Traveling with cat through airport?

My cat is adopted and his previous owners abused him, so he is scared of stranger especially men, and im flying with him, i talked to the airport and they said that in security i will have to take him out of his cage and walk him through security in my arms, he has a leash and harness so if he gets loose he can't get far from me...... but he is going to wiggle and squirm and most likely scratch me from fear, has anyone done this before, or know anyway i can keep him somewhat calm going through security. You can't give pets any stress reliever before flying because it can kill them