Published on April 24, 2025
Last updated:
Traveling with flat-faced or brachycephalic cats, such as Persians, Himalayans, and Exotic Shorthairs, requires special attention due to their unique anatomical features. Their shortened nasal passages make them more susceptible to respiratory issues, especially under stressful conditions like air travel. This guide covers how to help keep your flat-faced cat safe and comfortable during their journey.
What Makes Travel Harder for Flat-Faced Cats?
Heat Sensitivity
Flat-faced cats have difficulty regulating body temperature, making them prone to heatstroke. Temperatures above 75°F (23°C) can pose significant risks.
Early signs of heat exhaustion in flat-faced cats include:
- Panting
- Drooling
- Seeking cool surfaces
- Increased water intake
According to PetMD, if a cat’s body temperature exceeds 104°F, immediate veterinary attention is necessary.
Signs of heatstroke include:
- Disorientation
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Labored breathing
Because of this, it’s best to avoid travel during hot weather. Ideally, transport should occur when temperatures stay below 75°F (23°C).
Do Persian Cats Have Breathing Problems?
Yes. Persians and other flat-faced breeds often have narrowed airways, a condition called Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). BOAS is common in flat-faced breeds and can make breathing more difficult, especially during travel. Stress can worsen these symptoms and lead to respiratory distress.
As noted by the RSPCA:
“The ability of cats and dogs to maintain normal body temperature (thermoregulate) and get enough oxygen into their body (oxygenate) are closely related to the respiration process.”
This makes choosing the right travel method critical. If you choose WorldCare Pet Transport, a dedicated Pet Relocation Counselor will help determine the best travel plan for your cat’s health and safety.
Which Cats Count as Flat-Faced?
“Flat-faced” and “brachycephalic” describe cats with shortened noses and flattened faces. Some breeds have this shape more than others. But airlines use breed lists, so whether your cat can fly depends on the breed on its paperwork, not on how flat its face looks.
Breeds most commonly listed as brachycephalic by airlines include:
- Persian
- Himalayan
- Exotic Shorthair
- British Shorthair
- Burmese
Face shape varies within a breed. A “doll-face” Persian has a longer nose than a “peke-face” Persian and may breathe more easily, but airlines don’t make that distinction. The breed name decides it.
Every airline keeps its own list, and the lists change. A cat that is accepted on one carrier may be restricted on another. This is one reason routing matters so much for flat-faced breeds. Your Pet Relocation Counselor will check your cat’s breed against current airline policies before recommending a route.
Which Airlines Accept Flat-Faced Cats?
Most major U.S. airlines no longer fly brachycephalic cats in the cargo hold, and each carrier words its policy differently.
- Delta: Does not accept brachycephalic cats or their mixes in cargo. Delta Cargo pet shipments are also currently limited to active-duty military and Foreign Service personnel.
- Alaska Airlines: Does not accept brachycephalic cats in cargo. As of October 1, 2026, the same restrictions apply on Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air flights.
- Southwest: Does not fly pets in cargo at all.
Delta and Alaska restrict the same four cat breeds: Persian, Himalayan, Exotic Shorthair, and Burmese, along with their mixes.
What This Means for Your Move
With fewer airlines to choose from, the route matters more for flat-faced cats. It might mean an international carrier that accepts brachycephalic breeds under specific conditions, flights timed for cooler temperatures, or fewer connections. Your Pet Relocation Counselor checks current carrier policies against your cat’s breed and builds the route around them.
Talk to a Pet Relocation Counselor about your cat’s move
How Do I Prepare My Flat-Faced Cat for Travel?
1. Choose the Right Carrier
Use a well-ventilated, airline-approved carrier that gives your cat room to stand, turn, and lie down. We recommend sizing up at least one size larger than required to allow better airflow.
Let your cat explore the carrier at home for several weeks before travel to help them feel more comfortable.
2. Schedule Air Travel During Cooler Hours
Flights are scheduled for early mornings or late evenings to avoid peak temperatures.
Note: Some airlines restrict flat-faced breeds year-round, while others add seasonal or temperature limits.
3. Plan Meals Around the Flight
Your cat should travel on a nearly empty stomach. The right feeding schedule depends on your cat’s age, size, usual diet, and flight length, so check with your veterinarian. Water is fine and encouraged before the flight.
Can I Sedate My Flat-Faced Cat for Travel?
No. Sedatives can impair breathing and lower blood pressure, which is especially risky for flat-faced breeds. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) strongly discourages sedation for pets during flights. Have your cat checked by a vet before traveling. You might ask about calming aids like Feliway, but only use products your vet approves.
What Happens During Your Cat’s Journey?
1. Maintain a Cool Environment
Temperature is the biggest factor for flat-faced cats, so it shapes the whole plan. Your Pet Relocation Counselor schedules flights and connections around the weather on each part of the route, and ground transport to and from the airport is climate-controlled.
2. Minimize Stressors
Direct flights are the goal whenever they’re available. When a connection is needed, your Pet Relocation Counselor chooses one that keeps layovers short.
3. Watch for Signs of Stress After Arrival
Once your cat is home, keep an eye out for heavy panting, drooling, or unusual lethargy. If you notice any of these, contact your veterinarian right away.
How Do I Help My Cat Settle In After the Move?
After arrival, set up a quiet space with your cat’s familiar belongings. Keep them in one room with their bed, litter box, food, and toys for a few days to help them adjust. Avoid washing familiar items like beds or blankets, since their scent provides comfort.
WorldCare Pet’s Experience Moving Flat-Faced Cats
At WorldCare Pet, we have extensive experience moving flat-faced cats around the world. Here’s what the Chen family had to say about moving Popo, their Exotic Shorthair, from the U.S. to Hong Kong:
“Moving a kitten from the US to HK is a tremendous project… I am grateful that I had WorldCare taking me and Popo through the process. Amber and the team were clear and informative every step of the way. I was extremely impressed with the care during Popo’s nearly 60-hour journey—it was world-class service. The little postcard from Frankfurt ‘made by Popo’ was sweet and eased my worry. Thank you, WorldCare!”
— Chen Family, US to Hong Kong
Final Thoughts
Traveling with flat-faced cats requires thoughtful planning and careful attention to their unique needs. By understanding the risks and taking the right precautions, you can help your cat have a safe, comfortable journey home.
Need Help Moving Your Snub-Nosed Cat?
Contact WorldCare Pet today and find out how we can assist in your feline’s move.
Moving your pet across the world just got less stressful. Valerie Neyra, Marketing Coordinator at WorldCare Pet and devoted cat mom to Lucky, creates the guides, tools, and resources pet parents need to navigate domestic and international pet transport with confidence. Her mission? Making sure no pet owner feels alone during a global move.