Flying With A Cat – International Cat Travel

The procedures and requirements for flying with a cat internationally are generally the same as those for dogs, as most countries (including Israel) set the same import conditions for both. Even when there are differences in the import conditions, these differences are minor.

Flying with a cat abroad requires significant planning and preparation. Therefore, in order for you and your feline companion to have a successful experience, it is recommended you start the process as early as possible.

The following article will guide you on how to travel with a cat internationally.

Flying A Cat To Israel – Key Requirements

Bringing a cat (or dog) into Israel requires strict adherence to the import conditions set by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

To successfully import your cat into Israel, you must ensure that your cat has the following:

• International Microchip – your cat must have an ISO-standard microchip implanted for identification.
• Valid Rabies Vaccination – your cat must have proof of a valid rabies vaccine.
• Blood Test – a rabies antibody titer blood test is required to confirm the vaccine’s efficacy.
• Health Certificate – an official health certificate must be issued by an authorized veterinarian shortly before the flight.

Israel’s import requirements for dogs and cats are identical regarding vaccinations, microchips, and blood tests. However, there is one crucial difference that simplifies the process for cat owners once they arrive in Israel:

• Dogs must be registered in the “National Microchip Database” upon arrival, and their owners are required to hold a valid ownership license (or “dog license”) issued by the local authority.
• Cats are exempt from this registration and licensing requirement.

Therefore, if you are importing a cat, you will not have the bureaucratic step of registering your pet in the national database or obtaining an ownership license after landing in Israel.

For further details, we recommend you read about “Bringing Pets To Israel”.

Flying Cats To The USA – Understanding the Requirements

The entry requirements for cats traveling into the United States are notably simpler than those imposed by many other countries, including Israel.

The U.S. government (specifically the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC) is highly lenient regarding feline imports. Currently, the U.S. does not legally require an international microchip, a rabies vaccination, or a rabies titer blood test for cats.

This means that, at the federal level, you are essentially not required to have any veterinary documents to bring your cat into the USA.

While the U.S. government may not mandate extensive paperwork, we strongly advise against traveling without documents. Relying solely on the minimum requirements can lead to serious complications and delays.

Here is why preparing full documentation is essential:

• Airline Requirements – many international airlines will refuse to fly a cat without a recent Health Certificate (issued by a veterinarian close to the travel date), proof of a Microchip, and a Valid Rabies Vaccine. Airlines prioritize animal welfare and safety and often enforce stricter rules than the destination country’s government.
• State and Local Laws – while federal law is lenient, individual states or territories within the U.S. may have local laws that require rabies vaccination upon entry.
• Future Travel/Emergencies – having a full, recognized veterinary record, including the microchip and vaccine history, is crucial for registration, veterinary visits, and any unforeseen circumstances after arrival.

We strongly recommend that you get your cat microchipped and vaccinated. This process is neither expensive nor overly time-consuming and ensures you are fully prepared for the airline and any unexpected checks. It is always better to “think big” and travel with everything recommended, rather than being denied boarding for lack of a simple document.

Moving Cats to Australia

Australia’s biosecurity laws are among the strictest in the world, yet when it comes to cat importation, the process is significantly simpler than for dogs – a clear advantage for cat owners!

The major simplification lies in the veterinary requirements. Cats flying to Australia are only required to complete one blood test – the rabies antibody titer test (RNATT). This test confirms the efficacy of the rabies vaccine.

In contrast, dogs flying to Australia must undergo several different blood tests and treatments for various parasites and diseases (such as Brucella Canis, Leishmania, Ehrlichia Canis, etc.), which must be meticulously performed and documented at specific intervals, often starting 45 days or more before the flight date.

Even though the number of tests is smaller, it is vital to remember that the Australian authorities (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) enforce their regulations with zero tolerance. Every single timeline, form, microchip scan, and veterinary stamp must be perfect.

Therefore, while the initial veterinary work may be easier for cats, you must still budget for a long and expensive process that involves:

• Multiple mandatory waiting periods
• Quarantine reservation
• Precise documentation submissions

Early planning and absolute precision are non-negotiable for a successful entry into Australia.

You can read more about moving animals to Australia on the next page – click here!

