How to Train Your Cat to Like Airplane Rides

Once you have the perfect carrier for your needs, display it with the door open in a room frequented by your cat. You can sprinkle some treats around it and in it, but just let your cat explore it on their own for a few days.

Use treats and toys to entice your cat to go inside the carrier several times a day, and give lots of praise whenever they go in. Add a cushion or a favorite blanket to encourage them to lay down and nap. Continue placing treats or toys inside, feeding them meals inside, and giving praise until your cat is going in and out on their own, and even lying down in the carrier. If your cat is still hesitating, try spraying a pheromone product inside to reduce anxiety.

After your cat is familiar with the carrier, try to quietly close the door when they are inside for 30 seconds to a minute. Then, open it up and give lots of praise and treats, or a special play session.

Continue closing the door when your cat is inside the carrier, increasing the time slowly over a period of weeks from several minutes to an hour or longer. Eventually, you’ll want your cat to stay relaxed while the carrier door is closed, so be patient, go slowly, and give lots of treats and praise.

Create a routine you’ll use to get your cat in and out of the carrier, such as using a high value treat to get them inside so you can close the door. Practice several times until your cat goes in and out at your command.

When your cat has mastered being in the carrier, move the carrier to another room your cat goes into. Place treats and toys inside and let your cat explore it in a new location. Repeat Steps 2 - 4, then move to another room once your cat is comfortable and start again.

Pick up the carrier when your cat is inside with the door closed, and move it to a different room. Immediately open the door and let your cat out, giving treats and praise. When you do it again, leave your cat in the carrier for a few minutes before letting them out again. Carry your cat in the carrier into several rooms, and increase the time they stay inside once in its new location each time.

Let your cat sniff the harness inside your home, then gently put it on your cat. Your cat will likely try to get out of it, so give your cat some treats or play with a favorite toy to distract them. After a few minutes, take the harness off and reward your cat with treats or cuddles.

Over the course of several days to weeks, put the harness on your cat again, increasing the amount of time it stays on each time. Aim for 5 minutes, 10 minutes, then 15 minutes, giving your cat more positive reinforcement. Eventually, you’ll want to be able to leave it on for an hour without your cat trying to get out of it.

Once your cat is comfortable being in the harness, try leaving it on for several hours and go about your daily routine to emulate what it may feel like to your cat to have it on throughout an airplane trip. Have your cat go in and out of their carrier with the harness on, nap with the harness, eat with the harness, and even go potty with the harness.

Attach a lightweight leash to the harness and let your cat go about their daily routine freely. Be sure to only attach the leash to the harness, and never to the collar. Once they are used to the leash, then try “walking” your cat through the house by taking up the leash and holding it like you would outside. Try exploring a few places together, letting your cat lead and noting any pulling or hesitancy. Give treats and positive reinforcement when your cat doesn’t pull and walks on the leash.

Slowly introduce your cat to the outside world by picking them when harnessed and leashed, and taking them outside. Gently place your cat on the grass, driveway or sidewalk, and let them sniff and explore at their own pace. Start with a few minutes, then increase the amount of time during each outdoor visit until your cat is comfortable and explores on their own, while keeping the leash securely in hand.

Once your cat has mastered remaining calm in a harness and in their carrier, try putting them in their harness first, and then in the carrier. Be patient as your cat adjusts, and praise and treat often.

Move your harnessed cat in their carrier to the car, and spend a few minutes inside. Increase the length of time they spend inside the car each time over several days to a week, while continuing to use praise and treats. Gradually, secure the carrier to the car.

Now, take your kitty for a car ride. Keep it short at first by driving around the block, and gradually increase travel time.

Armed with plenty of tasty treats, begin taking your cat to new places such as friends’ homes, parks, city sidewalks, and inside pet-friendly buildings to get your cat used to new places, faces and noises. Start by spending only a few minutes at each location, then gradually increase the time each visit.

Eventually, you can attach a leash to the harness and let your cat out of the carrier to explore. Allow your cat to meet new people so they are comfortable around unfamiliar faces. The more smells, sounds and sights your cat can handle, the better they will be able to adjust to an airport and airplane. Once they can be comfortable, your cat can begin to enjoy air travel and the new things that come with it.