How to Ship a Cat: A Step-by-Step Guide
A cat lover, who has already gone through the process of shipping their cats, knows how sensitive it can be. The process starts with preparing documentation and health certificates and ends with receiving the cats safely and securely after transit.
As a cat lover, I would never leave my feline love behind while sifting to another city or country. I know any cat lover would do the same. That is why I showed up today with a how to ship cat guide to share my knowledge and experience with you.
Cat transport is way more different than anything. It gets even more complicated to ship them internationally.
The process involves proper health certificates, providing a safe carrier, choosing an airline, and finally receiving your cat.
I have constructed the whole process in the following steps. Now, let’s get started!
Preparation Before Shipping
Going beyond the obvious cat carrier, there are a few key items you should gather to prepare for shipping your cat. Here’s a quick list:
- Health certificates and vaccinations: Depending on the destination, your cat may need to be up to date on specific vaccines and have a health certificate from your vet. Most airlines require health checkups at least 10 days prior to transportation. So, you better talk directly to your choice of shipper.
- Investigation of country requirements: Different countries have different rules and regulations for importing cats. Like, US airlines do not transport snub-nosed breeds (Persian, Exotic Shorthairs, Burmese) by air. They might face breathing problems at higher altitudes with less oxygen.
- Food and Water: Make sure your cat stays hydrated and not hungry during transport. A dispenser or water bottle and a food bowl attached to the cage can help. Also, ask your airline when to feed your cat before flying. Most airlines would suggest feeding your cat 4 hours prior to the flight.
- Absorbable bedding: Use absorbent pads or bedding to keep the carrier clean and comfortable. You can use newspapers for this purpose.
- Leash, collar, and identification tags: You want to make sure they can easily be identified while transported from one location to the next. Write your name and number on the collar. You can also ask your vet to put an identification chip on your cat. That will help find your cat even if its collar is lost.
How to Prepare a Cat for Shipping
Preparing your cat for travel is a crucial part of shipping. Carefully read the instructions below.
1. Choose a carrier
Select a carrier that’s airline-approved and fits your cat comfortably. Consider if the carrier needs to be hard-sided or soft-sided, depending on the airline’s regulations.
Remember, your carrier should be spacious enough to let your pet stand, turn, sit, and lay down comfortably. It is recommended to keep half a foot extra space in height, length, and width of the pet’s size.
Also, airlines mostly require your package, along with the carrier and the pet should not weigh more than 100 pounds. So, choose carriers made out of light material but strong enough to hold.
This way, your pet will be comfortable through the transportation.
2. Get your cat used to the carrier
Let your cat get used to the carrier beforehand by placing treats and comfortable bedding inside of it. Give your cat time to explore and adjust to the carrier before using it for transport.
3. Make arrangements with the courier
Contact the courier and confirm their requirements for shipping animals. Ask about any additional documentation, fees, and restrictions.
4. Prepare the carrier
Line the carrier with absorbent bedding or pads, especially at the bottom. Attach the water bottle dispenser and add a small amount of food in a tiny container.
Ensure that the carrier is securely closed and labeled with your cat’s name and identification information.
5. Transport your cat
Choose the most direct route for transportation to minimize stress and travel time. Make sure all documentation is clearly labeled and included.
Once your cat arrives at its destination, make sure there is someone to receive him/her as fast as possible. And wherever you meet them, take them out of the carrier and give them plenty of love and attention!
If you do not find anyone to receive them, contact any local animal rescue or vet team. Sometimes they have services for receiving pets from airports.
Door-to-door pick and delivery service is also available. This will cost you some extra bucks.
Note: US airlines do not transport snub-nosed breeds (Persian, Exotic Shorthairs, Burmese) by air. If your cats are among these breeds, you have to ship them by ground.
How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Cat?
Whether you’re moving for your work or simply relocating to a warmer climate, many pet owners find themselves asking: “How much does it cost to ship?”
The answer to this question ultimately depends on a variety of factors, including the size of your cat, the distance of your move, and the level of service you require.
The cost is usually divided into the following parts.
- Travel Crate
- Airfare
- Transportation
- Vet Visits
- International Health Document and Import Permits
- Government Endorsements
- Customs and Quarantine Fees
There are a couple couriers that specialize in shipping cats and other pets. Here’s a breakdown of three popular couriers and their benefits.
1. Delta Cargo
Delta Cargo is another reliable option for transporting your cat from New York to Los Angeles. This program offers a variety of services to ensure your pet’s comfort and safety, including in-cabin transport and climate-controlled cargo holds.
Price: The cost of shipping a cat with Delta Cargo will vary depending on the weight of your cat and the distance of your move. However, as a general guideline, you can expect to pay at least $300.
Time: Domestic shipments typically arrive within 2-3 days.
2. American Airlines Pet Cargo
American Airlines is another major carrier that offers pet transportation services, making it a convenient option for pet owners traveling with their furry friends. This service includes a variety of features to ensure the safety and comfort of your pet, including climate-controlled cargo areas and dedicated pet transport team members.
Price: The cost of shipping a cat with American Airlines Pet Cargo will depend on the weight of your cat and the distance of your move. However, as a general guideline, you can expect to pay at least $250. For further information follow this link.
Time: Domestic shipments typically arrive within 1-3 days.
The chart below summarizes the three most popular courier services for shipping a cat from New York to Los Angeles.
Note: Fares keep updating with time. Please check with the airlines before booking.
You can always look for cheaper but safer options!
| Courier Service | Price | Time |
| American Airlines Pet Cargo | $250 | 1-3 days |
| United Airlines PetSafe | $275 | 1-2 days |
| Delta Cargo | $300 | 2-3 days |
If you’re looking for other ways to save money on cat shipping, consider using discounted shipping software. Shipping software can help you find discounted rates on cat shipping services.
The Cheapest Way to Ship a Cat
By using shipping software, you can find the cheapest shipping rates and save on overall shipping costs. You can also compare shipping rates across multiple couriers to find the best deal for your specific cat shipping needs.
My suggestion is, you should go for the service quality instead of the cheaper fare if you can afford it. Cats deserve comfort.
Ending Thoughts
We hope this guide has provided helpful insights on how to ship a cat from the US. As a responsible pet owner, it’s important to prioritize your cat’s comfort and well-being during transportation.
Do not forget to explain your cat’s behavior to the shipping executive. And avoid transporting your cat if he/she is sick. They might get more sick during the flight.
Cats are precious (and moody). They should be handled with utmost care.