Flying A Cat To The UK

If your destination is the United Kingdom, it is essential to understand that the pet import process for cats is almost identical to that required for dogs, meaning it demands extensive, long-term planning.

If you are traveling from a country that isn’t listed or part of the EU, the entire process typically requires a minimum planning window of four months.

The most critical step is the Rabies Antibody Titer Test. Your cat must:

• Receive the rabies vaccine
• Wait 30 days
• Undergo the blood test to confirm the vaccine is effective.

After the laboratory confirms a successful blood test result, UK regulations require a minimum waiting period of three months (90 days) before your cat is eligible to enter the UK. This non-negotiable waiting period (for cats traveling from a country that isn’t listed or part of the EU) is why early planning is crucial.

It is also important to note that the UK has a strict rule regarding the method of entry: pets can only enter the UK, by air, as manifest cargo.

This means:

• No In-Cabin Travel – you will not be able to take your cat with you in the passenger compartment (in the cabin).
• No Excess Baggage – your cat can’t travel as checked baggage.
• Approved Carriers – your cat must fly with an approved air carrier on an approved route, booked via a dedicated cargo service.

We recommend that you read our article on “Bringing Pets To The UK“.

Flying With A Cat

Flying with a cat in the cabin (PETC – Pet in Cabin) is generally the preferred method for owners, as it allows the cat to remain under direct supervision. However, this option is subject to strict rules set by the airline.

The ability to fly your cat in the passenger cabin depends entirely on meeting two non-negotiable criteria:

• Weight Limit – your cat, along with its soft carrier, must weigh less than 9 kg. The enforced weight limit depends on the airline you fly with.
• Carrier Dimensions – the flight carrier must comply with the maximum dimensions specified by the airline. Since the carrier must fit entirely under the seat in front of you, the dimensions are strict regarding length, width, and, most importantly, height.

While every case is individual, we generally recommend flying your cat in the cabin whenever possible. Cats are highly sensitive animals, and placing them in the cargo hold can increase stress. Having your cat near you provides comfort and allows you to monitor its condition throughout the flight.

However, if your cat is “crazy” and “dangerous” in stressed situations, it will probably be best to send your cat in the hold (as excess baggage), in a strong, rigid flight crate.

For in-cabin travel, it is essential to use a soft-sided carrier designed specifically for pets. These bags are flexible, allowing them to be gently compressed to fit into the tight space under the seat, yet they are durable and spacious enough to allow the cat to turn around comfortably.

If you wish to take your cat with you in-cabin, we recommend you purchase the following flight carrier – Cat Flight Carrier

How Much Does It Cost To Fly A Cat Internationally?

The good news is that the cost structure for flying a cat abroad is generally the same, or nearly the same, as the cost for flying a dog. Pricing is determined less by the type of animal and more by the method of transport and size/weight requirements.

Here’s a breakdown of why the pricing is comparable:

• In-Cabin Travel (PETC) – If your cat meets the airline’s size and weight limits to fly with you in the cabin, the price will match the flat fee charged for dogs flying in cabin (assuming the same route, airline, and destination). This fee is usually somewhere between $70-$200 USD.
• Cargo or Excess Baggage (belly of the plane) – Many major airlines, such as Lufthansa and KLM, often set a flat, fixed rate for transporting a live animal in the pressurized cargo hold, provided the flight crate fits within a maximum size category. This means that a cat traveling in a small crate in the cargo hold will often incur the same fixed fee as a dog traveling on the same flight. The price is based on the service category, not the specific species.

To get a comprehensive understanding of all potential expenses, we recommend reviewing the following article: How much does it cost to fly a dog?

Simplify Your Cat’s Relocation – Don’t Make The Transition Alone

Moving abroad is a complex process, particularly for families traveling with pets. To truly enjoy this exciting chapter, you shouldn’t have to carry the burden of complicated international pet import regulations.

That’s where we come in. We offer a full-service solution, specializing in flying cats internationally. Our dedicated staff provides a professional, efficient, and reliable service to manage the entire process – from required microchips and blood tests to check-in assistance.

We are committed to making your cat’s flight as safe and enjoyable as possible.

Fly your cat with confidence – choose Pets2Fly!