Will My Cat Poop On The Plane? (What Can I Do?)

If you are taking your cat on a plane you may be worried and wondering how it will act on the plane.

Will my cat poop on the plane?

A cat might poop on a plane. The chances are it won’t because they are generally clean animals and prefer not to have the mess where they need to sleep, in their carrier. But, it is worth preparing for the worse and having an absorbent pet pad in their carrier and pet wipes to handle any mess.

What you will need on the plane

So, now you know that your cat could poop on the plane. But, what can you do if this happens? Is it stressful flying with cats in general? Keep reading for these answers and much more.

Contents show

How can you handle cat poop on a long flight?

As I mentioned earlier, although cats are unlikely to poop on the plane they could do it. So, here are some tips on how you can deal with the mess if it happens:

01. Plane-friendly litterbox

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A normal litterbox is not ideal for a plane journey for two reasons: it’s quite big and not flexible. However, a portable litterbox is ideal because it is easy to use while you are on the plane.

It is not a good long term alternative litterbox. It is just a temporary one until you get to your destination.

02. Getting rid of the smell

If your cat does poop in the carrier you need a way to get rid of the smell because it is quite bad on a plane. You can use some simple fragrances to mask the smell.

Admittedly, it won’t completely get rid of it. But, it will help and certainly better than nothing.

03. Wipes to clean up

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Wipes are an absolute must when you are on a plane journey with your cat. The thing is you shouldn’t just use any old baby wipe in sight. You need some wipes designed and formulated for your cat.

How do cats go to the bathroom on a plane?

Cats use a portable litter box on a plane (Click here to see the reviews, on Amazon #Ad). These litter boxes can either be purchased or you can create your own one.

To create your own litter box you will need a shoebox. But, you need to make sure there are no holes and the seals are strengthened.

Is flying with cats stressful?

Will my cat poop on the plane? — A view from a plane window.

Flying with a cat is stressful. This is because you are anxious throughout the flight wondering if your cat is safe, secure. And worse, if it will embarrass you in from of all the other passengers.

I remember taking my kids on a flight the first time, I spent the whole time wishing that they would not cry all the way and not make me look like I was out of control, are you with me?

Same feeling with a cat. If you have the choice the cat in the cabin with you is more desirable. Although this sounds counterproductive based on what I just said. It will allow you to monitor your cat.

Also in the cargo hold cats can have issues with the temperature and a higher chance of getting lost.

Why I am not a fan of leaving cats at home.

Not many of us would like to leave our pets at home when we travel. This is especially so if the journey is going to take some days or months.

The other option may be to leave them off at the pet care service. However, those of us who are really close to our pets wouldn’t be too sure how they’re going to fare without us.

Perhaps the truth is that we do not know how we are going to fare without them.

For instance, I wouldn’t leave my cat with a pet care giver because the poor thing would be missed. Here’s a video showing how to travel with your cat:

But we all know where the challenge may be:

Can I travel with my cat on Westjet?

Westjet is my favorite airline and I couldn’t help asking myself that question when the issue of travelling with the cat arose.

I had to do some research to know the possibility of having my cat along with me when I’m aboard the flight. It’s not as if I don’t see people with pets in flights but in these things it’s better not to base your decisions on presumptions.

A look at the Westjet website confirms that pets are indeed permitted but not necessarily all kinds of pets. Luckily, cats are among the pets that you could actually board the flight with.

The airline actually is keen on making sure that pets travel in comfort and safety. According to the information, passengers are permitted to travel with one pet each.

That means you wouldn’t have to make an alternative arrangement to keep other cats in the hold if you have more than one.

Is it expensive to take your cat on a plane?

Since cats are usually small sized animals, taking it along with you on the flight would not be too expensive. Flying with your cat demands preparation, in terms preparing the animal as well as the cost you have to bear taking it along.

We all do this because there’s no way around it, so appropriate budget should be made for the cat. Different airlines have their charges when a pet is brought in the cabin. Usually, this should be cheaper than having it in the hold.

