Flying With A Big Boy

cg33

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We have lots of time to prepare, but it is official that we are making a cross country move. Our boy, Howie, is a big boy. 20lbs of big boy... Its not just that he is fat (he is fat), but he's also long and tall. The vet says his ideal weight would be around 15 or 16lbs.

Anyways, he's a very nervous traveler and a three hour flight is much preferred over a 20hr drive. We will not put him in the cargo though, he has to ride in the cabin. Every airline carrier that I've seen for "big cats" is for up to 13lbs....are you kidding??? That's not a big cat!

Does anybody have experience flying with a hefty cat? What carrier do you suggest? Did you have trouble with the size restrictions?
 

Furballsmom

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Hi!

ummm, can you purchase a seat? I don't think any (dog) carrier that's big enough for him so that he can stand/turn around (which I think is the regulation?) is going to fit under the seat...I'm not sure here...
 

Pjg8r

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This is from one airline’s page just for reference. I suggest calling airlines.
For pets traveling in the cabin, soft or hard-sided carriers should be a maximum of 18.5" x 8.5" x 13.5" (47 cm x 22 cm x 34 cm). They must be leak-proof, well ventilated, and small enough to fit under the seat in front. Your cat or dog must be able to stand up and move around the carrier with ease.
 

FeebysOwner

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Hi. I have a carrier that works for my 18 lb long, tall - and overweight - cat. She is 14+ yo, and she turns around in it pretty well; a little more less so since she has gotten arthritis. It is soft sided carrier, and was used for airline travel a long number of years ago - and I still use it to get her to/from the vet. I will get it out of it's "hiding place" and take a pic. I also, btw, had a piece of the boarding cut to size (the kind that you use in garages to hang equipment on) to support the bottom for added weight support. Bear with me....
 

FeebysOwner

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Ok, my carrier measures 18" x 10" x 12" (airline approved). My cat is probably around 11" tall, and at least 15+ inches long (just a guess). So, no she cannot stand up in it. Thankfully, she is NOT 10" wide (lol), but she does fill up most of the space!

But, more to the point is the bottom support to the carrier that I have added. I cannot come up with what it is called. But, to help I have added pics of her, the carrier, and the board we had cut to size to add support for her weight in the bottom of the carrier. (The carrier also came with a plastic covered cardboard bottom support which I also leave in it, covered with a blanket or towel - with the added support board beneath that.)

20181111_195727.jpg
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cg33

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Thank you guys so much! Especially Feebysowner for the advice and photos! I will definitely talk with the airline and make sure we are within the guidelines. I will also look for a soft sided carrier 18x10x12.
 
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