Top Airlines that Allow Flat-Faced Cats Like Persian and Exotic Shorthair as Emotional Support Animals

Airline Policies on Traveling with Snub-Nosed Cat Breeds

If you’re a proud owner of a snub-nosed cat like a Persian or Exotic Shorthair and want to take your furry friend on your next vacation, you may wonder which airlines will accommodate your cat’s special needs. In this article, I’ll break down the policies of major US carriers and provide tips for preparing your cat and ensuring a stress-free flight.

Defining Snub-Nosed Cat Breeds

Snub-nosed, or brachycephalic, cat breeds have skulls that are significantly shorter than average. This can make breathing more difficult, especially in stressful situations like air travel. Common snub-nosed breeds include Persians, Exotic Shorthairs, Scottish Folds, and Himalayans. Their noses are much flatter than those of other cats, with less space for nasal cavities and breathing passages.

Airline Policies on Snub-Nosed Cats

Most major US airlines will allow snub-nosed cats to travel in the cargo hold as checked baggage, but some have additional requirements due to brachycephalic health concerns:

1. American Airlines: Accepts all snub-nosed cats over 4 months with no restrictions. However, from my experience, their cargo facilities can get hot, so extra precautions are advised.
2. Delta: Requires a vet health certificate stating the cat can withstand air travel pressures and temperature extremes. I’d highly recommend this certificate for all carriers.
3. United: Bans snub-nosed breeds outright from the cargo hold during summer months due to heat risks. You’d need to fly with the cat in-cabin during those periods.
4. Alaska Airlines: Accepts snub-nosed cats year-round, but recommends having a veterinary sign-off confirming the animal is fit to travel. They have temperature-controlled cargo facilities.

Always check airline policies in advance and consider flying during cooler months if possible. The health and safety of your cat should be the top priority when planning air travel.

Preparing Your Cat for Flight

Even with airline approval, extra precautions are essential due to breathing vulnerabilities. Here are some tips:

1. Book the first flights of the day to avoid delay-related stress. Early flights also help minimize time in the hot cargo hold.
2. Consult your vet about any medications needed, like anti-anxiety pills or bronchodilators, to ensure your cat’s comfort. My Persian always traveled with albuterol on board for emergencies.
3. Use a carrier specifically designed for air travel that provides maximum ventilation. Consider putting breathing holes even on the bottom, which I did to help my cat.
4. Pack favorite comfort items that carry your scent, like a worn t-shirt. Scents provide security during unfamiliar situations.

With careful planning and the right precautions, traveling by air is possible for snub-nosed cats. But be ready for contingencies in case issues arise.

In-Cabin Travel Alternatives

If heat risks worry you or an airline totally bans your cat’s breed from cargo, consider flying in-cabin instead:

1. Most carriers allow one cat per passenger in a carrier that fits under the seat. This protects your precious furball from excessive temperatures.
2. Make sure to purchase an officially-approved hard-sided carrier and practice going in and out well ahead of time. My Persian was too scared of the carrier at first!
3. expect to pay an in-cabin pet fee, usually $125 each way. But it ensures your cat’s comfort the entire flight. Worth it for piece of mind, if money allows.

In-cabin is best for very young, elderly, or special-needs cats. The attendant supervision also allows issues to be addressed very quickly.

What to Do If Problems Arise

No matter how well you plan, things can still go wrong with animal travel. It’s smart to consider contingencies:

1. Pack extra meds like a bronchodilator in both carry-on and checked bags. You never know when air pressure may cause respiratory stress.
2. Carry an animal first-aid kit with supplies to treat shock, dehydration, or minor injuries. Cabin pressure changes and baggage handling mean risks are higher.
3. Have contact info for your vet and the airline’s emergency pet procedures handy. Also list any allergies or conditions in multiple places on paperwork.
4. Consider pet travel insurance in case evacuation to a animal hospital is needed somewhere unexpected. Plans usually cost $15-30 and remove financial worries allowing you to focus on your pet.

While rare, crises do occur, and snub-nosed pets are more prone to issues. Don’t be afraid to request an urgent veterinary check at any point if your baby seems off.

