Cat in cabin

[Lena]

Does anyone know of a cat carrier suitable to use in a plane cabin? The airline we're travelling with says it has to be top to bottom rigid plastic with max measurements the same as for any other hand luggage so 56 x 45 x 25cm (in inches that's roughly 22 x 17,5 x 10), the paws can't come out but it still needs to have plenty of air vents.

I've searched near, far and so much that I'm not far from discovering the Loch Ness monster, yet I can't find this box. Is anyone able to help? All ideas are welcome!

Should anyone wonder why the cat's flying in the cabin instead of the hold - cabin pet place will cost about £40 compared to the cargo company's bargain price of £386 in the hold :shock:

[yola]

I would rather have my cat flying in the cabin than the hold . . . didn't know they allowed it though!

Can the airline not recommend a supplier of cat carriers?

Here are some I found . . . certainly the marroon one in the 2nd link would be sufficiently sealed but offering enough ventilation for your cat!

http://www.roofrackshop.com/viewcategory.asp?pctID=42
http://www.breeding-world.co.uk/catit-pet-cargo-cat-carrier-p-2.html
http://www.petcentreonline.co.uk/ecommerce/Scripts/prodView~idproduct~99.htm

[Jac]

The middle one is the one I got. I got it from a local pet shop and I'm sure it was £19.
If I can be of any help, ie ask what suppliers they got it from just shout (I used to work for them)

[Lena]

Thanks both! I've got both the middle one and the small Vari kennel from the last link, but unfortunately they're both too big. It's the height of the box that's causing all this trouble, 25cm/10 inches is so very little that no one seems to make boxes that low.

The airline have been interesting. Their last helpful tip for finding this box was to "leave your pet at home, you shouldn't really be transporting cats anyway, they're much happier in a kennel". Was one of those moments when one feels like saying bad words. After I'd been preached on animal welfare, the airline lady said they don't recommend any special carriers because that would be promotion. Again, bad words came to mind.

Yola, I prefer to have my cat in the cabin too, especially since this will be the cat's first time on a plane. There are very few airlines left who accept pets in cabin, although things aren't as strict in the rest of Europe. There you can have a soft carrier which would be so much easier to find, not to mention prettier!

[Jac]

Lena
Try Argos I bought one months ago. I just measured it and it's 11inches high. I'm sure there was a smaller one though. Other than that why not check out pet carriers. You can get them for rabbits ect. They may be more in line with what the airline allows.

[dinahsmum]

A few years ago when i was researching this, the airlines (KLM & Air Canada - the only ones who would carry pets in the cabin at that time) were happy with non rigid. I'm sorry - I can't remember which carriers I had researched.
However, i wonder if the extra small of this would suit you?
http://www.petplanet.co.uk/product.asp?dept_id=152&pf_id=7348
Good luck

[Fran]

I have two of these and they are promoted as being suitable for travelling on aircraft. Check the measurements though as I have never taken mine on an aeroplane

http://www.hagen.com/uk/cats/addinfo/pet_cargo_cabrio.cfm

[tilly]

How about looking on ebay they might have one? What about wicker baskets? thats all I can think of.
hope you find something
Sally

[dandysmom]

I'd be pretty dubious about a wicker basket due to one experience. When I had my first cat I didn't have a regular carrier so used a (I thought) sturdy wicker basket for his first vet trip. He (Siamese) was furious at being in it; OK on the way there, but on the way home ripped and tore so badly he'd managed to get an opening almost big enough to get out of!~!

[Kay]

Hope you get sorted. I can't help as I have never travelled with my cats on a plane. Would be interested to know though as I wouldn't mind showing in Ireland.

[Lena]

Dinahsmum, you're brilliant!! The xxsmall is just the perfect size, I'll just need to check with the airline that the opening roof is allowed. Wicker baskets aren't allowed, I guess they're not secure enough for planes.

Kay, the pet passport isn't at all difficult to arrange, although it is time consuming and costs about £150 (£60ish for the passport plus rabies injection, blood test and microchip). Then it's just a matter of finding a suitable IATA approved carrier (for cats that go in the hold, Vari kennels are the best and not that expensive either), booking a pet place on the plane and off you are.

Or that's the theory at least... I'll keep you posted on how it actually works!