How to Move a Cat Internationally: What's Different From Dogs

Most pet transport guides talk about dogs. Cats get lumped in as an afterthought - same rules, smaller crate. That’s mostly true, but there are meaningful differences that can save cat owners significant time and money.

Where Cats Have an Advantage

Quarantine duration. China typically requires 30 days quarantine for dogs but only 7 days for cats from approved countries. Taiwan’s quarantine tiers also sometimes favour cats.

Breed bans. Breed-specific legislation applies only to dogs. No country bans cats by breed for import purposes (though some countries restrict keeping certain exotic cat species).

Crate requirements. IATA crate requirements for cats follow the same principles as dogs, but a cat travelling in a small crate meets airline size limits more easily. Most airlines with weight limits (8-10kg including carrier) can accommodate adult cats but struggle with medium and large dogs.

Cabin travel. More cats than dogs fit the cabin weight threshold of 8kg including carrier. A cat in a soft-sided carrier under the seat is a calmer, cheaper, and less stressful option than cargo when available.

Where Cats Have a Disadvantage

Microchip resistance. Some cats tolerate microchipping poorly compared to dogs, and microchip migration (the chip moving from the implant site) is slightly more common in cats. Always verify the microchip reads correctly before the vet visit for any paperwork.

Stress and hiding. Cats are territorial and often more stressed by transport than dogs. A long journey in cargo - even in a compliant crate - is genuinely difficult for some cats. Discuss sedation options with your vet: most vets advise against it at altitude, but acepromazine and similar drugs are sometimes used for the pre-flight drive to the airport.

Titre tests are not waived. Countries requiring titre tests require them for cats too. The same timing rules apply.

Crate Requirements for Cats

The same IATA Live Animal Regulations apply:

• Rigid crate, ventilated on three sides minimum
• Tall enough for the cat to stand with head clearance
• Wide enough to turn around
• Water attachment on the outside, food attachment available
• Absorbent bedding
• Your contact details and directional arrows on the exterior

Soft-sided carriers are acceptable for cabin travel on airlines that permit them. They are not accepted for cargo.

Health Certificate Timing

Countries that specify a 10-day window on health certificates (Australia, Singapore, the UK) apply this equally to cats and dogs. Book the vet appointment at the last possible moment within the window to give yourself maximum schedule flexibility.

Content reflects current IATA LAR standards and destination country requirements. Data current as of {TODAY}.