After all, you’re the one keeping an eye on it in the cabin. Be that as it may, with your cat given clearance to join you, you have to pay about $60, at the tine of writing, each way on Westjet. This amount gets higher if your cat is in the hold.

The airline’s policy says that there are times when pets are not allowed in the hold. These are mainly during times of extreme temperatures. The company wouldn’t want to be sued by you for allowing your cat freeze in the hold.

So they do not take pets in the cargo hold from December 15 through January 6. You’ll do well in planning to have your cat in the cabin in case the airline isn’t accepting it in the hold at such times.

Always call the customer service to be doubly sure before the day you’re making your journey. If it is approved and you’re keeping your cat in the cargo hold, at the time of writing, Westjet will charge a pet fee approx $75-$88.50 each way, at the time of writing.

What are the entrance requirements?

You must do the necessary research to ascertain that the country you’re flying to accept pets such as your cat. Some countries would not permit it, so you must not even consider taking your feline there.

For instance, Jamaica, Barbados, Hawaii, and Ireland have prohibited carrying cats and dogs through to these countries, so not even a connecting flight would permit your cat through if you are passing through any of these countries. The most important requirement is ensuring that your cat has all the required vaccinations.

If you are traveling to the EU, some rules demand that your cat be identified with an electronic chip, as well as an EU passport certified by a vet that your cat is vaccinated. Some countries have more stringent rules than the above.

This is why you have to find out what demands are applicable in the country you’re traveling to. You wouldn’t want to arrive at your destination only to realize that your cat would be detained in an animal detention facility.

These links should be helpful in doing that:

Can you bring your cat into the cabin?

Airlines such as Westjet would take in your cat in the cabin. However, the key to having your cat in the flight sitting under your seat is notifying the airline that you are boarding with it.

Online reservation is not allowed so you have to put a call across to customer care to ensure that adequate provision has been made to accommodate your cat.

Westjet has a policy that limits the number of pets permitted in different types of aircraft. For instance, the airline 4 pets per fight in the cabins Boeing 767-300, Boeing 737-600, and WestJet Encore Bombardier.

The probable reason is that many passengers may find it inconvenient to have many animal pets in the cabin. These still are animals and may not behave themselves all through the flight.

Another thing you should realize is that you have to use a carrier (Click here for some of my best hard-sided cat carriers, ideal for travel) with which to put your cat.

This must be leakproof. Ensure also that the animal has enough room in it to stand and that there is an opening through which it can bring out its head. A zippered bag is appropriate for this.

Final Words on Traveling With Your Cat on a plane

As a recap, bear in mind that your cat weight must be within the allowable cabin luggage limit. Another thing is that the airline may reject your cat if it looks ill.

This is why you must make sure that adequate care is taken to keep the cat healthy and fit. Remember that a sick-looking cat will never be permitted into another country with you even with a certificate of vaccination.

Do not start cuddling your pet while in flight. Be sure that you place it under the seat. Most airlines will frown at that considering that even though you love your pet, other passengers may not.

This video will show how simply we can travel with our cats:

Well, that is it about traveling with your cat. Let me know what you think in the comment section. You can also share this if you like it.

What is a Westjet Approved Cat Carrier?

This is basically a cat carrier that the airline has approved. If your cat meets the requirements listed under the pet policy Westjet Airlines provides to its customers for pet travel, then your next step would be to acquire a cat carrier that has been airline approved.

Some of the pet crate requirements are that it should have enough room for your pet to comfortably lie down, turn around and stand. It should also be made of either rigid plastics, metal, fiberglass, weld metal mesh, or plywood.

The floor of an airline approved pet crate must be leakproof and solid. Also, the handles and handling place bars should be located at the cat crate’s long side.

The crate door needs to have a spring-loaded and secure all-round lock system with their pins having a minimum of a 1.6 cm extension. These doors must be made of welded or cast metal, or heavy plastic strong enough to completely secure the cat.

The crate door must also be paw and nose proof so as to ensure your pet doesn’t get injured in any way.

