Little One the cat sleeping on Natascha's arm during their journey with Cabin Companions.
July 16, 2026

Flying a Cat from France to the USA: Little One’s Journey from Marseille to Reno

When Little One’s mom relocated from France to Nevada, she needed someone experienced to bring him safely across the Atlantic and reunite them in Reno.

Little One’s mom worried most about one thing: as an indoor-outdoor cat, would he tolerate spending nearly two days in a carrier? Thankfully, he proved to be an excellent traveler from the very beginning.

Natascha picked Little One up at his home near Marseille, accompanied him on the flight from Marseille to Paris Charles de Gaulle, and then continued with him through Salt Lake City before completing the final flight to Reno. From pickup through reunion, Little One remained personally escorted and safely in the aircraft cabin.

Because Little One had always lived as an indoor-outdoor cat, his mom wasn’t sure how he would respond to a carrier, busy airports, and such a long journey. He ultimately handled every stage of the trip remarkably well.

Journey Snapshot

  • Route: Marseille, France → Paris CDG → Salt Lake City → Reno, Nevada
  • Service: International in-cabin cat travel
  • Pets: Little One
  • Distance Traveled: Little One traveled nearly 6,000 miles from southern France to northern Nevada.
  • Special Considerations: First major flight, unfamiliar carrier confinement, multiple airports and connections

Preparing for an International Journey

Natascha met Little One near Marseille and helped him settle into his travel carrier before heading to the airport.

As an indoor-outdoor cat, Little One was accustomed to having considerable freedom and control over his surroundings. His mom understandably worried that extended time inside a carrier—or the noise and activity of an airport—might be especially difficult for him.

Instead, Little One adjusted beautifully. Natascha kept the experience calm and predictable, monitored his comfort throughout the first flight, and made sure he had the quiet reassurance he needed during the connection at Paris Charles de Gaulle.

From Marseille to Paris Then Crossing the Atlantic

The longest portion of Little One’s journey took him from Paris to Salt Lake City.

Throughout the international flight, he remained safely inside the aircraft cabin with Natascha. She monitored his behavior, provided regular updates to his mom, and adjusted his care around how he was responding in the moment.

Despite the unfamiliar environment and lengthy travel day, Little One remained calm and comfortable. The cat his mom feared might struggle with confinement proved to be an exceptionally capable traveler.

Little One the Cat Relaxing on a bed on a trip with Cabin Companions

Little One relaxes at the hotel after being picked up near Marseille. Spending the night before an early departure helped keep the travel schedule relaxed and ensured a smooth start to his international journey.

Veterinary technician traveling with a cat by airplane

Little One waits patiently with Natascha before boarding the first flight of his journey. Despite being an indoor-outdoor cat with no previous flying experience, he remained calm and handled every stage of the trip from France to Nevada remarkably well.

One Final Flight to Reno

After arriving in the United States and passing through customs, Natascha guided Little One through the required arrival procedures and prepared him for the final flight from Salt Lake City to Reno.

By this point, he had already navigated two airports, an international flight, and a major connection. He continued handling the journey remarkably well and remained settled through the final leg.

When they reached Reno, Natascha personally delivered Little One into his mom’s arms—completing a journey of thousands of miles and reuniting them safely in their new home.

WHY IN-CABIN PET TRAVEL MATTERS

International cat travel involves far more than purchasing an airline ticket. Multiple airports, international entry procedures, connections, long travel days, and an unfamiliar carrier can all create uncertainty for both cats and their families.

Cabin Companions provides:

  • One experienced travel companion from pickup through reunion
  • Carefully planned, pet-friendly flight itineraries
  • In-cabin care throughout every flight
  • Coordination through airports and international arrival procedures
  • Photos, updates, and direct communication throughout the journey
  • Individualized care based on each cat’s behavior and needs

Little One never entered a cargo hold, changed handlers, or traveled as part of a shared shipment. Natascha remained responsible for his care throughout the entire journey—from his home near Marseille until he was safely reunited with his mom in Reno.

Learn more about international pet travel

Little One began the trip as an indoor-outdoor cat who had never experienced anything like international air travel. He arrived in Nevada as a calm, successful international traveler—and, most importantly, back where he belonged.

This journey is a great example of how flying a cat from France to the United States can be safe and low-stress when the trip is carefully planned and your cat remains with one experienced travel companion from start to finish.

Planning an international move with your cat? We’d love to help make the journey as calm and safe as Little One’s. Schedule a consultation with Cabin Companions.