So you want to cash in some frequent flier miles and take your cat along for the ride. First you must know what steps you need to take to ensure your favorite feline's first flight has a smooth landing.

Before you fly the friendly skies, head over to your veterinarian's office so your cat can get an exam. If the vet thinks your kitty would be better off with her paws firmly planted on the ground, you'll need to make other arrangements. To find a pet-sitter or boarding kennel near you, visit Fetch! Pet Care.

Most states require a health certificate issued within 10 days of your arrival and current vaccinations. Some states, including Hawaii, and many countries may require an extended quarantine as well.

When you book your ticket, make a reservation for your cat, too. Keep in mind, you may get charged extra for your pet.

Book your tickets as early as you can. Some airlines limit the number of animals per flight in the passenger area. Also avoid taking your cat with you during heavy travel times like holidays and weekends. The more people traveling, the more delays and the greater chance for problems to arise for both you and your cat.

Check with your airline regarding any travel restrictions or requirements when making your reservations. It's better to get that information up front to avoid any surprises later on, such as the day of the trip.

Many airlines allow you to carry your cat on board and store her under your seat. If you go this route, your cat must ride in an airline-approved carrier. The Federal Aviation Administration mandates all pets must stay in their carriers for the duration of the flight.

Be sure to line the carrier with something absorbent in case your pet gets sick or can't hold out for a potty break. For flights that last longer than 12 hours, attach food and water bowls to the inside of the carrier so you can feed your pet. Also list your name, your cat's name, your home address and telephone number, and the address and phone number of your destination on the carrier.

If your cat can't ride in the passenger areas, then she'll travel in the cargo section. It's much safer if your cat stays with you, so make arrangements ahead of time. Although pressurized, cargo areas don't maintain constant temperatures, not to mention the ride can get quite bumpy. Additionally, many airlines restrict the transport of animals in the cargo area certain times of the year due to extremes in temperature. For this reason, it's important to verify that your trip falls within the proper temperature parameters.

If your cat will ride in the cargo area, write "Live Animal" clearly on her carrier in letters at least 1 inch high. Also place a breakaway collar on your cat with identification information. Keep her carrier securely shut but unlocked in case airline employees need to open it.

For long fights with layovers, attach a container of food with feeding instructions to the top of the carrier. If necessary, airline employees will feed pets traveling in cargo areas during the layover. Make sure to tell your flight crew if you have a cat in the cargo area. They can help make sure your pet gets the care she needs in case of delays or emergencies.

If your kitty is flying solo, choose a nonstop flight if possible and include your contact information and the name, address and phone number of the person who will pick up your precious cargo at her destination. Be aware that airline security will need to inspect the carrier before she takes flight. The intrusion will stress your kitty, so ask if they can do the inspection in a secure, quiet place.

Only give your cat a tranquilizer for the trip if your veterinarian recommends doing so. It can be dangerous to tranquilize cats traveling in the cargo area since the effects of the drug at high altitudes can be unpredictable. Tranquilizers may cause difficulty breathing, difficulty regulating body temperature and balance problems. When a kennel is moved, either due to normal handling or in-flight turbulence, if your cat is sedated, she may not be able to brace herself and prevent injury. Tranquilizers a likely change your cat's behavior, which may make it difficult for you to determine if there is a health issue when you arrive at your destination. Also, some airlines may reject shipping any animal in the cargo area if they are sedated due to the danger to the animal.