Ten Commandments for flying a cat abroad

Flying a Cat Abroad: What Must Be Done and What Must Be Avoided to Accomplish the Task as Best as Possible

Don't procrastinate, you've decided to fly together, fantastic! Make sure to clarify all the requirements in the destination country in advance; preparations may take several months in some cases.
Create a list of all the tasks you need to organize before the trip: visit the veterinarian, purchase suitable equipment, blood tests, relevant approvals, essential accompanying equipment.
If you intend to return later with your pet to your home country, take this into account and prepare the necessary paperwork and documents well in advance for the return journey to Israel.
If your cat is not in its best condition or needs various treatments or vaccinations, it is not advisable to postpone these for travel abroad. When you arrive in the new country, it will take time to acclimate and find a new local veterinarian you trust, so do this beforehand.
Flight booking: It is recommended to check beforehand which airlines flying to your destination are pet-friendly and reserve a place for you and your cat. Most airlines have restrictions on the number of pets allowed in the passenger cabin, so it's advisable to ensure this well in advance.
It is recommended to fly direct whenever possible and take the shortest route.
Familiarize your pet in advance with its travel carrier; a cat that recognizes the carrier, sleeps on it, and feels comfortable in it will be less stressed during the flight.
If you intend to administer any form of therapeutic treatment to your pet during the flight to calm it down, try it out at home first. If the medication has side effects or unwanted effects, it's better to know this in advance.
It is recommended to purchase a carrier that is large enough for your cat to stand and move around in. If it's an outdoor cat, it's recommended to buy a hard carrier rather than one made of fabric. Additionally, a fabric carrier is not suitable for long flights because if the cat relieves itself in the carrier, it cannot be effectively cleaned.
If your cat is exceptionally large and you want it to fly with you in the cargo hold, check in advance if the airline allows this, and purchase a carrier with the smallest possible weight to reduce the total weight of the cat and the carrier. In airlines, the final weight determining whether the cat can join you in the passenger cabin includes the weight of the cat with the carrier."