A cat owner from Chicago flew with his two British Shorthair cats, and their antics on the plane have gone viral on social media.
A TikTok video by @louieandtodd shows the two cats resting in their carrier, poking their heads out to curiously survey the cabin as passengers settle in.
“What would you do if you got stuck next to these furry plushies on your flight?” reads the layover text on the clip.
“Louie loves to get facial massages during the flight. Never a peep. He was concerned for the crying baby. Todd sleeps through every flight and wakes up for treats when we land. Wishing you all safe travels.”
The caption adds: “The best behaved travel companions. *For full disclosure we only let them outside their carriers after making sure no one near us is allergic to cats.”
The video quickly went viral on social media and has received over 696,600 views and 86,400 likes on the platform.
Can cats get airplane ears?
If you’re planning on traveling with your cat, you might wonder whether they can get airplane ears during the flight like us. According to Dr. Jess Kirk’s article for Vets Explains Pets, the answer is yes.
Kirk says that when a cat experiences changes in air pressure, which can also happen while riding in a car, their ears may move or twitch in response. This is a natural reaction, and it typically does not cause harm to the cat.
Cats with flat faces, like those in the video, are more prone to experiencing this phenomenon than others because the shape of their head makes it harder for them to equalize the pressure in their ears.
Tips on traveling with cats
Before flying with your pet, you should have them examined by your vet to ensure they are healthy and fit for travel. Most airlines will require a health certificate and vaccination proof, according to a Hepper article medically reviewed by Dr. Paola Cuevas.
Confirm pet travel policies with your airline ahead of time, including carrier size requirements and fees.
Pack the essentials. Bring a collapsible water bowl, cat-friendly wet wipes, a small bag of their regular food, and a portable litter box (for longer trips). It also helps to keep a familiar blanket or toy inside the carrier to provide comfort.
Before the trip, introduce the carrier as a safe and cozy space by leaving it open at home with blankets and treats inside. This will help get your cat used to it. Short practice trips are also a good idea.
Newsweek reached out to @louieandtodd for comment via email. We could not verify the details of the case.
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