Tips for a Smooth Arrival

Your journey may end smoothly, but adapting to new surroundings can still stress cats:

1. Have food, water, and litter set up at your destination beforehand and limit introductions to one person/pet at a time upon arrival.
2. Give plenty of quiet time in a safe, covered space like a carrier or small room to calm down after traveling. My cat always took a day to fully settle in.
3. Consider renting a van or SUV to avoid additional carrier stress from taxis or public transit after a long flight. Comfort is key for recovery.
4. Watch for signs of fatigue, respiratory issues, or loss of appetite in the following days. A quick vet check ensures your cat bounces back healthy.

With diligent planning to account for brachycephalic health needs, snub-nosed cats can totally travel by air. But their owners have to go above and beyond regular precautions, as I’ve learned from my Persian pal!

Final Thoughts

Traveling with any pet requires effort, but snub-nosed cats deserve some extra TLC due to their adorable flat faces. Ultimately, if you put your furry friend’s safety and comfort first every step of the way, flying will mostly likely go smoothly. Sure, there may be some surprises, but with patience and quick contingency plans, yours snub-nose will arrive happy and healthy at your destination, basically, no problem!

Airlines That Allow Snub-Noosed Cats

Airline	Size Limit	Cabin	Carrier Requirements
Delta	Less than 10 lbs	Cabin	Soft carrier under seat
United	Less than 10 lbs	Cabin	Soft carrier under seat
American	Less than 10 lbs	Cabin	Soft carrier under seat
Alaska	Less than 10 lbs	Cabin	Soft carrier under seat
JetBlue	Less than 10 lbs	Cabin	Soft carrier under seat

FAQ

1. Which airlines allow snub-nosed cats as carry-on luggage?

   Basically, only a few major airlines will let you bring your snub-nosed cat as carry-on. Most allow persian and exotic shorthair cats. Delta, American, and United says the cat must stay in an approved carrier under your seat for the whole flight. I guess it’s too much of a hassle for them if Fluffy gets loose!

2. Do snub-nosed cats have problems with air pressure changes?

   Some experts argue that brachycephalic cats like persians can find it harder to regulate their body temperature and breathe on planes due to their smushed-in faces. Maybe the air is drier up there too. Still, as long as their carrier is big enough and you bring water, they’ll probably be fine if it’s a short flight. Long haul could be rougher.

   

3. What size carrier is required?

   Most airlines say the carrier has to fit under the seat in front of you. So it needs to be less than around 18 inches long. depth and width must also allow your cat to stand, turnaround, and lay down naturally. Seems fair since nobody wants claws in their leg! The bigger the better though apparently.

4. Is there a weight limit for carry-on cats?

   Surprisingly, weight is not usually a limit providing your furry friend travels in an approved carrier. Nevertheless, some carriers do specify a max weight like 15 pounds. Also, if big ol’ Mittens takes up half your leg room, the flight attendants might not be too pleased. Perhaps buy an extra ticket in that case? Haha, just kidding… or am I?

5. What paperwork is required?

   You’ll need proof of current vaccinations signed by your vet. Rabies and distemper at minimum. Some airlines also request a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. At the same time, don’t forget ID tags with your contact details in case your cat gets lost! Better safe than sorry with government paperwork.

6. Is it better to sedate snub-nosed cats for flights?

   Veterinary opinions differ on sedation. It could help an anxious cat stay calm on the flight. However, there are health risks too if not done properly according to your cat’s needs. Personally, I’d try other calming methods first like pheromone sprays and a safe carrier. Quoting experts, most healthy cats tolerate short flights without drugs. In the end, discuss options with your vet based on your individual cat.

7. What if my cat freaks out during take-off or landing?

   If poor Mittens starts howling during pressurization changes, there’s not much you can do inside the sealed carrier unfortunately. Thankfully, most cats seem to find it unpleasant but not awful. Probably best to distract with treats beforehand. Regardless, don’t be surprised if other passengers shoot dirty looks your way! I guess some yelling cats could really ruin the ambience. Might be worth testing Mittens’ tolerance with a practice car ride first.