Traveling overseas is an adventure in itself, and taking your cat along with you can complicate this exciting time. From knowing airline rules to getting the proper documents, the experience can be daunting. With some planning, we can streamline the process for you and your feline companion.
At Cats Only Veterinary Clinic, we’re here to help. In this international cat travel guide, we’ll guide you through the basic steps to help you have a safe and pleasant experience. If you’re moving abroad or you just want your beloved pet to accompany you on a trip, traveling internationally with a cat doesn’t have to be a headache—especially when you have expert guidance.
Preparing Your Cat for International Travel
From health checks to travel carriers, here are the key things you’ll need to make your cat’s trip safe, smooth, and stress-free.
1. Vaccines: Stay Up-to-Date
Getting your cat vaccinated isn’t only vital to their well-being—it’s also a fundamental prerequisite for overseas travel. Most nations require core vaccination documentation, particularly rabies. Some even demand multiple rabies vaccinations before allowing your cat to enter the country.
If your cat’s vaccination history isn’t current, you might end up with long delays—or in the worst case, your pet won’t be permitted to fly. To keep things running smoothly, book your cat’s appointment early and update your cat’s vaccinations well in advance of your trip.
2. Microchip: A Small Procedure with a Great Reward
An ISO-standard microchip is another essential travel requirement in many countries. This form of permanent identification is implanted, by injection, under your cat’s skin. Our microchips are scannable by any universal reader, and the verification can ensure your cat’s official paperwork belongs to only them.
If you think there’s even a small chance you’ll travel with your cat someday, it’s smart to get the microchip administered early. Not only will it save time on subsequent travels, but it also offers a sense of reassurance— with this permanent identification, if your cat is ever lost, a microchip highly improves your chances for reunion.
3. Know Your Destination’s Requirements
Each nation has a different set of regulations for bringing in animals. Some require only routine vaccinations, while others want additional measures such as blood tests, parasite treatment, or prolonged quarantine time.
One good place to start is the USDA pet travel website, which offers current information on pet import regulations for most countries. Listed below are two areas to review:
- Rabies Titer Testing:
If your destination requires a rabies titer test (a blood test verifying your cat has sufficient rabies antibodies), start planning ahead. It may take 4-6 weeks to receive results back—and sometimes even 2 months due to backlogs. Be cautious and factor in at least 3-4 months of buffer time before your trip in case a re-test is required. The vast majority of countries will accept a passing rabies titer for up to a year, so this is one task you can put on your list, far in advance.
- Parasite Prevention:
Some countries have rigid parasite prevention requirements prior to arrival. They may ask for a certain type of dewormer or flea treatment—and your brand of choice may not qualify. Find out these requirements early to prevent any last-minute hiccups.
4. Travel Plans: Consider Every Stop
Are you flying non-stop to your destination, or are you going to have a layover? This is more important than you might realize. Certain countries need you to have another, separate, health certificate if you’re passing through, even though you, and your cat, won’t be setting foot outside the airport.
For smooth travel, plan out your whole trip—with layovers—and research each country’s pet travel policies. That way, you’ll have proper documentation at each step.
5. Airline Requirements: No Two Are Alike
Each airline has its own pet travel policies, which might extend beyond minimum health certificates. Some need additional paperwork, precise crate sizes, or pre-booked reservations for traveling pets.
While making your reservation, verify your airline’s pet policy carefully. If they have any special requirements, confirm these at the earliest, to avoid last-minute hassle.
6. Quarantine: Minimize Stress for Your Cat
A few nations (and even some U.S. states) impose quarantine stays on arriving pets. This can be anywhere from a few hours to a few months, depending on how well your cat’s paperwork complies with the importation requirements.
The best way to avoid—or shorten—quarantine is to plan meticulously. Forgetting even a minor detail, such as a booster shot or parasite medication, may result in an extra-long quarantine stay. As being isolated from you in an unfamiliar location can be terribly stressful for cats (and their people), it’s well worth going the extra mile to avoid this.
