Pet owners are often left wondering what to do with their animals when they go on holiday, but one man came up with a rather unusual solution that left people divided
People have been left divided after one man took her four cats on a flight – and booked a seat for them. While travelling abroad is exciting, pet owners may be left worrying about how their animals will be cared for during their holidays. Many ask friends and family to pet sit, while others send their pets to kennels. But others simply cannot be away from their furry friend and get them a pet passport so they can accompany their owner on their trip.
One man recently shared his experience after travelling from the US to Paris with four cats. However, this is not the first time they have been on a flight; he travels the world with them. He carries his feline friends through security before sitting them on a cosy blanket in a plane seat by the window.
The man, who shares snippets of his life with his cats on his TikTok page, @louiseandtodd, said: “How do you four cats handle an eight hour flight to Paris?”. He added: “Louie and Todd and their friends were the best behaved boys on their flight to Paris.”
He shared that they all “waited patiently” for take-off, and Louie the cat loved looking out of the window. For much of the flight, the cats slept. Seven hours in, the pet owner took them to use their portable litter box in the bathroom. Once they landed, the owner put put two of them in a cat buggy and one on a lead, while carrying the other.
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People – many of whom are just realising some airlines allow you to do this – have shared their divided thoughts. “I’m surprised flight attendants allow cats out of carriers,” said one.
One questioned: “I love cats but I have a genuine question what if someone nearby has a cat allergy ? like do you ask the flight ahead of time?” “Why is this allowed? Cats are cute but there are people with allergies,” agreed another. “As a person with cat allergies this is my nightmare,” said another individual.
One, who has first-hand experience of this, shared: “Airlines should send a notice to passengers on flights when pets will be on board so they can bring allergy meds. My husband has an asthmatic reaction to cats and my son’s eyes and face swell around cats.”
“Hey, so this is insane,” insisted another. One agreed: “That’s ridiculous. Should not be allowed.”
One individual pointed out: “People don’t want others to bring cats on a plane but at the same page they be bringing crying babies.”
“I would pay extra to sit next to them,” commented a cat lover. Another, who insisted that they would be excited if they saw cats on a flight, said: “I’m sorry, but if you brought cats on an airplane, I would not know how to behave. I would walk past you so many times until I get the courage to ask to pet them.”
“Your cats fly better than me,” added another.
Rules on bringing pets on flights
If your cat is small and lightweight, some airlines will allow you to keep them in the cabin. Generally, the cat must be in a closed, soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat in front of you, but every airline is different.
Humane World for Animals states about dogs: “If you’re transporting your dog, make sure they meet the size requirements. If you get overwhelmed by all the regulations, there are companies that can help you navigate through the process of flying with a pet.”
KLM and Lufthansa airlines allow small pets, including cats and dogs, to travel in the cabin if they weigh under 8 kg (including the carrier). The same is also permitted in Air France and Air Europa cabins.
British Airways primarily allows pets in the cargo hold. Pets are not allowed in the cabin, unless they are assistance dogs, in which case they can travel with you in the cabin for free. EasyJet and Ryanair only allow service dogs only.
What’s your take on pets on a plane? Share your opinion in the comments below.
