Cat Policy Overview
China Eastern Airlines is a major mainland China carrier and a route-relevant operator for Canada-China, Europe-China and other long-haul routes. Its official small-animal guidance covers domesticated cats and dogs on eligible nonstop flights operated by China Eastern or Shanghai Airlines with the correct flight number, but it does not allow ordinary cats in the passenger cabin. Treat it as a checked hold/cargo-cabin option that needs airline approval before ticket purchase.
Before Booking
Apply at least 48 hours before departure and wait for China Eastern approval before buying non-refundable travel extras. Confirm the exact operating airline, flight number, aircraft type, oxygen-equipped hold, pet-space availability, temperature limits, breed restrictions, crate size, export/import documents and China entry rules.
Route Intelligence Note
For Canada to China planning, route data shows China Eastern as an observed nonstop operator on airport pairs such as Vancouver or Toronto to Shanghai. That makes it important to check, especially when a direct route would reduce connection risk for a cat.
Restrictions
No ordinary passenger-cabin cats. Small animals are limited to eligible nonstop China Eastern or Shanghai Airlines-operated flights and may be refused if the aircraft hold is unsuitable, if forecast temperatures are at or below -12 C or at or above 30 C, if the carrier is non-compliant, or if the cat is under 6 months, pregnant, recently whelped, aggressive, ill, or a short-nosed/brachycephalic breed such as Burmese, Himalayan, Persian, Exotic Shorthair or British Shorthair.
Notes
China entry rules are separate from airline acceptance. China Eastern reminds travellers that cats entering China are limited to one pet per person and need quarantine, rabies and microchip documentation, with quarantine/titer exemptions depending on origin. Confirm the route and entry port against current GACC/China Customs rules before booking.