats feel like they’re at home on airlines, like people.
Although my sarcasm for air travel knows no bounds, I still think it’s the safest approach to travel, whether you may have a cat tagging along or not. Nevertheless, the concept of confining Olga to a loud, frigid environment just like the cargo area bothers me. It’s scary for anyone with a pet in the event that they can imagine how it might feel and sound to endure the tight space for several hours.
How long did it take you to search out me hiding here?
Olga within the Cabin
If I actually have to fly with Olga, she’ll join me within the cabin. She’s sufficiently small to slot in an airline-approved carrier, and although every passenger aboard without headphones would despise me, I believe I could handle the trip without going insane. The cargo area isn’t as dangerous as everyone assumes, but since I’m lucky enough to have a small cat, the cabin is the best selection.
Cargo Area Safety
I’ve read articles about cats and dogs dying within the cargo area and examined the statistics. Considering that 188,233 animals were transported by air in 2022, and only seven died, the cargo area seems protected. There was just one injury and one lost pet, but in the event you look closer, you’ll see that some airlines are safer than others.
If I had an obese cat or large dog that needed to travel within the cargo area, I wouldn’t put them on a Hawaiian Airlines or American Airlines flight. Because more incidents involving pets occur with those carriers, I probably wouldn’t fly with Olga of their cabins, either. Unfortunately, you may have fewer options if you may have a brachycephalic cat, like a Persian.
Did you say dinner can be late today? I would like a brand new owner.
Brachycephalic Animals
Some airlines don’t help you travel with flat-faced cats or dogs, and others only help you keep them within the cabin. They’ve more trouble respiration within the cargo area, they usually’re more prone to suffer injuries or death. If you may have to travel all over the world with an Exotic Shorthair or French Bulldog, your safest route might be by sea.
It’s hard for me to assume an extended trip on the water with Olga, and although some felines are keen on marine life, she can be miserable because it might take her longer to get home. In an airline cabin, she would cry always and doubtless scream loudest when the food cart is wheeled her way. Her meows, like those when traveling to the vet, wouldn’t be sporadic but would keep time like a metronome.
The passengers beside me would request one other seat and glare at me with hate of their eyes, but I’d smile and say, “Not less than she’s not as annoying as a passenger who doesn’t know find out how to cover their mouth once they cough or handle their alcohol!”