How to help my extremely nervous cat cope with a long plane trip?

Question

I am moving in a month and need to take my cat on a 4.5 hour flight. She is very nervous even on cars, where she starts meowing and breathing very fast. I am worried the flight will affect her health. What can I do to make it easier on her? Should I be worried about the anxious rapid breathing? Should I feed or give water before the flight? Will pheromone spray help? Should I "crate train" or take her out in public to get accustomed to the airport? Thank you! Pet's info: Cat | Turkish Van | Female | spayed | 1 year and 7 months old | 7 lbs

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

Many great questions! Cats can get very nervous in cars, and it's possible that could occur on a plane. The first thing I would do is have Lila seen by a vet. You can discuss with the vet about using anti-anxiety medications or light sedatives before the flight so she is calm during it. It would be fine to give her water before the flight, but I would withhold food that morning. Food in her stomach may make her vomit and if she gets a sedative, she should have an empty stomach for it. You can try a pheromone spray, as those may help, and I think getting her used to the crate is a good idea. Start by putting her in it for five minutes at a time a couple of times a day, then slowly increase the amount of time she is in it until you have her in it for a couple of hours. When she is in it for a couple of hours, just do that once a day. Good luck with the move, I hope this helps :-)

How to help my extremely nervous cat cope with a long plane trip?

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