What to Know During the Journey
Planning to fly with your cat overseas? Here’s a guide to make sure you and your cat enjoy a stress-free flight.
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Travel Medications
Does your cat feel stressed during traveling? Or are you worried about motion sickness? Does your cat eliminate in her carrier? These are key points to take note of before you travel. If your cat struggles with travel-related stress or nausea, there are medications available to help ease their discomfort.
What You Need to Know About Travel Medications
- Consult Your Veterinarian Early: Talk to your vet long before the trip to discuss possibilities for relief from anxiety and nausea.
- Test Medication in Advance: Some trial and error may be necessary before discovering the correct dosage that will calm your cat without over-sedating them.
- Avoid Over-Sedation: Airlines can refuse any animal that seems too sedated since such an animal poses a possible safety risk.
Pro Tip: Acclimate your cat to short trips in a cat travel carrier for flights to get them accustomed to being confined during travel. This lessens stress on the day of travel and allows your cat to feel safe and comfortable in a familiar bed.
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Bathroom Breaks
Cats will not use airport pet relief facilities like dogs, so be prepared for accidents. While many cats will hold their bladder all day during travel, preparation is essential—particularly on long-distance or overseas flights.
Bathroom Essentials to Carry:
- Puppy Pads: Place these in the carrier for convenient clean-up when accidents occur.
- Plastic Bags: Pack a few sealable bags to throw away dirty pads discreetly and trap odors.
- Baby Wipes: Ideal for washing your cat’s paws or coat in the event of a mishap.
- Travel Litterbox: A foldable litterbox with light litter is great for long trips or layovers.
Where Can Your Cat Go?
- Family Restrooms: These tend to be the best place to allow your cat to stretch out and use a travel litterbox in privacy.
- Pet Relief Stops: Designed for dogs, these spots may not feel safe or suitable for most cats but inquire with airport employees on a private experience for your cat, if possible.
Pro Tip: Don’t worry if your cat won’t use the restroom on the way—most cats will hold their urine and/or stool until they arrive at their destination.
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Food and Water
Even if your cat does not seem hungry while on the flight, it is still important to provide water and a little food—especially on flights over 12 hours.
Food and Water Travel Tips:
- Foldable Water Bowls: Space-efficient and lightweight, these make it simple to offer water.
- Kibble: Dry cat food is easiest to travel with. Offer small servings for quick feeding.
- Wet Food Packs: If your cat prefers wet food, use convenient little packets instead of heavy cans.
Pro Tip: Provide a little food and water at layovers or quiet times in the flight. If your cat isn’t interested, don’t force it—most cats will eat when they finally arrive at their destination.
Returning to the U.S. with Your Cat
If your travel is temporary—be it for vacation, competition, or work—it’s important to prepare ahead of time for your cat’s return trip.
Check the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) website: APHIS Pet Travel, prior to booking your return trip. This resource provides the most up-to-date information on importing pets back to the U.S. As of January 2025, there are no federal regulations specifically requiring documentation for bringing a cat into the country. However, this does not mean you’re cleared for re-entry.
Individual U.S. states and airlines may have varying requirements for returning pets. For example, certain states will need a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian confirming that your cat is healthy. This may need to be obtained while abroad, so it is advisable to research these regulations well in advance of your return.
In addition, most airlines also have their own pet policies that could vary from vaccination certificates or a fit-to-fly certificate. Always check with your airline, in advance, to know what rules you need to observe.
Wrapping Up
Cat owners wish for nothing more than to take their jet-setting companions along, while traveling around the world. This can be achieved with thorough planning. From making sure your cat is up-to-date on vaccinations to researching airline policies and destination rules, knowing these details will allow your cat to globe trot comfortably by your side.
Do you need expert guidance when planning to travel internationally with your cat? Cats Only Veterinary Clinic has extensive experience with leading pet owners through the pet travel process. Give us a call to make an appointment for a consultation to ensure that you and your cat will have a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience!
