cat airline security

[Rachel Wilken]

The airline will have me remove my scared cat from the carrier to go through security....I will have a harness on her but what is the best way to do this without passing my stress onto my cat?

Rachel

[Dr. Stephen Zawistowski]

First, practice before the trip. A couple times each day you can put the harness on your cat, and practice putting her in the carrier and taking her out. Give her a treat each time so it becomes a familiar exercise. Another advantage here is that as you get more comfortable and skilled doing this, you will be less stressed and won't transfer stress to your cat. You may want to try and travel during a time when it is less busy at the airport and at security. Keep a towel with you. It provides a quick and easy way to bundle your cat and getting her back into the carrier if she gets rambunctious.

[amy_gatos]

What is the best way to keep my cats calm while in their carriers on the plane? I do not want to use tranquilizers, but feel terrible about their anxiety.

[Dr. Stephen Zawistowski]

You can lower your cats anxiety by getting them used to their carrier by making some short trips with them in your car. Another thing to do is leave their carrier out, with the door open. Put a comfy pad or towel in there so they get used to taking naps in their carrier.