What is the The Maximum Weight For Pets?

WestJet Airlines only accepts pets as checked baggage or in-cabin on most of their international flights. The pets permitted for in-cabin travel under the WestJet pet policy are birds, cats, dogs, hedgehogs, guinea pigs, and rabbits.

So, those of you that are cat owners can smile because, so far, your pet fits the bill. However, if your pet, together with its pet carrier, exceed the maximum weight of one hundred pounds or forty-five kilograms, then it will not be allowed to fly with this particular airline.

So the maximum weight of your cat, minus the the weight of carrier considering the average weight of a pet carrier goes for around five kilograms or ten pounds, should be around forty kilograms or ninety pounds for it to be permitted onboard this airline.

Should You Register Your Cat Before Travel?

If you’re a pet owner, then it’s safe to say that you probably spend a large amount of time ensuring your pet is safe and healthy, isn’t that right? You feed it nutritious food, you give it daily walks and you seek the assistance of a vet when you notice something is “off”.

However, one vital thing that most pet owners forget to do is register their pets, especially before travel. Registering your pet is just another way of ensuring your pet is as well protected as it can be. Hereinbelow are a few reasons why you should consider officially registering your pet:

It’s the Law: In most states, some pet owners are actually legally required to register their pets.

You may be required to show your pet’s registration if you want them to get on certain flights. Usually, the relevant authorities will award your pet a tag that will act as its license once you and your pet have met the registration requirements.
It Proves Your Pet Has Been Vaccinated: Proper licensing cannot happen if whatever pet you have hasn’t been fully vaccinated.

A full vaccination is normally one of the most important requirements for most pet registration procedures.

Knowing that your pet is fully registered makes it much easier for the staff at airline boarding facilities to be assured that your cat, dog, or whatever pet it may be is fully healthy. This will, in turn, save you a lot of valuable time.
If Lost, Your Pet Has a Better Chance of Returning Home: Your pet’s registration, in some communities, can sometimes translate into a free trip back home if local animal-control authorities find it.

If it hasn’t been duly registered, if lost then found, that might mean an overnight stay at a local animal shelter and these usually don’t come cheap.
Your Cat Will Be In Safe Hands at the Shelter: A pet that has been registered, if lost, stay longer at the shelter.

Unlike unregistered pets, they are less likely to be euthanized. Even though the shelter may find it hard to get in touch with you, if your pet is registered, then they’ll most likely be patient and keep it safe for as long as they possibly can.

Things To Do To Prepare Your Cat For Travel

Take Your Cat To The Vet: Traveling by air can sometimes be very difficult for your cat. You’ll need to make sure your cat is healthy enough to endure the flight.

The vet will give your cat a full examination as well as ensuring that all your cat’s vaccinations are up to date.

If your cat happens to be suffering from any medical conditions or illness, ask your vet how you can treat or manage these before your flight. Some destinations will require health certifications if you want to travel with your cat.

Your vet, after certifying that your cat has gotten all the required vaccines and is healthy enough to travel by air, will award your cat with a completed health certificate.

This is actually why you must ensure you visit your vet before traveling by air with your feline companion.
Purchase a Cat Carrier That is Airline Approved: This, by now, obviously goes without saying, but, if you haven’t traveled with your cat by plane before, then there’s a high chance that this is something that’s lacking in your cat inventory.

You’ll need to get in touch with the airline of your choice and find out the pet crate requirements for cargo and in-cabin travel.
Accustom Your Cat to the Pet Carrier: Try and make your cat get used to the pet carrier by letting him spend some time inside the carrier from time to time. This you’ll need to start at least three weeks before the travel date.

Conclusion

If done and prepared for well in advance, air travel with your cat, or even air travel with your kitten, doesn’t have to be as difficult as most people usually think it is.

It all comes down to doing what you need to do to make sure everything goes smoothly for you as well as your cat. So, if you’ve read and understood this article, then you should be alright. At the very least, hopefully, you now know all the basics.

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Will My Cat Poop On The Plane? (What Can I Do?)