NYC to London with a kitty

Hello all
I am new to this board and finding so much great information!...I love it, thank you to all of you
My husband and I are moving to London, from Brooklyn, next month and we are taking our cat with us. We already did the quarantine and just need to finish the PETS paperwork and the do 48h-before-flying-vet-visit.
This might be a stupid question but I cannot find a straight answer anywhere on the airline websites: can I take my cat with me as carry on? I did it when I moved to the US from Canada back in 2000, and it was so reassuring to have her with me under the seat. The whole cargo thing scares me   I know the rules are much tougher in the UK...
do I have unrealistic expectations?

*worried not crazy cat lady*

I cannot find the appropriate link, but that would be a no. Once your cat is checked in with the airline you will not see it again until reception.

Oh well, I was afraid of that Thanks for the info. I guess tons of people have done it and I need to stop worrying...