Cat Policy Overview
China Southern Airlines is one of the main China-route operators seen in CatAbroad route data. Its official pet page treats household cats as small living animals transported as checked baggage, not ordinary cabin pets. For cat owners, this is a route-relevant checked-hold option only after China Southern confirms the exact flight can carry the animal.
Before Booking
Submit the pet request when reserving and at least 72 hours before departure, then wait for China Southern approval. Confirm the operating airline, aircraft hold, route, date, number of pets already accepted, documents, breed restrictions, temperature limits, destination rules and whether your itinerary has any connection or code-share complication.
Route Intelligence Note
China Southern appears on strong direct routes between Canada and China, the United States and China, and European hubs and China. A direct China Southern flight may reduce transfers, but route presence is schedule evidence only, not pet acceptance.
Restrictions
No ordinary cabin cats. China Southern says small animals travel as checked baggage and cannot currently be carried on connecting flights. Short-nosed cats including Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Persian, Himalayan and British Shorthair are listed as prohibited from baggage transport. Aircraft suitability, cage rules, documents, pregnancy/health conditions and destination import rules can all block acceptance.
Notes
For China arrivals, China Southern repeats the one-pet-per-person dog-or-cat import rule, official quarantine/rabies documents, ISO microchip requirements and possible quarantine depending on origin and documents. Always verify China Customs rules and the destination airport before booking.